Member Reviews
Oh the BLACKMAIL!
I'd like to begin by saying that I absolutely loved this book. It has equal parts romance and drama and the author did a really good job writing this book. It's historical interracial romance about a woman who will sacrifice almost everything to avoid hurting the ones she loves even at the risk of losing everything.
Hettie has always wondered why her parents would leave her but has never questioned the love of her aunt and uncle who took her in at their departure. But thanks to her conniving, manipulative cousin she is forced to choose a life married to him to hide a secret he's holding over her or risk being exposed and bringing shame to her family name. A COUSIN... talk about a snake in the grass. The blackmail runs deep enough in fact that Hettie agrees to marry him. And just as she begins to settle into knowing that she's only marrying to keep her "secret", Lord Findley comes in to save the day.
Finn and Hettie have been friends forever. And so when he learns the predicament that Hettie is facing, he decides to marry her himself to protect her. Finn and Hettie have a beautiful beginning to their Union but there are many snags that threaten to bring it to a halt including her cousin Phillip who just won't go away.
Lately I've really been enjoying romance. And this one does not disappoint! Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Addy Du Lac has written a very good debut novel. Historical fiction at its best imbues the readers with a feel of the times. Henrietta is a mixed-race woman who became an orphan when she was two. Raised by her white fathers brother, she still was unsure of her place in society. What she doesn't realize is that her cousin Phillip, who is black, is obsessed with her and believes they belong together and tries to blackmail her into marrying him.
Meanwhile, a childhood friend, Finn, who secretly loved her, has become a Duke in Scotland. When he finally feels she is old enough to marry, he arrives in London only to find her engagement to Phillip. Henrietta confesses to Finn that Phillip is blackmailing her, so he whisks her off to Scotland. That is just the beginning of the book. How their life in Scotland unfolds was what made the book interesting to me. There are many trials and tribulations that led to a happy ending. The final chapters of the book had me in tears as Henrietta and Finn had to figure out what was important.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. It is always a pleasure to find a new author. I look forward to her next book.
Wow, what a great book! The characters and writing in this book pulled me in and wrenched at my heartstrings. There interactions between Hettie and Finn brought me to tears. A beautiful love story!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I believe this is Addy's debut and what a debut it is. And while it's not what I thought it was going to be--a road trip romance--it's still a wonderful historical romance. Henrietta, "Hettie," is a woman who belongs nowhere, it feels. A mixed race woman in the ton, whose parents died when she young, knows she is loved but doesn't feel she completely belongs anywhere, to anyone--especially when a cousin on her mother's side blackmails her into marriage. Along comes Finn, a Scottish Duke and English peer, who has loved Hattie since they were young adults, unbeknownst to her. When he discovers she is being blackmailed, he offers her a way out but doesn't ask WHY she's being blackmailed. Instead he jumps on the opportunity to finally make her, his. He truly adores this woman for who she is.
I really liked this book. There is a good bit of steam and mild spice well before the 50% mark. The two characters have great chemistry both in and out of the bedroom. Their knowledge of each other and relationship in their youth provides the personal history to make their "falling" believable. Hettie really wants to be the best wife she can be for Finn. And Finn wants to save his estate AND have his wife fall as in love with him as he is her.
There is a "third act breakup" but a reader should be expecting it as Hettie's secret is revealed. I found the revelation and reaction to this to be incredibly believable, natural and realistic. It was not overly dramatic nor did it feel immature. You could feel the pain and angst of the two characters during this time.
At times I felt Hettie's "I'll just ignore this problem and it will go away" annoyed me. But the scope of the problem and her view of the ramifications were quite large and I understand why she chose to ignore it. However, Finn showed his worth time and again through his actions and words--he even has a sweet nickname for her--so when Hettie chooses not to trust him, at times I couldn't understand why. EXCEPT for his mother. His mother is a horrible shrew when she meets Hettie. I don't know if I ever understood her reasons for her dislike of Hettie and kept waiting for the "real reason" to pop up but her reasoning was her own and in her mind made sense. This is a romance and all the conflict is tied up nicely including that with The Dowager, Lady Aofie.
