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The Scandalous Ladies of London #2
The Duchess: The Scandalous Ladies of London
The thrilling second book in New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s amazing new high concept series, The Scandalous Ladies of London, which chronicles the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering, Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of London’s wealthiest families. The drama is big, the money runs deep, and the shade is real. Life is different in the ton.
“I liked my husband well enough … but I like him even better dead.”
It’s been a year since her wretched cad of a husband died and Valencia, the Dowager Duchess of Dedham, is finally her own woman. Flitting from party to party, freedom is sweet and life should be perfect. Until the new duke surfaces.
Nothing like the haughty noblemen who populate the ton, Rhain, the newly minted Duke of Dedham, is a big brawny Welshman with an accent that makes Valencia’s knees go weak as he boldly moves into her home with his six wild unwed sisters. The rude and humorless usurper thinks her vain and spoiled. But with a pittance to her name, Valencia needs his support to remain in London and enjoy all the pleasures her new position as a merry widow has to offer.
So a bargain is struck. Valencia will usher his sisters into Good Society and see them happily betrothed. In return, he’ll give her the financial security and independence she craves. But the more time they spend beneath the same roof, the more she realizes it's not safety she wants but the dangerously seductive Rhain. Valencia has vowed never to risk marriage again. And yet how can she resist the tempting man when he might be the greatest adventure of her life?
“I liked my husband well enough … but I like him even better dead.”
It’s been a year since her wretched cad of a husband died and Valencia, the Dowager Duchess of Dedham, is finally her own woman. Flitting from party to party, freedom is sweet and life should be perfect. Until the new duke surfaces.
Nothing like the haughty noblemen who populate the ton, Rhain, the newly minted Duke of Dedham, is a big brawny Welshman with an accent that makes Valencia’s knees go weak as he boldly moves into her home with his six wild unwed sisters. The rude and humorless usurper thinks her vain and spoiled. But with a pittance to her name, Valencia needs his support to remain in London and enjoy all the pleasures her new position as a merry widow has to offer.
So a bargain is struck. Valencia will usher his sisters into Good Society and see them happily betrothed. In return, he’ll give her the financial security and independence she craves. But the more time they spend beneath the same roof, the more she realizes it's not safety she wants but the dangerously seductive Rhain. Valencia has vowed never to risk marriage again. And yet how can she resist the tempting man when he might be the greatest adventure of her life?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
About the author
Sophie Jordan
64 books8,409 followersPseudonym:
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
Sharie Kohler
Sophie Jordan took her adolescent daydreaming one step further and penned her first historical romance in the back of her high school Spanish class. This passion led her to pursue a degree in English and History.
A brief stint in law school taught her that case law was not nearly as interesting as literature - teaching English seemed the natural recourse. After several years teaching high school students to love Antigone, Sophie resigned with the birth of her first child and decided it was time to pursue the long-held dream of writing.
In less than three years, her first book, Once Upon A Wedding Night, a 2006 Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Nominee for Best First Historical, hit book shelves. Her second novel, Too Wicked To Tame, released in March 2007 with a bang, landing on the USA Today Bestseller's List.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
February 18, 2024
This is an entertaining, well-written, steamy, historical romance novel. It has a likable female protagonist, an engaging and caring male protagonist, sizzling chemistry, supportive friends, a secret, intrigue, and an unexpected and satisfying ending. I especially like that the characters are both in their thirties. This is an excellent addition to Ms. Jordan's "The Scandalous Ladies of London" series, and it can be read and enjoyed as a stand alone, but it is even better when it is read in order. I am looking forward to reading the next entry in this series with great anticipation. Many thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager, Ms. Sophie Jordan, and NetGalley, who kindly provided me with an ARC of this wonderful novel. This is my honest opinion.
October 21, 2023
When the first 90% is 3.5 stars but the last 10% makes you want to throw the book into the river, it gets 1.5 stars.
This book is about a dowager duchess (Valencia) who doesn’t want to be kicked out of her home by the new duke (name already forgotten) and the new duke who is insta horny for the dowager and wants her out of his home cause you just don’t hook up with your dead distant relative’s widow. But a deal is struck up and the dowager is gonna help get the dukes six YES SIX sisters ready for debuts and get them all married and Obvs the duke will pay her handsomely for this. But we aren’t truly given this story. There is basically little to no time on page given to this transformation of these six sisters, you hardly know their names. For such a dire need that the duke requires to get these uncultured girls ready, Valencia basically get them hair cuts and new clothes and problem solved. Instead we are given a lot of flashbacks about her previous marriage. Which didn’t really make sense to me? Like why do we care about this and why isn’t there more conversation and interactions between our two love interests?! It felt so disjointed and I was confused as to the story that’s trying to be told here. Is it about this deal you’ve struck up with this duke or is it about how your husband died?? Like what? What is driving this story?? The love story or some past marriage I don’t care about?? But, I’m just going along with it and yeah there’s like zero emotional intimacy in this book but I’m in a slump desperate to make myself believe this book will be worth 4 stars, so I’ll just have a happy attitude and move on.
Until the final final act which is so LUDICROUS, RIDICULOUS, and all things OUS that I just couldn’t freaking believe it. If this book is going to be more thriller, mystery, intrigue, whatever, let it be that. Don’t drop this nonsense on me with 10% left and try to get me to believe in whatever the hell is going on at the end. I was so annoyed that THIS is why we had to read chapter after chapter of flashbacks, not to establish a relationship between the hero and heroine, oh no, it’s to set up this “epic” ending that is just plain awful. It’s so cringy, I was groaning out loud. Which is absolutely where you want to be when two characters say I love you for the first time 🥴🥴🥴
I’ve reached the point in my reviewing career where I just don’t give a crap and if it deserves scathing reviews, it’s gonna get it and this one deserves some scathing reviews.
This book is about a dowager duchess (Valencia) who doesn’t want to be kicked out of her home by the new duke (name already forgotten) and the new duke who is insta horny for the dowager and wants her out of his home cause you just don’t hook up with your dead distant relative’s widow. But a deal is struck up and the dowager is gonna help get the dukes six YES SIX sisters ready for debuts and get them all married and Obvs the duke will pay her handsomely for this. But we aren’t truly given this story. There is basically little to no time on page given to this transformation of these six sisters, you hardly know their names. For such a dire need that the duke requires to get these uncultured girls ready, Valencia basically get them hair cuts and new clothes and problem solved. Instead we are given a lot of flashbacks about her previous marriage. Which didn’t really make sense to me? Like why do we care about this and why isn’t there more conversation and interactions between our two love interests?! It felt so disjointed and I was confused as to the story that’s trying to be told here. Is it about this deal you’ve struck up with this duke or is it about how your husband died?? Like what? What is driving this story?? The love story or some past marriage I don’t care about?? But, I’m just going along with it and yeah there’s like zero emotional intimacy in this book but I’m in a slump desperate to make myself believe this book will be worth 4 stars, so I’ll just have a happy attitude and move on.
