In "Dukes Prefer Blondes" by Loretta Chase, Lady Clara Fairfax, a beautiful and intelligent woman tired of superficial suitors, defies societal norms by enlisting the help of barrister Oliver Radford, known as Raven, to rescue an orphan boy from the dangerous streets of London. As Clara and Raven navigate their growing attraction amidst dangers and societal expectations, they engage in witty banter, face challenges from criminals seeking revenge, and ultimately strive to forge a true partnership based on mutual respect and admiration. Set against the backdrop of the 1830s, the book intricately weaves together themes of love, social injustice, and the constraints of society, all while showcasing the colorful fashion and societal norms of the time.
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Has Romance?
Yes, the book features a strong romantic plot between the leads, with their relationship being central to the story.
From The Publisher:
USA Today Bestseller
Biweekly marriage proposals from men who can't see beyond her (admittedly breathtaking) looks are starting to get on Lady Clara Fairfax's nerves. Desperate to be something more than ornamental, she escapes to her favorite charity. When a child is in trouble, she turns to tall, dark, and annoying barrister Oliver Radford.
Though he's unexpectedly found himself in line to inherit a dukedom, Radford's never been part of fashionable society, and the blonde beauty, though not entirely bereft of brains, isn't part of his plans. But Clara overwhelms even his infallible logic, and when wedlock looms, all he can do is try not to lose his head over her . . .
It's an inconvenient marriage by ordinary standards, but these two are far from ordinary. Can the ton's most adored heiress and London's most difficult bachelor fall victim to their own unruly desires?
Ratings (4)
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Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (1) |
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2 comment(s)
I adored this. Which doesn't really surprise me because I LOVED [b:Don't Tempt Me|5307483|Don't Tempt Me (Fallen Women, #2)|Loretta Chase|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1392434595s/5307483.jpg|5374942]. Clara was amazing. She was intelligent, witty and funny. She was just perfect. She was practical and straightforward and she manipulated the situations magnificently. Oliver was rather delightful too. I loved that he didn't humour her he just accepted that she would be helpful. There were a bunch of hysterical lines that had me chuckling to myself. It was also clear to see that they were really well suited. The romance was slow burn and only towards the end did they really discuss their feelings. Prior to this the relationship just develops and evolves as they get to know each other. This was just perfect.
Something didn't work for me in this book. I guess there were a few things that did not really work for me and made it impossible for me to fully enjoy it.
I wasn't able to fully sense the feelings between the main characters. They were supposed to fit together so perfectly. And, at first glance, it seems true. Radford lets Clara be who she wants to be. But for some reason, I didn't feel like they really fit together. In fact, I even had a hard time finding the desire between them that they mention from time to time. There is no real tension between them. When Radford proposed to Clara, I was really surprised because at this point, I didn't see such deep feelings between them.
And there was even something strange about the sex scenes. I can't quite say what. But there was no passion in them. And at the same time, they were a bit too modern. Except, of course, for overly displaying Clara's virginity. Emphasizing her “innocence” was really strange and awkward. In general, I found the sex scenes often a bit awkward.
Part of the problem was that I couldn't really get attached to the main characters. We mainly follow Radford, so his feelings are better known to us. The problem is that I found his character rather confusing. He is such an interesting character with such potential. And yet he sometimes seems to be a caricature of himself. His love for his parents is his only human quality, besides being an obnoxious lawyer.
But since we mainly follow Radford, I think we know too little about Clara. And she too could be such an interesting character. We know that she is suffocated by the rigid norms of society that prevent her from doing what men do and from deciding her own fate. But we know it mainly because she talks about it. There are only a few very small scenes where we can actually see it. Again, as in the case of Radford, Clara can also be described with practically one word - independent. These characters lacked dimension.
I also think this book was just too long. There were too many different threads. And the dialogues were often pointless and forced.
Loretta Chase is a very popular author. I have read her books before, although I have a hard time remembering which ones. But I'm starting to think her stories just aren't for me.
What can you read after
Dukes Prefer Blondes?
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