I would highly recommend this to all lovers of historical romance, cinnamon roll heroes, strong heroines, color blind love, he falls first, and meaningful nicknames.
I was hesitant to read this since blackmail is like bottom of the barrel for me, but someone said the villain was vanquished by the end of chapter two, to which I said HELL YEAH. However, while she rightfully didn’t marry him like he wanted, he was still a nuisance throughout the entire book. His actions had many consequences and it got old real fast…but it lasted the whole time 😩
A lot of the rest of the book was just Hettie learning how to be a Scottish duchess and dealing with the dowager who took SO long to warm up to her. I liked the dowager by the end, but combined with the blackmail, it just didn’t make for a plot I was interested in about 75% of the time. I also just think friends to lovers is also a tough sell for me. It felt like we were missing a key part of their history since it happened off the page so long ago.
Finn and Hettie were adorable for the other 25%, though, so I’m definitely torn on my overall enjoyment of the book. I loved them but not the plot??? because I LOVED their dynamic. The little things they did for each other…I’m distraught no one talk to me. My favorite of the bunch was him brushing and braiding her hair after he requested to learn 🥹 oh and him giving Hettie all the sandwiches despite them being his favorite.
Their marriage was full of doubt and secrets, so it was obvious where the third act was headed, but I’d say it still surprised me. Initially the breakup really disgruntled me, but actually I really liked what it brought to their relationship. I think Hettie needed to be firm and demand what she wanted, so I was definitely rooting for her. I enjoyed the grovel and also really liked the shift in the dowager.
Overall, the writing was great and since I enjoyed the character work, I’ll definitely be reading more from DuLac! It’s hard when I really want to read a book—I mean LOOK at the cover—but the plot set-up just isn’t my thing. I err on the side of giving chances, since happy surprises are the best. I’d say I was pleasantly surprised by the loveliness of the main relationship, but not entirely sold on the plot. Either way, I definitely don’t regret reading this one, but I’m more excited for what’s to come!
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5*/5
I wanted to like this book, after all it’s one of my favorite genres, but the main characters, Hettie and Finn while likable were a little two-dimensional. And the cousin needed help... he became a caricature of an evil villain. The story had potential to be great, but it just missed in some places. I was reading an uncorrected copy, so it’s possible some of the issues I had with the book were fixed after edits.
Thank you to Entangled: Amara for providing a digital copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed One Season with the Duke. It was sweet and sexy with a bit of angst. It was so easy to read too. I flew threw it. However as much as I enjoyed it there were two things that really took away from it. One was that the pattern of speech most times was modern which was distracting as it took me out of the time and place of the story. The second one was the thing with Hettie took too long to be revealed and I wasn't a fan of Finn's behaviour. Some of it was justified but most of It was uncalled for. It was a solid debut and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.
I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed the story at times but just not a fan of the guy. He was horrible to her it was pretty well done.
The story is good and it has some strong characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book. The second half wasn't bad, but not as good as the beginning was. But since I had already connected with the main characters, it was easy for me to continue reading. Though I'm more into conventional historical romances, I also love it when authors bring something new into the mix. This book definitely kept me on my toes. Nothing happened as I envisioned it. And for that alone, I absolutely loved the book. Overall, it is an entertaining read which I think all historical romance fans would love.
One Season with the Duke, Addy DuLac’s debut novel, is an entertaining and emotional historical romance. Set in London (briefly) and in Scotland during 1838-39, the novel follows the friends-to-lovers Hettie (Henrietta), 22, and Finn (Findley), 29, as they begin a marriage of convenience. The marriage is hasty as Finn steps in to save Hettie from her nefarious cousin, Phillip, who is attempting to blackmail her into marriage.