Until the final final act which is so LUDICROUS, RIDICULOUS, and all things OUS that I just couldn’t freaking believe it. If this book is going to be more thriller, mystery, intrigue, whatever, let it be that. Don’t drop this nonsense on me with 10% left and try to get me to believe in whatever the hell is going on at the end. I was so annoyed that THIS is why we had to read chapter after chapter of flashbacks, not to establish a relationship between the hero and heroine, oh no, it’s to set up this “epic” ending that is just plain awful. It’s so cringy, I was groaning out loud. Which is absolutely where you want to be when two characters say I love you for the first time 🥴🥴🥴
I’ve reached the point in my reviewing career where I just don’t give a crap and if it deserves scathing reviews, it’s gonna get it and this one deserves some scathing reviews.
March 31, 2024
A very fast read that leans in on the fun of scandal in a historical romance. We were enthralled by the first in this series, The Countess, which introduced us to the friend group of unhappily married women who must make up the eponymous Scandalous Ladies of London. This book was fun, but didn't quite charm us in the same way as the first book. This one felt simultaneously less bonkers and more angsty, choices that made it just a little less fun (for us!).
Valencia was widowed at the end of the last book. The heir to her husband's dukedom has arrived in town and, after a meet disaster where she almost drowns in the Thames right in front of him, he's kicking her out and sending her to the dower house. The book then fell into conventional HistRom territory, when the Duchess convinces him to keep her around so she can tutor his sisters in etiquette. We got a little excited when Valencia decides to visit a sex club on the very same night as the new duke ... but we really shouldn't have been. We've read Sophie Jordan before and we know she can bring the heat, so we were definitely disappointed that she didn't here. The end of this book, like the end of The Countess, made some bizarre choices that didn't seem to fit with the first part of the book.
We're still invested in the series, but this felt a little sophomore slumpey. Here's hoping the next book will reverse the trend!
36-Word Summaries:
Meg: Exactly one year ago Valencia’s husband died. She’s finally out of mourning and ready to enjoy widowhood. The next day her husband’s heir shows up and kicks her out of her house, so that’s a bummer.
Laine: While widow-dom provides new freedoms for women, they're still at the whim of the men in control of the money. It's really convenient when the new guy is nice so you get to keep your title.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Valencia was widowed at the end of the last book. The heir to her husband's dukedom has arrived in town and, after a meet disaster where she almost drowns in the Thames right in front of him, he's kicking her out and sending her to the dower house. The book then fell into conventional HistRom territory, when the Duchess convinces him to keep her around so she can tutor his sisters in etiquette. We got a little excited when Valencia decides to visit a sex club on the very same night as the new duke ... but we really shouldn't have been. We've read Sophie Jordan before and we know she can bring the heat, so we were definitely disappointed that she didn't here. The end of this book, like the end of The Countess, made some bizarre choices that didn't seem to fit with the first part of the book.
We're still invested in the series, but this felt a little sophomore slumpey. Here's hoping the next book will reverse the trend!
36-Word Summaries:
Meg: Exactly one year ago Valencia’s husband died. She’s finally out of mourning and ready to enjoy widowhood. The next day her husband’s heir shows up and kicks her out of her house, so that’s a bummer.
Laine: While widow-dom provides new freedoms for women, they're still at the whim of the men in control of the money. It's really convenient when the new guy is nice so you get to keep your title.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
April 7, 2024
Honestly this could’ve been three stars but there were other reads recently I gave three stars (or at least rounded down) that were definitely better than this so it didn’t seem right to give it three. There was definitely a promising book here, it just felt a bit lazy or tired.
Basically, I thought this was going to be a fun romp, but it fell rather flat. It was very short so you may assume nothing happened, but unfortunately so much was happening that it was very surface level all around. The romance didn’t do much for me, there was a misused aka not used at all sex club, stressful flashbacks, a current villain ???, and then the preparing his sisters for society plot was just randomly dropped.
Mary Jane Wells was back with her Welsh accent, but alas it didn’t give me any of the Marrying Winterborne feels. I did love her narration though. And this is a tricky two star book because I definitely didn’t hate it. There wasn’t really a third act breakup, and while a bit thin, the romance was at least sweet. I also liked the last line before the epilogue. Plus, book three sounds SO GOOD!!
⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️/5
I received a free gifted finished copy from BiblioLifestyle and Avon Books in exchange for a feature on my page; reading and reviewing was optional. All opinions are honest and my own.
Basically, I thought this was going to be a fun romp, but it fell rather flat. It was very short so you may assume nothing happened, but unfortunately so much was happening that it was very surface level all around. The romance didn’t do much for me, there was a misused aka not used at all sex club, stressful flashbacks, a current villain ???, and then the preparing his sisters for society plot was just randomly dropped.
Mary Jane Wells was back with her Welsh accent, but alas it didn’t give me any of the Marrying Winterborne feels. I did love her narration though. And this is a tricky two star book because I definitely didn’t hate it. There wasn’t really a third act breakup, and while a bit thin, the romance was at least sweet. I also liked the last line before the epilogue. Plus, book three sounds SO GOOD!!
⭐️⭐️.75/5 🌶️🌶️/5
I received a free gifted finished copy from BiblioLifestyle and Avon Books in exchange for a feature on my page; reading and reviewing was optional. All opinions are honest and my own.
March 26, 2024
From Duchess to Dowager Duchess in a split second!
Valencia, the Duchess Dedham, was relieved when her husband fell down the stairs and died. No loss as the man she’d married was very different after his accident, often brutally so. She’d waited eleven months as the grieving widow and was looking forward to being out and about in society. Unconcerned at that moment that the family solicitors had finally found an heir—in remote Wales.
Valencia ignored this fact, determined to put of her bereavement clothes and enjoy life, beginning with an attendance at Vauxhall. Floating down the river on her father’s yacht ended in disaster when she went overboard. Rescued by a stranger on a passing barge full of revellers, all male, was both a relief and discomforting, especially with regard to her rescuer, and her dampened dress. Never mind, she’d never see them again.
Imagine Valencia’s shock when the very next day the new Duke’s mother and a gaggle of six sisters descended upon her, informed her of her new status as Dowager Duchess, and took over her household without a by your leave. Bedlam descended, all without the Duke.
The Duke, arriving later, annoyed with his family, took one look at Valencia and realized she was the lady he’d rescued from the Thames, and lusted after. In a fit of pique, he asked her to leave. He threw her out of her home. Valencia has nowhere to go but the dowager house in the remote wilds of Yorkshire, far from everything and everyone she knows. Valencia is stunned.
