Review: The Day of the Duchess by Sarah MacLean

Series: Scandal & Scoundrel Book #3

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Pages: 387

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Avon

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Malcolm Bevingstoke, Duke of Haven, has lived the last three years in self-imposed solitude, paying the price for a mistake he can never reverse and a love he lost forever. The dukedom does not wait, however, and Haven requires an heir, which means he must find himself a wife by summer’s end. There is only one problem—he already has one.

After years in exile, Seraphina, Duchess of Haven, returns to London with a single goal—to reclaim the life she left and find happiness, unencumbered by the man who broke her heart. Haven offers her a deal; Sera can have her freedom, just as soon as she finds her replacement…which requires her to spend the summer in close quarters with the husband she does not want, but somehow cannot resist.

The duke has a single summer to woo his wife and convince her that, despite their broken past, he can give her forever, making every day The Day of the Duchess.

Review

I've been butting off writing this. I just don't know what to say, but I feel drawn to say something.

This is a reunited lovers story which is one of my favorite tropes. Generally, I enjoyed it, but the actual reuniting was a little drawn out. I particularly thought Sera wasn't giving Malcolm enough of a chance. Her almost refusal to acknowledge her role in everything was a little off-putting.

There were quite a few fun side characters who helped relieve the intense angst. Felicity was a real standout. And she will be the heroine of Ms. MacLean's next book which I'm excited about.

In the end, this reminded me a lot of The Book of Scandal by Julia London, but that book worked better for me.

Thanks for me!

Holly