Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the plot moved at a good pace and kept me interested. The book was a bit shorter than I expected, or maybe it was also a fast read. The romance felt a little slow, though I get the author's why. I felt like for most of it, the main pair didn't do enough talking. Too much of it was just hearing their thoughts but when they were in the same room they were quiet (and often staring at each other.) I need more open communication. Glad we could hear his thoughts though, which helped.
I haven't read the 1st book so I didn't know the back story of the friends but luckily you didn't need to. I was really glad that the author didn't try to make us memorize the 6 sisters individually, which I had been dreading since seeing that in the synopsis. I can see that there are several women who might make a future appearance as a heroine of her own book, though odds point to Hazel. I was surprised that we were given some chapters from Hazel's perspective but I didn't mind. It makes sense to set up the premise of the next book and to show that our current heroine might not know everything. I kind of want to know more about Hazel so I might read the next book though I'm not in a rush to go back and read the first.

Sophie Jordan writes the best historical romance! I don't know what kind of magic she puts into her writing, but I am taken in, hook, line, and sinker with her writing. This is everything I wanted from an historical, and it has a strong FMC, which I absolutely appreciate. I love getting multiple character perspectives, especially from secondary characters. It adds so much to the reader experience.

The Duchess was really everything I want from a HR: a quick, enjoyable, sweet read.
I didn't even realize this was the second in the series, so I definitely plan on going back and reading The Countess.
I am really excited to see where this series goes next, and I look forward to all of Sophie Jordan's new releases!

This book was absolutely brilliant. The eye-catching cover drew me in and the first chapter ensnared me. I read this book in a day. I could not put it down. This book has everything needed for a splendid story. Well-written and likable characters, intrigue, a kind, handsome hero, and the heat only a very talented author can write. The Duchess is book two of a very entertaining series. I look forward to other books in this series and by this author. Although, is not absolutely necessary to read book one, The Countess, I highly recommend it.

I received this book from NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for an honest review.

I love the way this series is written. Reading POVs of secondary characters is really fun and getting to hear the story from multiple perspectives is refreshing. I enjoyed the premise of this book as well. Valencia, Dowager Duchess of Dedham is rid of her horrid abusive husband and is going to enjoy the freedoms a young widow can enjoy. When the new Duke arrives he is a rugged hunk of man and she’s wildly attracted to him. He is wildly attracted to her. So naturally they avoid each other and he is a jerk who secretly wants to take care and protect and love her. She helps usher his six hoyden sisters in to society so she can stay in London. My only complaint about this book is that I don’t feel like there was enough time on page with out two MCs for their love story to feel developed. They rarely spoke and seemed to dance around one another until she goes in to his room and they bang in silence and she leaves and all the sudden they’re madly in love. I would have liked to see more dialogue or moments with them together earlier in the book that made me feel their chemistry and connection a little more. That being said, I still loved the book and the characters and I enjoyed watching Valencia get a happy ending and grow as a character, even seeing her stepmother in a warmer light. I can’t wait to read what comes next!

I was so excited to get this book. I read it so quickly. I loved it.

There are sections of past violence against the heroine from her old husband so I did want to warn anyone who may be unsettled by that.

Valencia is finally through with the mourning period of her husband she doesn’t mourn, it’s then where the new Duke comes to town and puts her plans of freedom at a risk. They make a deal. She helps him get his 6 unmarried sisters ready for high society and he’ll provide her with more money for her freedom.

I so badly wanted to see Valencia be loved and cherished, things she always deserved, but hadn’t received in years. Rhain was the perfect man to show her that. Right away he believed she deserved more and we love that in a man.

This book was fast paced and highly addicting. Thank you NetGalley and Avon books for the ARC.

sophie jordan does it again. she's the go to author for a healthy representation of historical romance woman, with deservingly best happily ever after romance.

you may or may not have liked valencia in the countess but be prepared to truly see her life through her pov, which the author excells at and I'm already dreading and accepting of when we would get hazel's story because it would not be rainbows.

with the heaviness of the characters, the much needed and appreciated light heartedness stems from the Duke's family, more like his unwed sisters who are so unique and entertaining that I was in splits half the time.

you should definitely pick this out. sophie jordan is quickly becoming one of my favourite hr romance authors