Valencia understands that the Duke’s sisters will have a hard time being accepted by the ton. Their dreams would come to nothing. No Duke from Wales would be able to stop their disappointment. The heartlessness of the ton was well known. Rhain realizes his sisters will be eaten up by the ton. They will be ignored and laughed at. He has to do something. He asks Valencia to bring them up to scratch. In return he will buy a house in London for her and increase her stipend.
Then there was the Rhain’s cousin, the affable Dewey (also from the barge!) Valencia was suspicious of him. Something was off. She was even more wary when she discovered him in a room with her maid. This was the man Rhain intended to oversee his properties while he went back to Wales.
I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the book, then it all went awry in the last quarter. Too many surprises revealed. The characters just felt all over the place and disconnected. What was a pleasing buildup fell away. The inclusion of her father stepmother at the end might be setting up for the next book, but it was a slightly offsetting note.
I liked Valencia. I liked Rhain, the new duke and his siblings. I appreciated Valencia’s terror at the hands of her husband. I understand her fear of the house party and her encounter with the dastardly Lord Burton.
Much to recommend in this intriguing “enemies to lovers” plot, and parts to puzzle over.
I must say I was rather drawn to the cover.
An Avon and Harper Voyager ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
Valencia, the Duchess Dedham, was relieved when her husband fell down the stairs and died. No loss as the man she’d married was very different after his accident, often brutally so. She’d waited eleven months as the grieving widow and was looking forward to being out and about in society. Unconcerned at that moment that the family solicitors had finally found an heir—in remote Wales.
Valencia ignored this fact, determined to put of her bereavement clothes and enjoy life, beginning with an attendance at Vauxhall. Floating down the river on her father’s yacht ended in disaster when she went overboard. Rescued by a stranger on a passing barge full of revellers, all male, was both a relief and discomforting, especially with regard to her rescuer, and her dampened dress. Never mind, she’d never see them again.
Imagine Valencia’s shock when the very next day the new Duke’s mother and a gaggle of six sisters descended upon her, informed her of her new status as Dowager Duchess, and took over her household without a by your leave. Bedlam descended, all without the Duke.
The Duke, arriving later, annoyed with his family, took one look at Valencia and realized she was the lady he’d rescued from the Thames, and lusted after. In a fit of pique, he asked her to leave. He threw her out of her home. Valencia has nowhere to go but the dowager house in the remote wilds of Yorkshire, far from everything and everyone she knows. Valencia is stunned.
Valencia understands that the Duke’s sisters will have a hard time being accepted by the ton. Their dreams would come to nothing. No Duke from Wales would be able to stop their disappointment. The heartlessness of the ton was well known. Rhain realizes his sisters will be eaten up by the ton. They will be ignored and laughed at. He has to do something. He asks Valencia to bring them up to scratch. In return he will buy a house in London for her and increase her stipend.
Then there was the Rhain’s cousin, the affable Dewey (also from the barge!) Valencia was suspicious of him. Something was off. She was even more wary when she discovered him in a room with her maid. This was the man Rhain intended to oversee his properties while he went back to Wales.
I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the book, then it all went awry in the last quarter. Too many surprises revealed. The characters just felt all over the place and disconnected. What was a pleasing buildup fell away. The inclusion of her father stepmother at the end might be setting up for the next book, but it was a slightly offsetting note.
I liked Valencia. I liked Rhain, the new duke and his siblings. I appreciated Valencia’s terror at the hands of her husband. I understand her fear of the house party and her encounter with the dastardly Lord Burton.
Much to recommend in this intriguing “enemies to lovers” plot, and parts to puzzle over.
I must say I was rather drawn to the cover.
An Avon and Harper Voyager ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
August 2, 2024
⭐⭐⭐💫
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
“Older” heroine. (32)👏👍
Curvy heroine.
Widow heroine.
Welsh hero.
Rather interesting main characters.
OK romance.
Interesting side characters.
(Especially her friends Tru and Rosalyn.)
OK plot.
Child-free couple.
(No pregnancy or babies in the plot or end of story.)
➖ What I disliked:
The steam/sex scenes were a little bit sparse and rushed.
A bit of the romantic build up felt rushed and also felt a little forced in some places.
The tension of the slow-burn was a little too slow.
Sensitive issues/topics are more or less glossed over....and so is the ramifications/after-effect from being a victim of them.
(Sexual assault, assault, abuse, domestic violence etc.)
The ending was too rushed and abrupt and it felt disjointed and somewhat nonsensical.
The heroine had good and supportive friends … So it did not really make sense that she would not at least confide/tell them about some of her husbands horrible and abusive behavior towards her.
I don’t know how much or if they could have helped her? But at least she would have been able confide in them.
The heroines selfish and indifferent father did not care at all about his daughter... so she had absolutely no help there… and many people did see/hear or/and suspect how the heroines husband treated the heroine and did and said nothing at all…. Including the heroines father and step-mother and servants etc.
But I think her friends would have helped if they could have and if they known the full extent of the abuse…
They did after all come to her rescue when she really needed it.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of main characters.
(Mostly the hero… because the hero is tall/very tall hulking big muscular and very handsome….
The heroine a little less formulaic … she is curvy and not that short or petite (average height?? it was not mentioned how tall she was.)
➖ 😒👎 The cover is not representative at all…. The heroine is a curvy/voluptuous heroine……. The cover shows a slender woman on the cover…. Not at all like the heroine is described/portrayed in the book.
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
“Older” heroine. (32)👏👍
Curvy heroine.
Widow heroine.
Welsh hero.
Rather interesting main characters.
OK romance.
Interesting side characters.
(Especially her friends Tru and Rosalyn.)
OK plot.
Child-free couple.
(No pregnancy or babies in the plot or end of story.)
➖ What I disliked:
The steam/sex scenes were a little bit sparse and rushed.
A bit of the romantic build up felt rushed and also felt a little forced in some places.
The tension of the slow-burn was a little too slow.
Sensitive issues/topics are more or less glossed over....and so is the ramifications/after-effect from being a victim of them.
(Sexual assault, assault, abuse, domestic violence etc.)
The ending was too rushed and abrupt and it felt disjointed and somewhat nonsensical.
The heroine had good and supportive friends … So it did not really make sense that she would not at least confide/tell them about some of her husbands horrible and abusive behavior towards her.
I don’t know how much or if they could have helped her? But at least she would have been able confide in them.
The heroines selfish and indifferent father did not care at all about his daughter... so she had absolutely no help there… and many people did see/hear or/and suspect how the heroines husband treated the heroine and did and said nothing at all…. Including the heroines father and step-mother and servants etc.
But I think her friends would have helped if they could have and if they known the full extent of the abuse…
They did after all come to her rescue when she really needed it.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of main characters.
(Mostly the hero… because the hero is tall/very tall hulking big muscular and very handsome….
The heroine a little less formulaic … she is curvy and not that short or petite (average height?? it was not mentioned how tall she was.)
➖ 😒👎 The cover is not representative at all…. The heroine is a curvy/voluptuous heroine……. The cover shows a slender woman on the cover…. Not at all like the heroine is described/portrayed in the book.
June 24, 2024
3.5 stars
Through the lenses of a romance reader, the romance between Valencia and Rhain was sweet and tingling. However, this book was not fully a romance. First and foremost, it was a woman's tale - the hidden (often ugly) facets of life of a well born woman in Georgian England. Fear not though: this book was by no means a hardcore women fiction account. SJ was ingenious enough to elegantly wrap her heroine's tribulations with lighter storytelling so that it retained its HR status.
The plot had its flagrant weaknesses () but somehow, the writing style of SJ magically made it work, so that my compassion remained focused on Valencia and her struggles to her well deserved HEA. I loved that looking back, that one event at the house party was not only Valencia's unexpected salvation but also had such long ranging, unforeseen consequences which would pave her path to true happiness.
While this may not have been a full HR book, I am intrigued by this series, so that not only I might read the first book The Countess, but I am quite stoked for Hazel's book (which I am hoping will be Book 3).
P.S. I love that cover!!
P.S.2 And yet another funny case of Baader-Meinhof phenomenon: one character was named Chatham, a name which I came across in my previous read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2024
Content warning: domestic abuse and sexual assault. I'm sure there are others.
This was a slow-burn romance with little to no sexual tension. The H/h do not kiss until 3/4 into the book. The two sex scenes were not that steamy, but I guess it was appropriate for the tone of the book. There are not enough emotional interactions between the hero (Rhain--I dislike that name for the hero, who is Welsh) and the heroine (Valencia--a very pretty name) for them to profess their love for each other. Some chapters begin with the same event from the previous chapter but are reiterated from the hero's POV, which I felt was unnecessary.
About every five chapters, there is a flashback to a house party from the previous year to set up the events in the last 10% of the book.
Other things:
- I would have been interested in reading about a romance between Valencia's lady's maid, Tildie, and Rhain's cousin, Dewey. He was quite the charming flirt. One of his first lines in the book was,
"You did not need to jump in the river if you wanted my attention, sweetheart."
- There are two chapters where the POV switches to Valencia's stepmother, Hazel, who is about the same age as Valencia. I think these chapters set up her book, which I assume is the next installment and will be titled The Marchioness.
- Rhain has 12 sisters! 6 married (and still living in Wales), and 6 unmarried (and living in London). A deal is struck between Rhain and Valencia to help bring his sisters out in Society, but not many scenes are dedicated to how she turned these hellions into proper young ladies.
- Valencia has a group of friends. While listening to the audiobook, I couldn't recall their names or how many there were. Searching the ebook now shows there are 3 of them: Tru (book 1's heroine), Maeve, and Rosalind (Ros). I wonder if Maeve and Rosalind will get their own book.
- I probably would have given up on this book if I had read the ebook. Fortunately, I was the first to borrow the audiobook from my library. I think the narration by Mary Jane Wells kept me so engaged that I failed to notice the lack of romance until I updated my reading status at 72%. So far, this series is not impressing me, but I'll probably keep reading/listening to the next installments.
This was a slow-burn romance with little to no sexual tension. The H/h do not kiss until 3/4 into the book. The two sex scenes were not that steamy, but I guess it was appropriate for the tone of the book. There are not enough emotional interactions between the hero (Rhain--I dislike that name for the hero, who is Welsh) and the heroine (Valencia--a very pretty name) for them to profess their love for each other. Some chapters begin with the same event from the previous chapter but are reiterated from the hero's POV, which I felt was unnecessary.
About every five chapters, there is a flashback to a house party from the previous year to set up the events in the last 10% of the book.
Other things:
- I would have been interested in reading about a romance between Valencia's lady's maid, Tildie, and Rhain's cousin, Dewey. He was quite the charming flirt. One of his first lines in the book was,
"You did not need to jump in the river if you wanted my attention, sweetheart."
- There are two chapters where the POV switches to Valencia's stepmother, Hazel, who is about the same age as Valencia. I think these chapters set up her book, which I assume is the next installment and will be titled The Marchioness.
- Rhain has 12 sisters! 6 married (and still living in Wales), and 6 unmarried (and living in London). A deal is struck between Rhain and Valencia to help bring his sisters out in Society, but not many scenes are dedicated to how she turned these hellions into proper young ladies.
- Valencia has a group of friends. While listening to the audiobook, I couldn't recall their names or how many there were. Searching the ebook now shows there are 3 of them: Tru (book 1's heroine), Maeve, and Rosalind (Ros). I wonder if Maeve and Rosalind will get their own book.
- I probably would have given up on this book if I had read the ebook. Fortunately, I was the first to borrow the audiobook from my library. I think the narration by Mary Jane Wells kept me so engaged that I failed to notice the lack of romance until I updated my reading status at 72%. So far, this series is not impressing me, but I'll probably keep reading/listening to the next installments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
I voluntarily read and reviewed an eARC of this book via NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Publishing: March 26, 2024
Series: The Scandalous Ladies of London #2
Pages: 304
I have not had the opportunity to read Sophie Jordan in quite awhile and thought this would be a great opportunity to re-introduced myself to this author and her novels. Not sure what took me so long, but I can tell you that “The Duchess” was a quick and somewhat enjoyable read that has so much going on inside the pages that makes you want to finish the story. There are twists, secrets, and enemies.
Valencia, Dowager Duchess of Dedham has not had the chance to embark on her new freedom from mourning as she finds herself being kicked out of the only home has known by the new Duke of Dedham, Rhain, his mother and six of his unmarried sisters. Although Rhain loves being a businessman more than a Duke, he knows that he must set aside time to tend to the needs of the estate and as well as finding suitable husbands for his six unwed sisters. It is not until Valencia is visited by a few of her friends, that the Rhain understands his mistake and notices that his sisters are in desperate need of comportment training if they are to enter into society and find suitable husbands. This is when he enlists the help of Valencia and in exchange she gets a home in town and financial means of living.
Both main characters are likeable individuals with the exception of Rhain in all his hypocritical thinking and when Valencia stops pitying herself and blaming her father and husband in the story and. Although men held a lot of power during that time, women had voices and she could have spoken out about her husband’s treatment although it may not have fell on death ears. I was happy that in all she endured that she had a host of sub-characters that supported her; i.e, other young wives, and widows from wealthy families. At times, I did not care for her attitude towards her stepmother, who was the younger of the two and the way she viewed Rhain and his siblings.
As this was a short read, I was not a fan of the flashbacks and dual POVs in the book. Historical romances for me should come with enough sexual tension and spicey, especially when you have a hero that is viewed as a hunk of a Welshman. This was a slow, slow burn to get to some spicey that never manifested on the pages…a few kisses and one intimate scene…bummer. However, there were laughable moments with Rhain’s sisters that were delightful. Overall, the story felt a bit rushed and could have been written a bit longer to develop the plot…developing the main characters relationship to getting to the falling in love and a bit more dialogue.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Publishing: March 26, 2024
Series: The Scandalous Ladies of London #2
Pages: 304
I have not had the opportunity to read Sophie Jordan in quite awhile and thought this would be a great opportunity to re-introduced myself to this author and her novels. Not sure what took me so long, but I can tell you that “The Duchess” was a quick and somewhat enjoyable read that has so much going on inside the pages that makes you want to finish the story. There are twists, secrets, and enemies.
Valencia, Dowager Duchess of Dedham has not had the chance to embark on her new freedom from mourning as she finds herself being kicked out of the only home has known by the new Duke of Dedham, Rhain, his mother and six of his unmarried sisters. Although Rhain loves being a businessman more than a Duke, he knows that he must set aside time to tend to the needs of the estate and as well as finding suitable husbands for his six unwed sisters. It is not until Valencia is visited by a few of her friends, that the Rhain understands his mistake and notices that his sisters are in desperate need of comportment training if they are to enter into society and find suitable husbands. This is when he enlists the help of Valencia and in exchange she gets a home in town and financial means of living.
Both main characters are likeable individuals with the exception of Rhain in all his hypocritical thinking and when Valencia stops pitying herself and blaming her father and husband in the story and. Although men held a lot of power during that time, women had voices and she could have spoken out about her husband’s treatment although it may not have fell on death ears. I was happy that in all she endured that she had a host of sub-characters that supported her; i.e, other young wives, and widows from wealthy families. At times, I did not care for her attitude towards her stepmother, who was the younger of the two and the way she viewed Rhain and his siblings.
As this was a short read, I was not a fan of the flashbacks and dual POVs in the book. Historical romances for me should come with enough sexual tension and spicey, especially when you have a hero that is viewed as a hunk of a Welshman. This was a slow, slow burn to get to some spicey that never manifested on the pages…a few kisses and one intimate scene…bummer. However, there were laughable moments with Rhain’s sisters that were delightful. Overall, the story felt a bit rushed and could have been written a bit longer to develop the plot…developing the main characters relationship to getting to the falling in love and a bit more dialogue.
January 25, 2024
I really like the idea of this friend group. They are women who have something scandalous in their lives, whether a secret or a past that is just a little unexpected. The first book was fun, but this one didn't land for me. The chemistry between the two was a little short. Their initial love scene was very unexpected. Then the conflict at the end was just too much. It was external (which is good) but was so out of the blue that it was borderline silly.
February 29, 2024
A Regency romance between widowed Duchess Valencia and the Duke of Dedham runs a bit slow for me, but still witty and entertaining. A fun easy read.
April 6, 2024
I have always liked Sophie Jordan's books. This is my 26th book by her. I've been reading her since 2018. I didn't plan on getting this series because as someone that reads over 300 books a year, they were a bit expensive but I was able to buy with Amazon credits.
Although not as good as Book 1, I did enjoy this book. I did like Valencia and Rhain, although Rhain didn't have much of a personality. Something I noticed is, I wasn't really "feeling" the characters as much as I usually do when reading. Some characters and stories just suck you in and when you are reading it you feel like you're actually watching a movie or actually there in the room. Not this one. Although it was a good read, I just felt like I was reading. Not sure if that makes sense or not.
Although not as good as Book 1, I did enjoy this book. I did like Valencia and Rhain, although Rhain didn't have much of a personality. Something I noticed is, I wasn't really "feeling" the characters as much as I usually do when reading. Some characters and stories just suck you in and when you are reading it you feel like you're actually watching a movie or actually there in the room. Not this one. Although it was a good read, I just felt like I was reading. Not sure if that makes sense or not.
April 18, 2024
I would listen to this to fall asleep at night, it worked every time
March 10, 2024
In "The Duchess" by Sophie Jordan, set in Regency-era London, Valencia, the Dowager Duchess of Dedham, revels in newfound freedom after her cad of a husband's demise. However, her independence is jeopardized when the new Duke, Rhain, arrives with his wild, unwed sisters. A reluctant alliance is forged: Valencia will guide the sisters into society, securing her financial stability, while Rhain seeks help navigating his newfound aristocracy. As they clash and coalesce, sparks fly between the haughty Duke and the determined Dowager. Jordan's immersive storytelling captures the allure of 1822 London, blending scandal and romance seamlessly. The characters' evolving dynamics and Valencia's resistance to risking her heart add depth to this engaging historical romance. "The Duchess" delivers a captivating narrative that transcends the bounds of societal expectations, making it a worthy addition to The Scandalous Ladies of London series.
February 17, 2024
Unexceptional as a romance and as erotica.
I read an advance reader copy of The Duchess from Netgalley.
I read an advance reader copy of The Duchess from Netgalley.
Read
October 10, 2023I ADORED this book. Sophie Jordan is one of my favorite historical romance writers, I've read everything she's put out thus far, and this latest series of hers, The Scandalous Ladies of London, might be my favorite one yet.
More than anything else, I feel like Sophie Jordan, along with Joanna Shupe, knows how to write a romance novel where both parties really earn their happy endings. Valencia and Rhain both had their own hangups as individuals and as a couple but I also found it refreshing that once they admitted to themselves that they cared for each other, there wasn't a lot of tedious back and forth like there is in less... mature romance novels so to speak.
Another thing I really love about this series is that Sophie Jordan's heroines are in their 30s! I like the idea that women who aren't in the first blush of youth get a second chance, or even a first chance, at love when they've been previously denied it by their society. One of my main gripes about historical romance is when the heroines are in their late teens/early 20s and the heroes are often a decade older, and it just feels kind of eye-rolling even if there was some truth to it among the upper classes.
And lastly, I'd be bereft if I didn't comment on how delicately and empathetically Jordan handles sexual violence in this novel. I'm not giving away any spoilers, but in a way, it reminded me of how Thomas Hardy handles Tess's rape in the book, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, in that it was subtle but also deeply poignant, and stayed with the reader long after they closed the book.
More than anything else, I feel like Sophie Jordan, along with Joanna Shupe, knows how to write a romance novel where both parties really earn their happy endings. Valencia and Rhain both had their own hangups as individuals and as a couple but I also found it refreshing that once they admitted to themselves that they cared for each other, there wasn't a lot of tedious back and forth like there is in less... mature romance novels so to speak.
Another thing I really love about this series is that Sophie Jordan's heroines are in their 30s! I like the idea that women who aren't in the first blush of youth get a second chance, or even a first chance, at love when they've been previously denied it by their society. One of my main gripes about historical romance is when the heroines are in their late teens/early 20s and the heroes are often a decade older, and it just feels kind of eye-rolling even if there was some truth to it among the upper classes.
And lastly, I'd be bereft if I didn't comment on how delicately and empathetically Jordan handles sexual violence in this novel. I'm not giving away any spoilers, but in a way, it reminded me of how Thomas Hardy handles Tess's rape in the book, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, in that it was subtle but also deeply poignant, and stayed with the reader long after they closed the book.
October 15, 2023
This was a quick but ultimately unsatisfying read. I have no critique about the heroine, indeed Valencia was a strong, smart, and resourceful woman who was trying her best to navigate being a young widow.
However, the love interest was so flat. He was rude with her initially because he was so overcome with lust which is not endearly in the least. Especially when later we are supposed to believe he's very progressive about women because he lets his sisters and mother do what they wish. Later, he falls into protector mode predictably but the conversations between the two love interests are so short and unsubstantial. Suddenly they are professing their love for each other and it felt rushed. I was all for Valencia taking back some freedom and power for herself so it's not at all believable that she goes from being adamant about not falling in love with someone she barely knows again after getting out of an abusive marriage, to just rushing to the altar.
I also wish there had been more details with the sisters and their introduction to society. I thought there might be some funny anecdotes or Valencia having to guide them through their first ball. But that's all dropped for the second story line.
I hope that the final edition contains a note with content warnings to include on page domestic violence and sexual assault.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy to review.
However, the love interest was so flat. He was rude with her initially because he was so overcome with lust which is not endearly in the least. Especially when later we are supposed to believe he's very progressive about women because he lets his sisters and mother do what they wish. Later, he falls into protector mode predictably but the conversations between the two love interests are so short and unsubstantial. Suddenly they are professing their love for each other and it felt rushed. I was all for Valencia taking back some freedom and power for herself so it's not at all believable that she goes from being adamant about not falling in love with someone she barely knows again after getting out of an abusive marriage, to just rushing to the altar.
I also wish there had been more details with the sisters and their introduction to society. I thought there might be some funny anecdotes or Valencia having to guide them through their first ball. But that's all dropped for the second story line.
I hope that the final edition contains a note with content warnings to include on page domestic violence and sexual assault.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy to review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2024
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for the ARC.
Content Warning: Domestic Violence (heroine is a widow, her deceased husband was abusive)
I have enjoyed Sophie Jordan's work in the past, but this entry fell flat for me overall. This did not feel like a historical romance, more like a historical women's fiction with a light romantic subplot. I cannot recommend this as a romance because I truly didn't feel the connection between the hero and heroine. The "I love you" didn't feel earned and while I felt chemistry between the two of them, there wasn't a deep connection there that I can buy. This was extremely fast paced and then at the 90% mark we had a plot twist that just was bonkers. I can appreciate that, but there just weren't enough breadcrumbs to justify it all.
What I did appreciate: This friend group! Valencia and her friends are incredible and I hope to go back and read Tru's book and continue in this series because they are all unique and older heroines which is fresh when most historical romance heroines are debutantes. The deep exploration of Valencia's character and her arc of self-discovery in widowhood. Sophie Jordan writes great characters, this entry just lacked the time to have those romantic connections between characters come to light.
Content Warning: Domestic Violence (heroine is a widow, her deceased husband was abusive)
I have enjoyed Sophie Jordan's work in the past, but this entry fell flat for me overall. This did not feel like a historical romance, more like a historical women's fiction with a light romantic subplot. I cannot recommend this as a romance because I truly didn't feel the connection between the hero and heroine. The "I love you" didn't feel earned and while I felt chemistry between the two of them, there wasn't a deep connection there that I can buy. This was extremely fast paced and then at the 90% mark we had a plot twist that just was bonkers. I can appreciate that, but there just weren't enough breadcrumbs to justify it all.
What I did appreciate: This friend group! Valencia and her friends are incredible and I hope to go back and read Tru's book and continue in this series because they are all unique and older heroines which is fresh when most historical romance heroines are debutantes. The deep exploration of Valencia's character and her arc of self-discovery in widowhood. Sophie Jordan writes great characters, this entry just lacked the time to have those romantic connections between characters come to light.
March 7, 2024
This isn't quite as bonkers or as fun as the first book in the series but I did read it from cover to cover in a morning, so there's something to be said there! It's really consumable and draws you in, particularly in the first 60% or so. I really liked Valencia's character and her strength. I also really liked Rhain.
I do ultimately think I needed this book to be longer - I needed more scenes between Valencia and Rhain to really understand their relationship. It just progressed a little too quickly from interest in each other to declaring their love. I also think the third act conflict comes essentially out of nowhere and we really didn't need it. Or if we needed it, we needed hints of it earlier in the story.
Ultimately still a pretty fun book but I liked the first one much more.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I do ultimately think I needed this book to be longer - I needed more scenes between Valencia and Rhain to really understand their relationship. It just progressed a little too quickly from interest in each other to declaring their love. I also think the third act conflict comes essentially out of nowhere and we really didn't need it. Or if we needed it, we needed hints of it earlier in the story.
Ultimately still a pretty fun book but I liked the first one much more.
Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2024
3.5 stars.
This series continues to grab my attention and not let go!
I love how this series so far has followed female main characters, that have had horrible terrible marriages, and finally are getting their chance at a true HEA.
Definitely a slower burn on the romance end, and the ending felt a tad rushed, but overall I’m invested in this series!
Fast paced, and an air of suspense, this book is unputdownable. I am eager to see where the author takes us in the next book of the series.
This series continues to grab my attention and not let go!
I love how this series so far has followed female main characters, that have had horrible terrible marriages, and finally are getting their chance at a true HEA.
Definitely a slower burn on the romance end, and the ending felt a tad rushed, but overall I’m invested in this series!
Fast paced, and an air of suspense, this book is unputdownable. I am eager to see where the author takes us in the next book of the series.
February 1, 2024
I had high hopes for book two in this series, but was unfortunately disappointed. The first two-thirds of the book dragged on and didn't include as much of Valencia's friend group as I'd hoped. We never get any opportunity to get to know Rhain beyond his stern appearance, and the back story of the old abusive Duke is never really given enough substance to be satisfying (apparently he was great before some mysterious accident and horrible afterwards, but no explanation of the accident is given).
