The Day of the Duchess

Oh, this book. The Day of the Duchess is everything I knew it would be and more. It is razor sharp and just downright devastating. Sarah MacLean has woven a tapestry. A beautifully glorious tapestry that will keep you turning the page, at times with your breath held at just what happens next.

The Day of the Duchess is a standalone, however I quite highly recommend reading the first two books in the Scandal & Scoundrel series (The Rogue Not Taken and A Scot in the Dark) because both are wonderfully addictive stories and will give you the full flavor of these fabulous characters that are impossible not to love (try as they might to convince you otherwise).

This is Seraphina and Malcolm, the Duke of Haven's story, who were introduced in the Rogue Not Taken. Theirs is a history steeped in emotion that is volatile at best. At first blush, Sera and Malcolm seemed best apart from each other, however their chemistry cannot be denied. For the reader, we are the fly on the wall as these two replay their road to ruin with some flashbacks to equally heart wrenching effects.

The Day of the Duchess serves as a stark reminder how far women have come in society and yet how far we still have to go to be on a level playing field. Seraphina’s own heart has been laid to waste by assumptions and societal norms. This a woman who is savvy enough to come roaring back and stage manage it in ways no one sees coming. I loved Seraphina for her absolute strength and will; I was in awe of her at every turn.

While most of Seraphina’s strength was her own, she drew power from her sisters. The Sisters Talbot (or the Soiled S’s) put the Sister in sisterhood. They go to the mats for each other with nary a hesitation. Because while they are each fiercely independent, they operate as a unit – military or machine – you choose. These women were pilloried and shamed by London society, but made no apologies, standing taller and being even more divine. Along the way, gathering more friends by giving the proverbial hand up to other young women of the ton.

I am still not quite how she made me do it, but by the end of this story Sarah MacLean made me a Haven fan. A big one. Forgiveness is sometimes a difficult thing to give and in this case, it was very hard won. I will just say this, he is the king of grand gestures. The. King. Not baubles or flowery words -- thought and absolute love went into these acts that were on par with the stupid, stubborn pride that put him there in the first place.

This book though. It is a thing of beauty, from stunning cover to cover and it has left quite the mark on my heart. The Day of the Duchess is a love story for the ages that is all of the things more. Make it yours today.

Laurie’s Rating: 10++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++STARS.

Did not like it . Jumped around. Quit reading . Others by this author are better .

We love a grovel!

This is my first book by this author, and I am so happy to have discovered her with such an amazing novel!

I have a great admiration for how this book was written - the flash backs helped me understand the characters so much, and I could literally feel my heart breaking for them in many scenes.

I love romance novels, but it’s always a given that the characters will end up together. I was happily surprised to find that this book — and how hellbent Sera was for her freedom — made me doubt that there would be a happily ever after, after all.

For most of the book, I was so enthralled that I was convinced I would give it 5 stars (never happens…), but the wrap up of the book (though not so unbelievable), was too quick. I wished for a couple of extra chapters that delved a bit more into how the characters — Sera in particular — finally decided to stay together after a full book of being convinced that letting love go was the only acceptable course of action.

Nevertheless, I will be reading this book again, as well as the rest of the series.

I really enjoy these characters and the world of the series, but the three books that make up the collection are practically copies of one another. Of course, details change but it’s the same story arc with the lovers playing a predictable game of cat and mouse. By the last book I was skimming pages to get through. I also have to say that the love scenes got worse as the series went along, with this third offering being downright boring, despite two characters that seemed to have some sizzle.

I laughed and I cried as I was carried away by wonderful storytelling. May true love triumph!

Loved this book great story love all these sisters I hope the last sister and the American will be a book!

This book is exquisitely perfect. It takes the reality of loss and turns it into hope. I found myself aching with the pain the hero/ heroine were going through, anxiously anticipating their well deserved HEA. Everyone has loved and loss and can relate to this story on such a personal level... can't wait to read again and soak up this beautiful story again.

A few things to know before diving into this book (or any book by Sarah MacLean). You have to enjoy drama: from full blown productions with characters who won’t let go to little moments of temper-fueled outbursts, usually brought on by one of the characters acting to type, or diverting from it. Appreciating female characters that are a bit more modern than one would expect: no shrinking violets these, they have thoughts, dreams, and desires and are not afraid to take a chance to grab that joy. Men who aren’t ever quite sure what hit them, especially after they find themselves unable to forget her, and even those who are aware enough to recognize their own missteps. And when that is boxed together with a family that wasn’t born to society and gives even less credence to the expectations of same – you get this. Grab a chair and prepare yourself for a ride!

Malcolm, Duke of Haven has retreated from society – he’s ashamed of his behavior and the scenes he caused in a very ‘un-duke-like’ manner. Now, the decisions and his bad behavior have come to a head: he needs an heir, thus he needs a willing wife. Problem is – he has one, and she doesn’t want him. Left him without a trace nearly three years back, and with her unforeseen return comes yet another blow: she wants a divorce and to never see him again.

Seraphina spent the early years of her marriage being denigrated and feeling “less than” her husband. A stickler for propriety, he was shamed by her family and the scandal that surrounds them. What she doesn’t know is that during the time, Malcolm had searched for her, reviewed every moment of their marriage, revisited every interaction and knows now that he was more than harsh, and she is the woman he wants above all others. But, he’s got to convince her, and to convince her that he has changed he comes up with a plan. Sophie knows that Malcolm needs an heir, but she’s not volunteering for that job. So, when she’s faced with a marriage she doesn’t want, or her freedom in exchange for finding a ‘suitable’ replacement for Malcolm. What she doesn’t realize is that Malcolm has decided that he will use every moment he can to convince her to come home. Permanently.

Oh poor Sophie: she really did love Malcolm, and his behavior cut her to the quick. Now, she’s determined that he won’t get another chance to hurt her again….but he’s so…..

Together these two are everything: adorable together with a wonderful banter: but this was no simple connection. Too much history and Malcolm’s inability to ask the questions he so desperately needs answers for kept them in the back and forth: him trying to show he’s changed his perspective and Sophie desperately trying to guard her heart – the one he shattered into little pieces with his cutting words and behavior. I didn’t actually think that they would actually hit that point of honest emotion where they could trust in one another to share openly, but slowly the cracks in the façade broke, and they both are struggling with the missteps of the past, as Sophie finally finds her own voice and makes her own choices without first considering her family’s or her husband’s wishes. Oh her growth was wonderful – and Malcolm: a good grovel never hurts and he is truly feeling it – something that the very fair-minded (and just a little in love) Sophie can’t help but see. With a wonderful reunion and informative epilogue – their story comes with bows, smiles, tears and big hearts.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I bought it but I can't open it. What's going on with my copy???