FINAL DECISION: I really enjoyed this book for its strong character development and atmospheric setting, though it falls short in advancing the series' larger mysteries about the secrets between the Greycourt and de Moray families.
THE STORY: Julian Greycourt, heir to the Windemere dukedom, is searching through his libraries for evidence that his uncle murdered his mother while harboring a dangerous secret that could destroy him if revealed. Lady Elspeth de Moray is simultaneously searching the same libraries for an ancient family text related to the wise women's society, despite the complicated history between their families involving her brother being blamed for the death of Julian's sister. As they repeatedly cross paths in their respective searches, their initial wariness gives way to an unexpected connection, finding Julian surprisingly easy to talk to despite his cold demeanor. When a snowstorm strands them together at a remote estate without staff, Elspeth's resourcefulness in cooking and tending fires creates an intimate situation that forces them to confront both their growing attraction and their intertwined family histories.
OPINION: I found myself drawn into the atmospheric connection between Julian and Elspeth as they searched the Windemere libraries - their first meeting's playful sniffing scene perfectly set the tone for their unique dynamic. I continue to admire how Hoyt creates such distinct, memorable characters, with sunny, capable Elspeth providing a perfect foil to Julian's icy exterior. I was particularly impressed with Julian's complexity as a hero, whose cold facade masks both his secret sexual preferences and his deep-seated trauma regarding his mother's death. I found the romantic elements took an interesting turn with the inclusion of dom/sub dynamics. However, I felt the execution was somewhat uneven compared to Hoyt's usual deft handling of sensual content. I loved how the private library setting and snowbound scenario created intimate opportunities for character development. Elspeth's practical capabilities in cooking and maintaining fires added authenticity to their forced proximity. However, while I enjoyed the individual romance, I was disappointed that the book didn't advance the series' overarching mysteries more substantially – both the family murder plot and the wise women's society storyline felt minimal, with the latter element particularly lacking in development.
WORTH MENTIONING: It's been a long time between books, but I'm glad Hoyt is back and that this series continues.
CONNECTED BOOKS: NO ORDINARY DUCHESS is the third book in the Graycourt series. Although the romance is self-contained, the overarching storylines make this book much better when read as part of the series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley in preparing this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
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There are 3 books in this series.
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About the author
Hoyt's books are so fun
📣 she gets under his skin in such a satisfying wayThanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.You’re pretty much guaranteed steam with an Elizabeth Hoyt historical, but you never know what the plot will be.In No Ordinary Duchess, Lady Elspeth is on the hunt for a manuscript that she thinks could bring the Wise Women back to their roots. Meanwhile, she keeps running into Lord Julian, who feels the immense pressure of keeping his family safe from the machinations of their diabolical uncle.The beginning of this book is particularly adorable. Elspeth gets under Ice King Julian’s skin in the best way. He tries to be buttoned up but she unravels him with her determination, persistent questions, & softness.They’re such a great pair, with him presenting an impenetrable front in public & being emotionally reachable to her in private.Throughout the book things move quickly. This bothered me less in the beginning than in the ending, where I wanted more.But Hoyt serves up a pretty dependably satisfying experience, & this book isn’t an exception.4 ⭐️, out now.
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