The Ugly Duchess (Fairy Tales, #4) in Fans of Eloisa James & Julia Quinn

Sep 05, 2012 Andrea rated it it was ok

Shelves: read-historical-romance

I usually love Eloisa James. I always look forward to reading one of her new books but this one missed the mark for me. I mean...the main characters get married in the very beginning and are blissful for all of a day before she finds out he lied and kicks him out and he listens and actually leaves...for seven years. And in those seven years, he becomes a pirate because that is obviously what titled noblemen do when their wife gets mad at them and tells them to leave the house.

So fast forward sev ...more

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May 18, 2012 Janga rated it it was amazing

Ugly Duckling tales have long been popular among romance readers with a fondness for fairy tale motifs, but Eloisa James offers readers a fresh take on the fairy tale with The Ugly Duchess, Book 4 in her Happily Ever After series. An ugly duckling transforms herself into a swan with still tender scars underneath her glorious feathers and, in a reverse move, a handsome, popular swan transforms himself into a scarred ruffian shorn of his feathers.

I loved this book! See my full review at Heroes and ...more

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Oct 06, 2012 Sandy rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed this book so much that I finished in one day and nearly missed my stop on the commuter rail, that is how engrossed I was in the story! While completely unrealistic, the story takes a few unusual turns which takes it out of the realm of the typical historical romance. I guarantee you'll enjoy reading it! ...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Monique rated it really liked it

Shelves: romance-regency, history

I wished we had pictures to go along with Theo's transformation! Great dialogue and interesting characters. I do think he waited a bit to long....but and HEA at the end. ...more

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Sep 01, 2012 Donna Jo Atwood rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, england-fiction, pirates, fairy-tale-knock-off, 2012-fall-challenge

I was not as enchanted with this book as I'd hoped to be. It was slow getting started and I got tired of getting hit over the head with the idea that Thea was considered ugly by everyone--I got it the first time--and the second--and the third--after that it was just an irritant.
Still, I liked the fact that both Thea and James were flawed and both had to work at changing their behavior. And I do wonder about Sir Barry's story. ...more

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May 25, 2012 Shh I'm reading! rated it really liked it

What I like about Eloisa James' characters is that they are not completely likeable. Flawed and intelligent is her specialty and she does brilliantly with James and Theo/Daisy. The beginning where they explore young love was sweet and delicious. The inevitable acrimonious split tragic, but necessary. They both had some growing up to do. I just wish Theo made James grovel a bit more upon his return. ...more

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Jan 08, 2012 Christy rated it liked it

Shelves: 1-own-it-kindle

3 stars
Spoilers ahead
I really liked the first part of the book, until their separation. However, I don't much like either pirates or fashion so it got pretty boring after that. I wouldn't mind reading about what happens with his pirate buddy though. Will there be a novella perhaps? ...more

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