One of the things I liked best about this book was the way DuLac built a solid foundation for Finn and Hettie’s relationship. Finn, the Duke of Montrose and the Laird MacGarbeith, has pined for Hettie for years during his time attending school in England with Hettie’s cousin Alastair whose parents, Lord and Lady Lindsey, have raised Hettie from the age of 2. Hettie is the mixed-race daughter of Lord Lindsey’s younger brother and his African wife, and as such, has often felt as an outsider despite the love of her uncle and his family. Finn, who himself has often felt as an outsider as a Scot in England, feels a deep bond with Hettie, “That unspoken empathy and awareness, however small, was a secret language for them, offering a unique level of safety”. Finn knows he wants to marry someone who will understand this inner part of him the way that Hettie does. Despite fearing that Hettie may never love him the way he does her, he nonetheless wants to save her from her situation and have her as his wife. There is, of course, a dark cloud hanging over the marriage. Because Finn does not ask Hettie the subject of the blackmail, and she doesn’t offer to tell him, he doesn’t realize the possible scandal it has the potential to bring to his duchy which is slowly and arduously being rebuilt after difficult financial times. With this threat in the background, the novel follows the deepening relationship between Hettie and Finn as they begin their married life in Scotland. Insecure at their cores, Hettie and Finn shy away from showing emotional vulnerability which eventually leads to all sorts of difficulties including the third act breakup.
The novel frustrated me at certain points. Hettie and Finn are sometimes immature despite being in their 20s and no strangers to hardship. Their inability to see things from multiple angles and the author’s dependence on miscommunication to propel the plot forward was sometimes grating. Hettie and Finn didn’t seem to learn as much as they should have through their experiences. I also felt that the secondary characters could’ve been more fully developed to enrich the story (with the exception of Finn’s mother, Lady Aofie, who is deliciously developed). Hettie and Finn, however, despite their various flaws, were likable, and I did root for their success as a couple.
I liked the way DuLac wove the theme of fear as a motivator throughout the novel. The Highlanders, who must relocate as the tough economic times dictate, are fearful of their laird, Finn. They need time to witness his diligence before they can feel secure. Likewise, Finn and Hettie must also learn not to be ruled by their own fears, both real and imagined. The theme of empathy runs through this novel, as well, as we see the positive impact of showing empathy and the more negative impact when there’s a lack of it. I liked that Hettie’s own empathy prevents her from turning on Phillip early on, when it would’ve been prudent to do so, because he’s one of the few people who “looks like her”, and she knows how hard it is to survive in the white-dominated society.
Overall, I recommend this novel for people who like the friends-to-lovers trope and like a story with lots of heart. The novel is well-written, with some sweet humour, a few tear-evoking moments, and lots of steam (the scene in the sea cave was excellent!). I will read more from this new writer!
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This is my first book by Addy du Lac and it was quite enjoyable. I loved the early interactions between Hettie and Phillip, especially after they got married. They were so sweet together, and you could see the love they were both denying. I also really loved when Phillip stood up to his mother regarding Hettie and their relationship. The blackmail plot that initially brought them together did fade out a bit after the marriage, returning periodically just when you thought the cousin had slinked off into the shadows. But I did love the final confrontation between them all, Hettie definitely showed her strength and what she was willing to do for her husband.
I definitely thought the mother-in-law should have at least been asked to move out of the house after some of the interactions she had with Hettie, even though after Hettie's big blowout with Phillip when he has his tantrum over the truth of what Hettie was being blackmailed with she seemed to be Hetties biggest fan, which seemed to be a huge turnaround from the last time we saw her.
While this wasn't 100% perfect for me, I did really enjoy Phillip and Hettie's relationship overall and I loved how it ended. I would definitely read more by this author in the future.
Instantly loved both main characters and the story is very well written. In a very short time author was able to provide in depth view to characters past and personality. Look forward to more in a series!
I thought it was okay and feel the third act changed my feelings about Finn all together. I do think that Hettie had the most character growth out of all the characters. Also it took me a while to get into the story and I thought about DNF around 50% but kept going.
Fascinating depiction of a Regency romance with a twist; easily 4.25 steamy stars
Although as readers we must suspend disbelief to think that a Duke of the Regency era would marry a black/African commoner, I did some researching and found that it might have been possible, albeit remote. Obviously, makes for a fascinating story.
