Read Online The Determined Duchess Gothic Brides Volume 2 Erica Monroe 9781717020796 Books

Product details Series Gothic Brides Paperback 138 pages Publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 27, 2018) Language English ISBN-10 1717020798

The Determined Duchess Gothic Brides Volume 2 Erica Monroe 9781717020796 Books Reviews

• I’m a bit stumped where to even start reviewing this book. I’ve read Regency romances with determined heroines before, even ones interested in science, and ones with supernatural themes.
  
  I’ve never read one where the heroine was an alchemist determined to reanimate her dead adoptive mother.
  
  To his credit, the hero reacts very well when he discovers the object of his affection is dabbling in necromancy. But then, he’s known Felicity all her life. I still think I’d have been backing away slowly, looking around nervously for the villagers with pitchforks and burning stakes.
  
  The author really made the alchemy part of the storyline work, and Felicity’s background was such that the level of her grief was perfectly understandable. Nicholas, the hero, was marvellous too, especially as he came to realise how badly he’d treated Felicity in the past simply because he didn’t understand her. The way he apologises was delightful; I haven’t seen a lovely apology since Mr. Darcy.
  
  Though this isn’t the first in series, it stands perfectly well alone. The narrative centers almost entirely on Nicholas and Felicity, other characters only making very minor appearances.
  
  The only problem I had with the story is that there seems to be a sudden jump in the romance from Felicity and Nicholas kissing, to her declaring that she would make a terrible duchess, to Nicholas telling her she’ll be fine. There wasn’t really much in the way of actual ‘falling in love’, at least, not from Felicity’s side. Frankly, there didn’t seem to be much in the relationship for her, especially since Nicholas had already told her he’d permit her to remain at the estate with funds to continue her research.
  
  The alchemy and science part of this story was wonderfully researched and written, as was the characterisation, but the romance felt really rushed, and for that, I can’t give it five stars. It’s a solid four, though, and definitely one of the more unusual premises I’ve seen for a historical romance!
  
  Disclaimer I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
• Macabre premise of a determined, scientifically gifted, young woman who loves her guardian and mentor so much that she attempts to bring her back to life. This makes for a marvellous literary opportunity.
  Felicity Fields is somewhere on the autism spectrum. Her passion is chemistry. With the death of her beloved guardian, Aunt Margaret she throws her energies into alchemy and the search for the elixir of life, and the creation of the Philosophers stone. Felicity's desire to bring her aunt back to life, based on her absolute love for her, is an overwhelming fixation. And time is running out!
  Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe, has been slightly in awe of Felicity from childhood. He is inured, although not immune, to her habits and forthright manner. He has returned to Tewbury, partly for a friend's wedding and partly to 'do the right thing' and bring Felicity to London to have a season, fulfilling his duty and obligations due her. Something Felicity has no time or inclination for.
  Recently disappointed by his failure to have his Night Watch Bill passed in the House of Lords, his initial encounters with Felicity bring that home to him. My thoughts were that had he a determined Felicity by his side, applying her logical thought processes to his problems, perhaps things might have been different for his Bill's process. (But then maybe not, as Felicity is decidedly lacking in the social understandings.) As Felicity so succinctly stated, she's not duchess material, but then again, never has a person been more confident in who she is.
  I really liked Felicity, her forthrightness, her passion, her willingness to follow her dreams, and I really liked her friends, the little we saw of them.
  This novella is certainly an entertaining gothic addition to the series.
  
  A NetGalley ARC
• Creative! The Determined Duchess by Erica Monroe is book 2 in the Gothic Brides series but can be a standalone as well. This story is both creative and original and I found it to be easy to read. Erica has a talent for making her characters come alive and very descriptive. This story has death, loneliness, paranormal, arguments, misunderstanding, understanding, mourning, friendships, weddings, scientist, Philosopher’s Stone, kindness, vexing, difficult, arguments, hate and love! If you like a story that is just a tad dark then this is the story for you. Go back in time to 1811 Cornwall, England with Lady Felicity Fields and Nicholas Harding, Duke of Wycliffe.
  
  ***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.