Rating: 
Summary: Not worth the time
Review: I absolutely LOVE Bertrice Small, but I was very disappointed by this book. The characters were so shallow that it was difficult to keep anyone but the main characters straight! There was no real adventure (unlike Sky O'Malley and family) and the French "escape" seemed thrown in to prolong the story. The feeling of undying love between Allegra and the Duke never conveyed itself in the reading.
Rating: 
Summary: Boring
Review: I agree with the other reviewers and was quite disappointed with this book. I am a fan of Ms. Small so I was looking forward to reading it. It had my attention for the first couple of chapters and then I got bored. The more I read it, the more frustrated I was in the hopes to finish it. But in all honesty, I didn't.
I hope her next book will be better.
Rating:
Summary: A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT!
Review: I am a HUGE Bertrice Small fan but I have to say this is the most boring book I've ever read! I had to force myself to finish reading it, hoping something exciting would come up in the next chapter. Allegra is a spoiled brat who you just want to [hate]! Quinton should've used her money and dumped her! I was so disappointed and angry when I finished this book, I almost ended up burning it.
Rating: 
Summary: Not this author's best work, but an enjoyable read...
Review: I am a huge Betrice Small fan, and many of her books have been so re-read by me that the bindings have broken. Her books are generally full of passion, historical suspense and strong, independent minded heriones.While this book mimics her usual genre, I can't say that this fan is impressed. I found the book predictable and actually fairly dull. That said, it was still an enjoyable read for a 'at the beach in the summer' book, though not one I'd recommend to a first time Bertrice Small reader. Try a Skye O'Malley series book first instead ! I wanted to love this book, and I only wish that I had. Liking it was as far as I can give it, sadly.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than the last book
Review: I am a huge fan of Bertrice Small's writing. Even when the story is not up to par, Mrs. Small usually does not fail to catch me up into the lush web of her writing. For the most part, Allegra was intelligent and practical. Traits I admire in a heroine. Quinton was, of course, the perfect man. The sparks between them didn't burn as bright as some of Mrs. Small's other couples, but they were a complimentary couple nonetheless. And Allegra did show toward the end the behavior of a spoiled brat. Behavior that has shown up in some of Mrs. Small's characters as of late. (Autumn, India). Overall, the book is well done and if this had been the only book Mrs. Small had written may have received more stars. However, we fans are spoiled by Mrs. Small's legendary and memorable characters such as Skye, Cyra, Zenobia, Zaynab, and Rhonwyn.
Rating:
Summary: Better than the last book
Review: I am a huge fan of Bertrice Small's writing. Even when the story is not up to par, Mrs. Small usually does not fail to catch me up into the lush web of her writing. For the most part, Allegra was intelligent and practical. Traits I admire in a heroine. Quinton was, of course, the perfect man. The sparks between them didn't burn as bright as some of Mrs. Small's other couples, but they were a complimentary couple nonetheless. And Allegra did show toward the end the behavior of a spoiled brat. Behavior that has shown up in some of Mrs. Small's characters as of late. (Autumn, India). Overall, the book is well done and if this had been the only book Mrs. Small had written may have received more stars. However, we fans are spoiled by Mrs. Small's legendary and memorable characters such as Skye, Cyra, Zenobia, Zaynab, and Rhonwyn.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely NOT her best
Review: I am a huge fan of Bertrice Small, but this is a pale imitation of her usual work. The relationship between Alegra and Quinton lacks spark, and there was no real plot to speak of. O.K., so they meet, marry for convenience, she refurbishes his estate, he comes to see her as his true love, and she finally admits she loves him. The rescue of a friend's French relatives from the Reign of Terror was just thrown in -- no big deal. There was definitely no mystery, intrigue, villain, exotic locale, etc. to spice this up. I miss the O'Malleys,the Leslies and the Wyndhams! Not a total bad read, but not for true fans of her novels. Better luck next time!
Rating:
Summary: This is no Skye O'Malley
Review: I consider Beatrice Small one of my favorite romance writers. While I enjoyed "The Duchess" I was somewhat disappointed. The twists and turns one expects with a Small novel were not there. The storyline was weak and very predictable. However, it was certainly an easy, enjoyable read. Highly recommended for the beach or pool.
Rating:
Summary: entertaining
Review: I enjoyed this book for the education it gave on the London "season" because I am new to romance novels. This was my third ever and the first two were Robin Schone books. I prefer her more sensory style of writing, and edge of your seat tension than this bigger scope of detailing events rather than feelings.
The Duke was just a character. He was not really real to me, and though the Duchess was plagued by a family history less than perfect, everything about her and her life was perfect. The climax of the story was so contrived and blown through that it hardly seemed believable to me.
It was entertaining and taught me some things I did not know before on the lifestyle of the wealthy in this time period. The intimate scenes were decent, though not as steamy as Robin Schone's. Altogether, this book was very good entertainment, but not a serious read and did not enthrall me within the lives of the characters who were all too perfect and happy to be real.
A good light read for summer or on a lunch break or long train ride to pass the time.
Rating:
Summary: entertaining
Review: I enjoyed this book for the education it gave on the London "season" because I am new to romance novels. This was my third ever and the first two were Robin Schone books. I prefer her more sensory style of writing, and edge of your seat tension than this bigger scope of detailing events rather than feelings.
The Duke was just a character. He was not really real to me, and though the Duchess was plagued by a family history less than perfect, everything about her and her life was perfect. The climax of the story was so contrived and blown through that it hardly seemed believable to me.
It was entertaining and taught me some things I did not know before on the lifestyle of the wealthy in this time period. The intimate scenes were decent, though not as steamy as Robin Schone's. Altogether, this book was very good entertainment, but not a serious read and did not enthrall me within the lives of the characters who were all too perfect and happy to be real.
A good light read for summer or on a lunch break or long train ride to pass the time.
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