Story through internal thoughts and over-telling

So much over-telling and explaining in the narrative and through internal thoughts. Not to mention several anachronisms. A third of the way through, the book started getting interesting. Narration was okay, but the voice of the main male character was smarmy and grating. The oily voice was a turn off, though his personality was a pleasant surprise (even though we, unfortunately, have to slog through his obsession with her breasts). I couldn't figure out what Bianca's inconsistent accent was. Also, they had an abrupt, unplanned wedding after only having met two times (his interest was previously for the other sister, and Bianca despised him). But in less than twenty-four hours they were checking out each other's body parts, and he was making a lascivious comment. That pattern repeated itself throughout. Sigh. Lazy, rote writing.

The premise was good, but the writing was typical and got in the way of the potential for this to be an interesting and engaging story. Any infrequent, witty banter was about sex. There was some character growth and depth among the repetitious content, but it was marred by lengthy soft-porn. I would have loved to see some real story development rather than so much filler from sex, internal thoughts, and over-explaining. This author isn't for me.

7 people found this helpful

This is a winner!

I am very picky about the plots, characters, and performances of the readers of the books that I choose - and Desperately Seeking Duke gets 5 stars for them all! I was hooked from the very beginning, and was not disappointed in the HEA ending. Also, the author created enough tension between the main characters to make the story interesting, but she did not leave you there to feel any frustration or anxiety- I've read so many books lately that make you want to give up on the book because it's just too much! You will not regret getting this book if you are a fan of a good love story. Enjoy.

6 people found this helpful

Awesome fun

Awesomely done and it was interesting how it balance lives of different classes and social issues of the time with women’s rights and roles as strong as the men . Love and care and friendships are strong in this story..

5 people found this helpful

About A Rouge

I couldn't put it down. Nice way to spend an epedemic weekend. Thanks Beverley Crick

5 people found this helpful

Great Series Start

The characters in this story are different. They are both in, say it isn’t so Lizzy, TRADE!

I really liked that our leading lady was strong, but at times, she was flat out rude to a man who really had not brought it on himself.

Watching as they came to terms with the marriage they find themselves in made this a wonderful story with well developed characters fun of life and wit.

There are some pretty steamy sex scenes once they finally consummate the marriage, but not overly raunchy. I’d give it an R rating. Definitely not a PG13.

Ms.Crick does a very good job, as usual.

4 people found this helpful

I absolutely loved this book

C Linden did an amazing job on this book. The story is original and holds your attention. She did a great job in incorporating one story into another. And the characters were awesome. Good story, good characters and good narration...the perfect book.

2 people found this helpful

Hero and Heroine worth getting to know

There are many things I found enjoyable about this book. The first is that H/H were intelligent and likable. They were the perfect mix of a beauty and brains. I have to say that I liked Max the best. He was kind, patient and not the rogue he was thought to be. Bianca was stubborn and smart but occasionally her stubbornness got in the way of her really seeing Max for the gem he is. I am happy to say the author did not prolong her stubbornness to the end of the story.
I also liked that Max and Bianca really got to know each other before declaring love. The story was interesting and sweet. There is not too much sex, an interesting mystery and it leaves one looking forward to the next story in hopes of hearing more about Max and Bianca.
Is it worth a credit? It depends on your mood and tastes, but I believe it is.

1 person found this helpful

Terrible ending

I really enjoyed this story, but the ending was extremely frustrating! it needed a few more chapters to tie things up.

A different, yet beautiful Regency-type love story

Don't miss this one! It is done in the late 1700's, instead of the usual Regency Romance early 1800's settings, & is very different from your "normal" Regency romance book...in a sweet, breathtaking way. The Narrator was very acceptable, but I've heard a bit better, which is the ONLY reason for 4 stars & not 5. The ladies' voices were perfect, my only wish was for a better main male's voice. But still, very acceptable book, and the story carries it through with no problem. And the story, oh my...I absolutely LOVED it, as it kept changing just enough I never knew quite what to expect...right up to the last sentence...which left me longing & anxious to go to the next book ASAP (OH...PLZ let there be another book after this!). I have gone through many, many Regency Era books, as my family can trace it's roots back to the 1,000's there...so I love the history in these books! Rarely do I find 1 in the 1700's that leaves me wanting to know more! This 1 did! I would love to find out if the history of the beautiful dishes are true, among other things I always search for. No matter where you come from, you will enjoy this! Just hang in there thru the 1st, & be swept away into the story of 2 very special people who are truly meant to be together in marriage- come what may!

great story, a HEA with a twist

this story has all of Linden's carefully developed characters... all of them play their parts and don't disappoint. The hero and heroine both have ambitions and dreams that culminate in a satisfying HEA. part of my pleasure about the ending is that it isn't solved with the typical resolution. I don't want to spoil it, the journey to the end was very much a part of it's charm. Crick narrated with distinct voices for everyone so the story was always clear.