In 'The Duchess War' by Courtney Milan, Minnie, a woman with a scandalous past, aims to remain unnoticed and marry for security. However, when the Duke of Clermont discovers her, their interactions lead to unexpected paths. The book is praised for its well-drawn characters, layered plot, and the chemistry between Minnie and Robert, creating a sweet and romantic tale set in the Victorian era.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include mentions of past trauma and family neglect.
Has Romance?
The romance is central to the story, involving deep connections between characters.
From The Publisher:
Miss Minerva Lane is a quiet, bespectacled wallflower, and she wants to keep it that way. After all, the last time she was the center of attention, it ended badly-so badly that she changed her name to escape her scandalous past. Wallflowers may not be the prettiest of blooms, but at least they don't get trampled. So when a handsome duke comes to town, the last thing she wants is his attention. But that is precisely what she gets. Because Robert Blaisdell, the Duke of Clermont, is not fooled. When Minnie figures out what he's up to, he realizes there is more to her than her spectacles and her quiet ways. And he's determined to lay her every secret bare before she can discover his. But this time, one shy miss may prove to be more than his match...
Ratings (16)
Incredible (3) | |
Loved It (3) | |
Liked It (7) | |
It Was OK (1) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (48):
Read It (19) | |
Want To Read (17) | |
Not Interested (12) |
1 comment(s)
Re-read Sept 2019
It's a good book, very sweet. The only quibble I have is the bit at the end.
I hate that Robert decides to repeat what her father did to her in the courtroom, but I understand it ... as does Minnie. But I really hate that he does it without talking to her - she should get to be part of choosing to expose her secrets. For him to take it upon himself to do this horrible thing without asking ... it's shit. And it doesn't make for a good marriage. But it works out because that's literally exactly what Minnie tells him afterwards, so it doesn't hurt anything major.
What my quibble is with, though, is the fact that after doing this thing to her - literally repeating the most traumatic moment of her life, calling her out in a courtroom like her father did - rather than comfort his wife, instead it becomes all about Robert. Minnie - who has never had anyone care for her, but instead has shouldered this entire horrible life she was dealt - now doesn't even get to take a moment to be upset because of a thing he did. No, instead she has to care for him, because he's upset about doing that to her - as if it is harder on him than it is on her - and needs her to not have her own reaction at all. Had she reacted in any way - cried, been hurt, been angry - he'd have left and she'd have never seen him again. He didn't even TRY to comfort her or make things right. And that is hugely disappointing to me.
I would just like to see Minnie get some goddamn care for once in her life. I would like for her to not have to stuff down her own wants and emotions, in service of someone else. For
once.
What can you read after
The Duchess War?
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