Henrietta (Hettie) Monfort was reared in England with her cousins in the family of the Marquis of Lindsey who was Hettie’s uncle, brother to her father. She is now 22yo and on the marriage market. Unfortunately, she has a despicable black/African cousin who wants her dowry and will go to any lengths to get it! Enter Hettie’s childhood friend and playmate, Lord Findley, Duke of Montrose and Scottish Laird MacGairbheith aka 28yo Finn. Finn and Hettie’s cousin Alastair went to school together.
There was lots of steam and angst due to Hettie’s “secret” and a few fist-pump moments when whomever got the comeuppance they deserved. Truly enjoyed this romance. I never really got the relationship to Phillip. To be her cousin, who were his parents? This is not truly an age-gap romance. Anyway, stimulating reading, wink, and interesting story. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
this was the first book i've ready of this author. loved the story. the characters are so amazing and the storyline was great. the main characters as so perfect for each other.
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's saying something.
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
There was a whole lot I really liked about this book. To start the cover is absolutely gorgeous and the story entertaining. I found the characters easy to like and I fast found myself deeply invested in them. I also thought it was wonderful that this historical romance featured diverse couple. I thought the author's writing was smooth and that the book read quite easily. The solid blend of emotion, drama, heart, suspense, angst and heat does its job well and keep you engaged and experiencing plenty of feelings.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This follows Heiress Henrietta Monfort. She is being blackmailed by her cousin who is keeping a secret about her birth. Afraid that her family will disown her due to this she agrees to an engagement to him. At her engagement ball one dance between Hettie and Lord Findley ignites a new spark. A new plan is made to thwart Hettie from marrying her cousin. The new plan is to marry Findley so that this secret doesn’t mess up her marriage chances. There is a lot of scandal, secrets, and not to mention an annoying mother in law that keeps your attention throughout the book. Overall 4/5 stars
Thank you Entangled Publishing, LLC, Entangled: Amara and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
When a relative threatens the heroine with blackmail, she turns to the hero to help with her situation. The hero and the heroine enter a marriage-of-convenience, and the two settled down into a tranquil life until everything is revealed. Will the truth end their happy ending or will the couple fight for their happiness?
This is my first Addy DuLac historical romance book. It features an interracial relationship that faces lots of obstacles that the couple faced together and as individuals. The first half of the book was delightful to read, but then the second half brought a change that made it a bit harder to be favorable to the hero. This change made the romance a bit harder to like the main couple's relationship, and it would have been better if more details were added to enhance the story. There were also secondary characters that were likable and unlikable, especially in their interactions with the main characters. There were also some situations that could be elaborated a bit more since it involved some issues that the heroine is facing in the book. Overall, it has a beautiful book cover with a nice story, and I would still enjoy reading more works from the author in the future.
** Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own. **
Very sadly, this book just is not working for me and I think I’m just going to DNF it. The synopsis sounded sooo intriguing and action packed! I really was enjoying the character interactions and thought it would be nice to see the relationship development between Hettie and Finn. Unfortunately, the pacing just did not work for me. By 30% into the book the synopsis is done and we essentially drop the original blackmail plot for a weeks in book time to pick up a relative hates the newcomer plot. By 52% into this book I decided that this book just was not going to work for me, so I should just cut my losses and put it down. I read a couple of spoilery reviews to see if anyone would share what happens in the end, and I definitely would not have liked that.
Separate from these issues I was confused on the timeline of their lives. Ages seemed to flip flop around and timing of events seemed to change from one chapter to the next which was pretty jarring and confusing. At one point Hettie is said to be 22 but Finn says he hasn’t seen her since she was 18–five years ago. That doesn’t add up. That’s a tiny knit-picky thing that I noticed but it threw me out of the story.
I can see a lot of people are loving this book, and I’m so happy for them! I would be willing to give this author another chance in the future as I think her writing is very readable and I liked her character interactions. I just think maybe another round of edits would have helped blend the plot points of this book together a little bit more and cleaned it up.