Helpful Score: 6
So many story lines! Yet, they wove together nicely leaving me quite pleased at the end, albeit a bit breathless!
I was more intrigued with the secondary characters than Fletch & Poppy, but Elosia James at her worst (and this certainly is not her worst) is better than many of the "better" works in the genre ... I do look forward to the next installment.
I was more intrigued with the secondary characters than Fletch & Poppy, but Elosia James at her worst (and this certainly is not her worst) is better than many of the "better" works in the genre ... I do look forward to the next installment.
Michelle D. (Michelle74) reviewed An Affair Before Christmas (Desperate Duchesses, Bk 2) on + 153 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Georgian period. The number of story lines left me waiting for characters' personalities to develop even more than half way through the book. About three thirds of the way through, I found myself fighting whether to give up, or keep reading just to see if there was more to it.
It did develop a bit more from that point and the characters were likeable, but I was a bit disappointed for an Eloisa James book.
The ending was positive so I was appeased, but the overlying theme of the way marriage was looked at disappointed me. I read to see things that aren't like every day - happily ever after marriages, love at first sight, insurmountable obstacles defeated in a blink of an eye, and most of all an attraction between the h/h that charges the air I'm in.
It did develop a bit more from that point and the characters were likeable, but I was a bit disappointed for an Eloisa James book.
The ending was positive so I was appeased, but the overlying theme of the way marriage was looked at disappointed me. I read to see things that aren't like every day - happily ever after marriages, love at first sight, insurmountable obstacles defeated in a blink of an eye, and most of all an attraction between the h/h that charges the air I'm in.
Helpful Score: 2
I usually prefer regency stories, but tried this one, since I really like Eloisa James' regency series. I strongly suggest starting with the first book and keeping an open mind - this series tells all the characters' stories concurrently, with each book focusing on once couple's experience. However, the non-leads in each book are very important characters with wonderful stories of their own that you'll not want to miss. My only complaint is Poppy's childish view of her body & sex - it was like reading about an elementary-aged girl experiencing sex sometimes - very uncomfortable & creepy-feeling. However, perhaps that's what Eloisa was aiming for in this character? I wonder if the character's naivety could have been described in a more intelligent way. Thankfully, the book spends very little time on these particular scenes, and I certainly wouldn't want to miss the rest of the story. Now I can't wait for the Duke of Villiers' book!
Rebecca D. (floridagirl) reviewed An Affair Before Christmas (Desperate Duchesses, Bk 2) on + 103 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. There were about 5 story lines going at once. My favorite is the Duke and Duchess of Beaumont. I can't wait for that story line to be completed. Great book.
Regina (virgosun) reviewed An Affair Before Christmas (Desperate Duchesses, Bk 2) on + 888 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I felt there were too many story lines as well, though I really liked Fletch and Poppy, in spite of Poppy's naivete and that their story really didn't pick up until the last third of the book. Fletch was just precious! Still a very good work by E. James - she's still one of my favorites!
