The Ugly Duchess

By: Eloisa James

Narrated by: Susan Duerden

“Eloisa James is extraordinary.”
—Lisa Kleypas

“Nothing gets me to the bookstore faster than a new novel by Eloisa James.”
—Julia Quinn

New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James gives the classic Hans Christian Andersen story of “The Ugly Duckling” a wonderful, witty, and delightfully passionate twist. The Ugly Duchess is another fairytale inspired romance from the unparalleled storyteller whose writing, author Teresa Medieros raves, “is truly scrumptious.” A sexy and fun historical romance, James’s winning tale of a glorious reawakening does not feature ducks and swans—rather it’s a charming story of a young woman unaware of her own beauty, suddenly duty-bound to wed the dashing gentleman who has always been her platonic best friend…until now.

A TOTALLY IMPLAUSIBLE YET ENJOYABLE REGENCY ROMP

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.

Seven years is too long

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.

One of my favorite Eloisa James Books🌷

First off, Susan Duerden did a superb job with the narration.
I love the story line. Just enough angst to keep you really interested .
I’ve read most all of EJ’s books and this one and Three Nights with a Duke are my two favorites!

Overly Depressing

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.

Okay

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