Book Review: Once a Duchess by Elizabeth Boyce

Title: Once a Duchess
Series: Once A…, Book 1
Author: Elizabeth Boyce
Genre: Historical Romance
Sensuality Rating: Sensual
Source: review copy provided by publisher
Published: January 1, 2013 by Crimson Romance

Isabelle Lockwood was a duchess, until her husband of only a few months wrongfully divorced her for adultery. Since then she's been a pariah, living in anonymous exile to escape the prying eyes and wagging tongues of the town. More than anything, Isabelle longs for a family of her own, and so has to marry again. But society is ruthlessly unforgiving. To clear her name, Isabelle must face down her past - and the man who broke her heart and ruined her completely.

Marshall Lockwood, Duke of Monthwaite, was blindsided by his young bride's infidelity. After the divorce Marshall licked his wounds, throwing himself into his botanical studies to forget his disastrous marriage. Now his former wife is back in Town, as beautiful and enticing as he remembers. As the Season throws them together again, Marshall can't shake the feeling that Isabelle might not be the adulteress he took her for.

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Reviewed By: Babs

In a Nutshell: A pleasant read. I think this was a nice, fairly typical historical romance.

Why I Read This Book: I was in the mood for some historical romance.

What I Liked: I don’t think I’ve read any historical romance where the main couple had divorced. Maybe where one or the other had divorced before but with different spouses. That part of the story was interesting to me.

I like that Isabelle was able to make her own way when she’s in financial trouble. That took guts for a titled woman of that time period.

I like Marshall’s sister Naomi and Isabelle’s friend Lily. They are nicely set up for their own stories.

I think the re-kindled romance between Marshall and Isabelle was well done. The sexual chemistry was clearly there. There were moments that demonstrated their emotional connection. I was a little disappointed with those scenes—could have used more.

What I Didn’t Like: I think Isabelle forgave her brother too quickly. I know I wouldn’t have been that forgiving so quickly. And the same with Marshall—she seems to let him back in her life way too easily and quickly.

Marshall seemed weak to me. He gave in to his mother about Isabelle. He eventually figured out what happened years later. I don’t think he groveled enough or redeemed himself enough to earn Isabelle. I was dissatisfied with that aspect of the story.

Overall Impression: This was an okay story for me. I was a bit dissatisfied with how quickly Isabelle forgave her brother and came back to town. I was also disappointed in Marshall and wanted more groveling from him. Otherwise a well written story and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Bab’s Rating: