Morgan Many Books's Reviews > It Had to Be a Duke

4.25 because this was exactly what I needed it to be... totally lovely!

So like Vivienne Lorret always has big shoes to fill for me, ever since she wrote Ten Kisses to Scandal —arguably (for me, and I think several others) one of the best historical romances written in recent years. If you haven't listened to or read that book (I honestly recommend listening because Justine Eyre brought Briar, the FMC, to life soooooo perfectly) go do that. That macabre, kinky, weird little couple is so worth spending time with. Suffice it to say, I really love Lorret's books. And to be honest, she rarely fails me, though she has absolutely failed me. Her worlds are so reliably sweet and witty and delightful. I enjoyed The Mating Habits of Scoundrels Series, but it was highly uneven in my opinion. So, I was super pleased when I saw she was moving onto a new series. And man, what an opener!!!

Yeah, this was exactly what I expect and WANT from Vivienne. It is fluffy and full of physical comedy, a delightful comedy of errors, teeming with tension, and an EXCELLENT slow-burn. Never have I adored reading chapter after chapter of two people just fighting like cats and dogs so much. It was never toxic or cruel, rather it very effectively established the relationship and tenderness between the MCs, in a hilariously roundabout way. Plus the arguments were often very funny, and the antics that Verity got up to were genuinely entertaining without being cringe.

I loved Verity as an FMC, she was pragmatic and vulnerable. I felt like their mutual hang-ups were very justified, so understanding and empathizing with them was so easy. SO easy to love. I loved them. And Magnus was a perfect pairing for her. I really have no notes for the characters, their individual or joint arcs. The scene in the library and Magnus' despseration was f*cking *Chef's Kiss*. Just all around wonderful.

My gripes are that, while I understand why Lorret made some of the plot choices she did in Act 3 (this is, after all, the opening of a new series and therefore there is a lot to do), I found it to be a bit cramped with bringing in future characters, creating conflict, and resolving conflicts. This took away from the mounting tension that was so well plotted throughout the rest of the story. That said, it was like the last 15% and it still worked. This is something Lorret does a lot, where she sort of bumbles the third act in a strange way. So, I expected it, it wasn't intolerable. It just wasn't perfect. If you read her work, you might know what I mean. And if you don’t, and still like her books, ignore me! It’s pretty perfect otherwise.

Soooooo yeah, this was awesome. I don't really know what sort of HR audience wouldn't like this except for maybe someone who doesn't like to ready some hanky-panky on-the-page.... Like it was so fun and great. I am so excited for the next book. I will have literally submitted my PhD two days before the next one comes out which means I will be devouring this in a post-doctoral romance-bingeing haze.

So pleased.