Spoiler

Okay.....first of all, how did Poppy not figure out the problem with her hair for FOUR DAMN YEARS???? Her mother is a psychotic bitch that raised her to believe the worst when it came to the marriage bed. Adding that with her hair problem, it makes sense why she didn't feel anything for her husband. HOWEVER, what I don't understand is WHY IT TOOK HER FOUR YEARS TO REALIZE THIS? Not to mention that she would not have realized it if Fletcher himself did not mention the possibility. How obtuse can Poppy be? I found that so unrealistic. Maybe if the story had taken place right after her marriage....maybe then it would make sense. I think this story would have been more credible if that was the case. It simply doesn't take a woman four years to figure out that there's a problem with her hair and that that's what's preventing her from enjoying her husband's attentions. Not to mention that the only reason she still had her hairdo when her husband came into her bedchamber was because of her mother's strict lessons on formality. Honestly, Fletcher is such a patient and loving husband. I don't know how he managed all this drama tbh.

I really enjoyed the side chapters with Villiers, his cousin and Charlotte. I really liked Charlotte with the cousin -- I wish they had more scenes. I also enjoyed reading about Jemma & her husband. I am DYING to read their story! I am also very curious about Lord Strange. I am excited for the next book now!

I loved [b:Desperate Duchesses|641455|Desperate Duchesses (Desperate Duchesses, #1)|Eloisa James|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347643101s/641455.jpg|627645], but this one wasn't quite as fun for me. The first book was witty in a very Wilde-esque fashion and the second book definitely lacks in that. That's not to say that it doesn't have it's witty moments, but it doesn't have the same vibe that the first book had.

I liked Poppy and thought she was really well developed, but Fletch didn't really do much for me.

I enjoyed seeing Jemma, Beaumont, Charlotte and Villers' story lines continue, but I was disappointed that we didn't see much of Roberta and Damon (although I suppose since she isn't a Duchess...).

What I didn't like was the reason that their "love affair has burned out." It seemed silly to think that in four years it hadn't occurred to Poppy to do things differently. I would have though it much more genuine if it had been strictly her mother's ideas of intimacy that kept Poppy shy in bed.

Fine, I am a sucker for "falling back in love." Really, this only lost a star because I am a total Grinch at Xmas and also treacly baby endings.

I love this one! I'm really loving the odd historical tidbits that pop up here and there in these books. Everyone has some odd fascination, whether it be chess, politics or science etc and it's mind blowing to see how conditioned women were to think and act certain ways. Poppy made my heart break just to see how much she was what her mother wanted not in anyway herself. Her mother was horrible and I hated her but I really liked that Fletch was so in love with her (I sadly had my doubts all the time especially because he didn't really know her) and it was saddening to see how they just went through the motions for FOUR years before they broke. I wouldn't have lasted that long! And the hair! Oh god the hair! As someone with hair that knots VERY easily, I was cringing so hard when he said she had all those tangles. Out of all the things I think his 'love' for her whether he knew her or not was really the sweetest bit. I can get the confusion and stuff with how she responded and it wasn't so frustrating when they didn't quite communicate their issues because it felt authentic I guess? And no one was complaining they were just confused.

Anyway I loved reading it, I didn't want to put it down last night at all, but I did and finished this book a lot quicker than ones I've been reading lately. Very eager for more :)

1.5 actually. I got a problem reading this book. It wasn't much of a bore but the characters, especially with that Duchess of Fletcher and her mother. I found some parts funny and the writing was good. I was even surprised I was able to finish it for a short time.

Rather confusing with three main couples intertwined in some way. This book could probably have been three separate books as it had the different main couples. I would have enjoyed having some of the characters a bit more fleshed out.

This was ok. It was just weird for me to read as I will admit this was unique, but I haven't read too many marriages in trouble tropes. It got better towards the ending.

#Hrreadathon