The Ugly Duchess

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.

I love the pure entertainment found in a well-narrated historical romance novel. I accept that these books follow a certain formula with misunderstanding, angst and reconcilliation. Sometimes the journey is humorous and sometimes the journey is sad, but the best books have a mix of both. This one did not.

I liked the premise of this book with the ugly duckling and the rich handsome hero who has the character to see past the surface. I didn't get too hung up on the fact that they were raised as siblings. I just couldn't get beyond the passive behaviors of supposedly strong personalities -- a take-charge woman and a successful pirate captain -- who wallow in misery for years. Even the life changing events are weak -- she says "get out" and he says "OK" and disappears for seven years.

I could have gotten past the plot weaknesses if there had been a touch of humor or quirky secondary characters. For my taste, the pendulum swung too far to extreme sadness and wallowing. I had to keep listening because I knew there would be a happy ending -- I just wanted to get past the many years of truly miserable lives. The books I enjoy tend to have some relief along the way, but this one required perseverance.

As usual, Susan Duerden does a stellar job of narration. It's always a pleasure to hear her performances.

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)

I was so pleased with this story and so well written it has made me a new fan of Eloisa James and I plan to read all I can find. The characters were easy to like and made me very interested how they would work things out. I was glued to this audio from the beginning to end.

And I thought Theo/Daisy was beautiful.

Nice fairy-tale based on The Ugly Duckling about a romance that was doomed from the start as the young lovers were just pawns in someone else's game. But seven years later, after much heartache between the two, they finally get to do it their way as the handsome Pirate returns to claim his Dukedom..... and his Duchess who has turned into a beauty but he always thought she was.

Thought the ending was a bit rushed - it should have taken her longer to forgive him than one dose of his 'helping hands' in the bath tub!!

Worth a credit? A typical E.J. book - enjoyable, entertaining and pure escapism - YES well worth it.

Very disappointing! Hero is disgusting and leaves Heroine for SEVEN years and then decides he wants his wife back dispite his several mistresses etc....ugh!

no way

Her villains voice is annoying

Not that I saw

Love the author but this was simply aweful

It appears to be a trend in romance novels to have plot devices involving separations between hero and heroine lasting not months, but years. I understand the reason behind the seven years, but that doesn't make it any less irritating to read.

In spite of the irritation, I have to say Eloisa has written a compelling story that kept me up all night to hear.

Eloisa James' new series based on a fairy tales is very interesting. I loved first two but this one was a little flat compared to them. Worth listening though.. Can't wait to hear which fairy tale she'll use next time

I enjoyed this story based on the fairy tale of the Ugly Duckling. The characters and the story kept my interest, but I think I would have liked to have more of the courtship in both the before and the after. And I think the exposition was a little long, rather than having the story moving forward through action and dialog. I wanted the period of seperation between the protagonists to be less detailed, and more detail given to the life before that, and especially to the reconcilliation. Overall, a pretty good Eloisa James. As for the narration, I can easily say that Susan Duerden is one of my favorite readers. I haven't heard her read anything poorly.

Same

That he loved her without knowing till it was too late

The dutches

Yes

Wonderfully put together