The Ugly Duchess

By: Eloisa James

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

How can she dare to imagine he loves her... when all London calls her The Ugly Duchess?

Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal before the prince himself, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke's passion.

Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months.

Theo would have given it a lifetime... until she discovers that James desired not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry.

Society was shocked by their wedding... and is scandalized by their separation.

Now James faces the battle of his life, convincing Theo that he loves the duckling who blossomed into the swan.

And Theo will quickly find that, for a man with the soul of a pirate, All's Fair in Love - and War.

©2012 Eloisa James (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Too big of a gap

I like this series but this one just had too much time between departure and reunion.

A fresh approach to a classic tale

Any additional comments?

I was pulled right into the story from the beginning. James and Daisy (Theodora) were star crossed lovers from the start but torn apart by lies and deceit. Although there were parts that lagged, overall the story was interesting and fun. I felt to much attention was payed to things of no interest and not enough to things that were but I can forgive because I really enjoy Eloisa James writing overall. The story is fun and adventurous, it's plot bound up in Hans Christian Anderson's book "The ugly duckling". Although Theodora is not classically beautiful in the eyes of society, her husband James finds her lovely beyond compare. His unwavering love and admiration for Theodora is touching. Don't we all want to be adored by someone? Theodora's independence and strength are refreshing and a good role model for young girls everywhere. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. The narrator is really good. I didn't think I cared for her at first but as the story went on I realized her strength. She moved the story along very well, not reading to fast or to slow. She could change gender roles very well and pronounced things clearly and concisely. Overall I say a very good story and well worth a listen.

Wonderful love story

I was so happy when the morning of the book release I saw I can get it in Audible.com. I purchased, downloaded and started to listen right away and, like the ones before, I found myself immerse in the story. From the characters, story line and the narrator, the book was delightful. I can wait for the next one. I am an Eloisa James fan for life. I recommend to everybody to listen to this book and the ones before, you will not be disappointed.
Pat J. (Joseph is my husband, but I am the one that purchase the books)

Story of a two day marriage - 7 year separation

Excellent. The Duke forces his son to marry the Duke's ward, Theo/Daisy who is like a sister to the son. Why? Because the Duke has wasted his estate and then dipped into the large dowry of his ward. If someone else marries her, his embezzlement of her funds will be exposed. Daisy is not pretty, and in fact has been dubbed the Ugly Duchess by the press She is mortified but believes that James loves her for herself. The son, James, hates his father for making him marry the ward, and he ends up being exposed to Daisy for his betrayal after only two days of marriage. She is devastated and demands he leave. He does leave and is not heard from for 7 years. Just as Daisy is having him declared deceased, James shows up and claims his title of Duke. He wants to reclaim his wife, but Daisy is too angry and hurt. She doesn't trust him. James knows he lost the best thing in his life but doesn't know if he can win her love and trust again. By the way, James thinks of his wife as "Daisy" but she thinks of herself as "Theo". I think of her as Theo too.

The book is narrated very well and kept me enthralled the entire time. I highly recommend this book.

Eloisa James delivers again

Not what I was expecting but was not disappointed. Slow start but by the second part i was hooked.

A wonderful love story by Eloisa James

This was a very good book and I enjoyed it thoroughly especially since Susan Duerden with her great male raspy voice imitation makes the stories that much more interesting. EJ’s books always have a strong heroin and men that not only appreciate but love women like that. It is also nice to read about the heroin in this book especially since she transforms herself for the better. Overall a solid 4.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.....

Any additional comments?

Fun, witty, and a great old fashion tale made anew. I have resently just started listening to Eloisa James and have quickly become a fan of her work. Getting ready to start another of her series.

wonderful

Would you consider the audio edition of The Ugly Duchess to be better than the print version?

Same

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Ugly Duchess?

That he loved her without knowing till it was too late

Which character – as performed by Susan Duerden – was your favorite?

The dutches

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Wonderfully put together

Great Book

I love everything about this book it made me laugh and cry. I love the story of being best friends and lovers that deep never dying love and respect.

Riveting Storytelling and Characterizations

This fairy tale twist is a brilliant love story. The lead characters start out very young, and the "Ugly Duchess", Daisy, has distinctive issues and fears about her looks. She is one of those girls who, despite a good and glad heart, feels ugly and is constantly reminded by cruel comments and jokes from others.
The old duke, her guardian, while kind and generous enough in her upbringing, is a fat-headed big mouth with a foul temper that constantly provokes his son, James, who was raised alongside the girl as a brother.
They are best friends.
The old duke puts his son in a situation where he is forced to propose marriage to her, for financial reasons.
Then all Hell breaks loose.

The telling of Daisy's and James's growth and maturation as individuals is fascinating.
The climactic scenes towards the end are riveting. One can't help but feel the emotions of the characters, and for those of us in the world who have felt like "ugly duckling" during our formative years, it is heartbreaking at times.
It is a story one can't put down. The book is satisfying in it's length as well; the conclusion is not hurried or cut off prematurely.
I really like Eloisa James's epilogues at the end of her books. They give us a peek after the "Happily Ever After". Very satisfying.