The final third of the book is crammed with Valencia and Rhain suddenly hooking up (and I found their night together really uncomfortable and almost creepy) and a mystery to bring them together. None of it had any reasonable lead in and it just seemed like the author realized she was nearing her final page count and just needed to wrap things up quickly.
However, I am hoping there is a future book that tells more about Valencia's stepmother Hazel because I was really starting to like her by the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my unbiased review.
The final third of the book is crammed with Valencia and Rhain suddenly hooking up (and I found their night together really uncomfortable and almost creepy) and a mystery to bring them together. None of it had any reasonable lead in and it just seemed like the author realized she was nearing her final page count and just needed to wrap things up quickly.
However, I am hoping there is a future book that tells more about Valencia's stepmother Hazel because I was really starting to like her by the end.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my unbiased review.
February 5, 2024
I definitely liked this second book in the Scandalous Ladies series more than the first. Still the same great premise, “older” women of the ton, getting a second chance at real romance and love, but The Duchess has a stronger focus on just the two leads, which I appreciated.
There is a lot of entertaining chaos. Mishaps and then an influx of secondary characters to send leading lady, Valencia, into a whirlwind of dread and then possibility. But her poise and strength of character were amazing. Her sense of self, amid fears, trauma, and change was addicting to read.
And of course there is the animosity and then growing closeness with Rhain. Push and pull, barbs, and then attraction and passion. It’s everything that I love in a historical romance.
It’s a quick and easy read, one I thoroughly enjoyed and binged in a single day, and I can’t wait for the next one.
* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher.
There is a lot of entertaining chaos. Mishaps and then an influx of secondary characters to send leading lady, Valencia, into a whirlwind of dread and then possibility. But her poise and strength of character were amazing. Her sense of self, amid fears, trauma, and change was addicting to read.
And of course there is the animosity and then growing closeness with Rhain. Push and pull, barbs, and then attraction and passion. It’s everything that I love in a historical romance.
It’s a quick and easy read, one I thoroughly enjoyed and binged in a single day, and I can’t wait for the next one.
* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher.
June 20, 2024
I really love the whole premise/idea for this book. It was one of my most anticipated reads/releases in 2024. I really love Rhain's sisters, they brought me so much laughter. My heart just goes out to Valencia for what she had to endure with her deceased husband.
Sadly, this book just fell short. The story is progressed really really slow and the ending felt really rushed to quickly tied everything up with Valencia and Rhain suddenly confessing their love for each other. I just wished we got more moments of our heroine and hero together alone. Although this book didn't work for me, I am excited to see what comes next in this series. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving an ARC.
Sadly, this book just fell short. The story is progressed really really slow and the ending felt really rushed to quickly tied everything up with Valencia and Rhain suddenly confessing their love for each other. I just wished we got more moments of our heroine and hero together alone. Although this book didn't work for me, I am excited to see what comes next in this series. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving an ARC.
September 13, 2023
i LOVE it when I can see how much an author admires woman by the way they write them.
sophie jordan writes the best female characters, is so kind to them and gives us the best romance. I'm in love with her writing and characters but especially this book.
I've cried so hard while reading this one. Valencia was so strong and admirable and I'm so glad sophie jordan gave her that HEA
I'm most impressed with how the author represents the mistresses in all her books. yes, they worked willingly and had agency but they certainly didn't ask for everything else that comes with their occupation and nor do the deserve it. men have the ability to turn everything terrible and unpleasant.
sophie jordan writes the best female characters, is so kind to them and gives us the best romance. I'm in love with her writing and characters but especially this book.
I've cried so hard while reading this one. Valencia was so strong and admirable and I'm so glad sophie jordan gave her that HEA
I'm most impressed with how the author represents the mistresses in all her books. yes, they worked willingly and had agency but they certainly didn't ask for everything else that comes with their occupation and nor do the deserve it. men have the ability to turn everything terrible and unpleasant.
January 16, 2024
This book has a lot of things going for it. It contains romance, twists, villians, hate & love, secrets, uncertainty, spice, and much more. It kept my interest. I'm not one for a spicy plot but this story has a small enough amount to hook those who love it and allow others to quickly skip over it.
It left me wondering how the next novel (if one) will compare.
There is detail to back up any events. It is easy to get into the mind of the protagonists. The story is easy to follow and comprehend.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC through NetGalley. I have not been compensated for posting my personal thoughts on this title.
#NetGalley
It left me wondering how the next novel (if one) will compare.
There is detail to back up any events. It is easy to get into the mind of the protagonists. The story is easy to follow and comprehend.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC through NetGalley. I have not been compensated for posting my personal thoughts on this title.
#NetGalley
September 26, 2023
The Duchess was really everything I want from a HR: a quick, enjoyable, sweet read.
I didn't even realize this was the second in the series, so I definitely plan on going back and reading The Countess.
I am really excited to see where this series goes next, and I look forward to all of Sophie Jordan's new releases!
I didn't even realize this was the second in the series, so I definitely plan on going back and reading The Countess.
I am really excited to see where this series goes next, and I look forward to all of Sophie Jordan's new releases!
May 11, 2024
it was going alright and then the ending was just so absurd
April 8, 2024
Valencia and Rhain barely talk, but (don’t worry) they still fall in love. Everything about the novel felt rushed even though barely anything happened.
March 16, 2024
Not as ridiculous as The Countess, The Duchess features one of the other widows of the ton. Valencia's husband died 11 months ago, and she's more than ready to celebrate her 32nd birthday by re-entering society. Circumstances change when the new Duke of Dedham arrives... with six unmarried sisters in tow. In exchange for introducing them to society, Rhain will let Valencia stay in her home rather than force her to the dower house.
This got a little bonkers at the end. Ultimately, I wanted 15 more pages: 5 for more plot to get us to the end we got, and 10 for more sex, because I know Jordan can give it to us.
Genre: historical romance
London, 1822
Valencia, Dowager Duchess of Dedham, has all of the intent to live out her life as a merry widow. She’s ready to celebrate her re-entry to society on her 32nd birthday, 11 months after the death of her husband. She loved him, yes, but by the time of his death he was no longer the same man. Rhain is the new Duke of Dedham, and when he arrives to take his station, he comes with his mother and six unwed sisters in tow. Gone is Valencia’s dream of commanding her own realm, but she agrees to usher Rhain’s sisters into society in exchange for not having to leave the only house she’s known as an adult. Close proximity to Rhain proves difficult, and Valencia starts experiencing desires she hasn’t felt since her debut.
