Not the Duke's Darling

De: Elizabeth Hoyt

Narrado por: Ashford McNab

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Maiden Lane series comes the first book in a new series that "marries her irresistibly witty writing style with an intrigue-steeped plot," (Booklist) perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James.

Freya de Moray is many things: a member of the secret order of Wise Women, the daughter of disgraced nobility, and a chaperone living under an assumed name. What she is not is forgiving. So when the Duke of Harlowe, the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downfall of her family, appears at the country house party she's attending, she does what any Wise Woman would do: she starts planning her revenge.

Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, is being blackmailed. Intent on keeping his secrets safe, he agrees to attend a house party where he will put an end to this coercion once and for all. Until he recognizes Freya, masquerading among the party revelers, and realizes his troubles have just begun. Freya knows all about his sins-sins he'd much rather forget. But she's also fiery, bold, and sensuous-a temptation he can't resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he'll risk everything to keep her safe. But first, he will have to earn Freya's trust...by whatever means necessary.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Duke of Desire is a beautifully written tale of revenge and reconciliation, despair, and hope, loathing, and love. A most fitting end to a spectacular series."—Heroes & Heartbreakers

RT Book Reviews Top Pick! "4.5 Stars! A thrilling end [to] this addictive series!"—RT Book Reviews on Duke of Desire

"4 1/2 Stars! Top Pick! Always unique, wonderfully romantic and highly sensual, Hoyt's stories take readers' breath away."—RT Book Reviews on Duke of Pleasure

"4 1/2 Stars! Top Pick! Hoyt delivers a unique read on many levels: a love story, a tale of redemption and a plot teeming with emotional depth that takes readers' breaths away. Kudos to a master storyteller!"—RT Book Reviews on Duke of Sin

"4 1/2 Stars! Top Pick! It is a story that takes your breath away and leaves you uplifted. Hoyt does it again!"—RT Book Reviews on Sweetest Scoundrel

"[T]his superbly executed historical romance is proof positive that this RITA Award-nominated author continues to write with undiminished force and flair. When it comes to incorporating a generous measure of dangerous intrigue and lush sensuality into a truly swoonworthy love story, Hoyt is unrivaled."—Booklist (starred review) on Dearest Rogue

"4 1/2 Stars! Hoyt takes an unlikely pair of characters and, through the magic of her storytelling, turns them into the perfect couple... [A] read to remember."—RT Book Reviews on Dearest Rogue

"Hoyt's exquisitely nuanced characters, vividly detailed setting, and seemingly effortless and elegant writing provide the splendid material from which she fashions yet another ravishingly romantic love story."—Booklist (starred review) on Darling Beast

"4 1/2 Stars! Top Pick! Darling Beast is wondrous, magical and joyous -- a read to remember."—RT Book Reviews

"Richly drawn characters fill the pages of this emotionally charged mix of mystery and romance."—Publishers Weekly on Duke of Midnight

"4 1/2 Stars! Top Pick! There is enchantment in the Maiden Lane series, not just the fairy tales Hoyt infuses into the memorable romances, but the wonder of love combined with passion, unique plotlines and unforgettable characters."—RT Book Reviews on Duke of Midnight

"I adore each book in this series and encourage you to start from the beginning."—USA Today's Happy Ever After Blog on Lord of Darkness

"Lord of Darkness is classic Elizabeth Hoyt, meaning it's unique, engaging, and leaves readers on the edge of their seats, waiting for the next book . . ."—JoyfullyReviewed.com on Lord of Darkness

Something missing

The book is technically well written. The intimate scenes are very sensual, lyrical even. The characters’ back stories held so much promise.

The beginning of the book was much better than the second half. An ancient society of women is helping other women escape the clutches of men and the society which the men control.

Plus, there is an unsolved murder of an innocent young woman that has ruined the lives of several families and individuals. Fascinating and heartbreaking.

Then those two elements kind of disappear except in expository dialogue. The “Crow” does make a strange appearance at a house party to tell the heroine that one of their enemies is there, but they don’t know who it is. This is a frustrating element because it is obvious who one of their enemies is, and besides, they should know. It weakens their legitimacy that they are so clueless.

Furthermore, Freya is a frustrating feminist, and this is coming from an unapologetic feminist. We all need allies. Sure, we might not need help opening a door (though that’s just courteous), but we do need help when our lives are threatened. The fact that she didn’t recognize this made her useless in her position, in my opinion.

Christopher has the patience of Job. Honestly, I wanted more of his story and that of Freya’s brother and less of Freya’s pigheadedness. Perhaps I would have enjoyed Freya more if the Wise Women society had stayed in the forefront, and if their members were actually wise.

The story of the countess next door was also fascinating but so glossed over. It instead served as a way to put Freya (unnecessarily) in harm’s way.

I listened to this on audible and will try the next book with my credits. The reading was good, but I wish the narrators would stop trying to sound like the opposite sex with stereotypical pitch changes. There has to be a more pleasing way to differentiate between male and female characters. Jim Dale managed it in the Harry Potter series.

Okay storyline but…

What’s the reason for the annoying fables that interrupt the story at the beginning of every chapter?
I might give Elizabeth Hoyt another chance after this series but…

Good story and excellent narration!

This was a good story. I enjoyed it. I liked Freya, she was smart, witty and a strong female lead. I liked Harlowe too, Him and Freya made a good match.

The story line was fun and enjoyable. I liked that it wasn't full of angst and misunderstanding's like some HR books are. That was a relief. There was a lot of great dialogue throughout the entire book.

I enjoyed some of the secondary characters, especially Arabella. LOL she was always scheming some sort of plan.

As for the narration, it was fantastic. I am a big Ashford McNab fan and she always does a great job on the male voices and gives everyone their own distinct voice, She has a great reading voice too.

Average Book

I usually enjoy all of Hoyt’s nooks but this one left me rather tired. The story line was rather simple and most of the dialogue revolved around whether the heroine would end up with the hero or vice versa. The narrator is very good if overly dramatic.

Stubborn

two people ment for each other bring a smile to my face as they figure out how to love out loud.