The Scandalous Ladies of London series features slightly older female main characters than we are used to in many historical romances. In The Countess, Tru is 37, and in The Duchess, Valencia is 32. While they are still younger than I am as a reader, I fully appreciate the life experiences the older heroines have had, making their backstories the richer for it. If there’s one thing I truly love in my historical romances, it’s an experienced heroine.
Not as ridiculous as The Countess, The Duchess features one of the other widows of the ton from the same group of friends. It gets dark at times - check CWs in the comments - but because Sophie Jordan places those events in the past timeline and we know we have a happy ending, Valencia’s darker experiences feel like they have a resolution, and this story is just for Valencia’s own pleasure.
Rhain shows up with six - which is only half! - of his sisters, all unwed. I admire the way Sophie Jordan handles this. All six are named, and all have distinct personalities, but you only get little glimpses of each, and you aren’t meant to focus on them. So while the house probably felt crowded, the narrative never does. Jordan lets the sisters fade into the background, emphasizing Valencia and Rhain’s emotional growth.
This got a little bonkers at the end (and if you read the Countess, you know that did too). Ultimately, I wanted 15 more pages: 5 for more plot to get us to the end we got, and 10 for more sex, because I know Jordan can give it to us. This is fairly low-steam, and I definitely wanted a bigger payoff for the emotional buildup. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Duchess.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an eARC for review. The Duchess in the Scandalous Ladies of London series is out 3/26/24.
CWs: abuse, sexual assault - they are in past timelines, but appear on page
This got a little bonkers at the end. Ultimately, I wanted 15 more pages: 5 for more plot to get us to the end we got, and 10 for more sex, because I know Jordan can give it to us.
Genre: historical romance
London, 1822
Valencia, Dowager Duchess of Dedham, has all of the intent to live out her life as a merry widow. She’s ready to celebrate her re-entry to society on her 32nd birthday, 11 months after the death of her husband. She loved him, yes, but by the time of his death he was no longer the same man. Rhain is the new Duke of Dedham, and when he arrives to take his station, he comes with his mother and six unwed sisters in tow. Gone is Valencia’s dream of commanding her own realm, but she agrees to usher Rhain’s sisters into society in exchange for not having to leave the only house she’s known as an adult. Close proximity to Rhain proves difficult, and Valencia starts experiencing desires she hasn’t felt since her debut.
The Scandalous Ladies of London series features slightly older female main characters than we are used to in many historical romances. In The Countess, Tru is 37, and in The Duchess, Valencia is 32. While they are still younger than I am as a reader, I fully appreciate the life experiences the older heroines have had, making their backstories the richer for it. If there’s one thing I truly love in my historical romances, it’s an experienced heroine.
Not as ridiculous as The Countess, The Duchess features one of the other widows of the ton from the same group of friends. It gets dark at times - check CWs in the comments - but because Sophie Jordan places those events in the past timeline and we know we have a happy ending, Valencia’s darker experiences feel like they have a resolution, and this story is just for Valencia’s own pleasure.
Rhain shows up with six - which is only half! - of his sisters, all unwed. I admire the way Sophie Jordan handles this. All six are named, and all have distinct personalities, but you only get little glimpses of each, and you aren’t meant to focus on them. So while the house probably felt crowded, the narrative never does. Jordan lets the sisters fade into the background, emphasizing Valencia and Rhain’s emotional growth.
This got a little bonkers at the end (and if you read the Countess, you know that did too). Ultimately, I wanted 15 more pages: 5 for more plot to get us to the end we got, and 10 for more sex, because I know Jordan can give it to us. This is fairly low-steam, and I definitely wanted a bigger payoff for the emotional buildup. But I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Duchess.
Thank you to Avon and NetGalley for an eARC for review. The Duchess in the Scandalous Ladies of London series is out 3/26/24.
CWs: abuse, sexual assault - they are in past timelines, but appear on page
March 16, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Sophie Jordan’s Scandalous Ladies of London series got off to a great start last year, and as a result, I greatly anticipated the next book, The Duchess. However, I found myself sadly underwhelmed by what this book had to offer. While the prior book managed the “high-concept” nature of focusing on a group of scandalous women, while not forgetting to flesh out the central romance, this book unfortunately did not.
I was greatly looking forward to Valencia’s story, and I really enjoyed getting to know her better. She endured a loveless marriage, and her husband’s death, which originally happened toward the end of the prior book, happened quite unexpectedly. I appreciated getting context for their marriage, and the toxicity within it. I also appreciate how the story highlighted the tenuous nature of a dowager peeress’s standing once the new peer (when he’s not from her direct line) takes up the title.
Rhain was rather uninspiring, and even more uninspiring are his six sisters used as a McGuffin to get him and Valencia to come to an agreement that he will allow her to remain in the home, while she helps usher them into society. But he had little to no personality, and he also just never really treats Valencia all that well, despite trying to portray himself as a “good” person, which made the romance incredibly tepid. As a result, any attempt to force conflict toward the end fell flat.
But all hope is not lost for the series, as the dynamics among the women continue to be a highlight. While Gertrude has stepped back from the spotlight to live out her HEA, I loved getting a bit of a tease for what’s to come for Hazel’s story.
While this book fell a little flat, due to its underdeveloped and sometimes questionable romance, there’s still some aspects I enjoyed. I would still recommend this to readers interested in historical romance centering somewhat older, widowed heroines.
Sophie Jordan’s Scandalous Ladies of London series got off to a great start last year, and as a result, I greatly anticipated the next book, The Duchess. However, I found myself sadly underwhelmed by what this book had to offer. While the prior book managed the “high-concept” nature of focusing on a group of scandalous women, while not forgetting to flesh out the central romance, this book unfortunately did not.
I was greatly looking forward to Valencia’s story, and I really enjoyed getting to know her better. She endured a loveless marriage, and her husband’s death, which originally happened toward the end of the prior book, happened quite unexpectedly. I appreciated getting context for their marriage, and the toxicity within it. I also appreciate how the story highlighted the tenuous nature of a dowager peeress’s standing once the new peer (when he’s not from her direct line) takes up the title.
Rhain was rather uninspiring, and even more uninspiring are his six sisters used as a McGuffin to get him and Valencia to come to an agreement that he will allow her to remain in the home, while she helps usher them into society. But he had little to no personality, and he also just never really treats Valencia all that well, despite trying to portray himself as a “good” person, which made the romance incredibly tepid. As a result, any attempt to force conflict toward the end fell flat.
But all hope is not lost for the series, as the dynamics among the women continue to be a highlight. While Gertrude has stepped back from the spotlight to live out her HEA, I loved getting a bit of a tease for what’s to come for Hazel’s story.
While this book fell a little flat, due to its underdeveloped and sometimes questionable romance, there’s still some aspects I enjoyed. I would still recommend this to readers interested in historical romance centering somewhat older, widowed heroines.
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