Julia and the Duke

Bluestocking Brides, Book 2

By: Samantha Holt

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

"One of them might now be a viscountess, but it does not clear the taint of scandal from those frightful Chadwick girls. Why we must deign to entertain them, I will never know!" - Lady Bromsley, Countess of Marlbury

A new duke moving into their sleepy village doesn't interest Julia, especially when she hears all about his scandalous behavior in London. Rumors of gambling debts, illicit liaisons, and pub brawls surround the far-too-handsome Duke of Weston. And the far-too-handsome duke happens to want to build a mill on her favorite nature spot, meaning Julia's beloved otters will be homeless.

No matter what she says, the stubborn man will not back down, but this bluestocking will not give up easily. With the help of her sisters, she must find a way to persuade him to make money another way.

If only the far-too-handsome duke did not seem to enjoy riling her so much. If only he would not insist on getting under her skin and pretending to be interested in her. All this talk of liking redheads and freckles will not make her forget those animals in need.... Will it?

©2017 Samantha Holt (P)2017 Samantha Holt

Self-righteous Plot

Julia is annoyingly self-righteous, judgmental, and unaware of anything besides what she is fixated on. She was incredibly difficult to like.

The author superimposed today’s values on a historical character.

Otters, Love or Both?

Julia was very intent on making sure the Otters were protected.

Guy, the Duke moved to keep his younger brother out of trouble but it isn't working.

Julia and Guy meet, he is impressed with her while she thinks he is full of himself. Does she really feel that way or does she find him attractive and desirable?

I recommend you read this book after the first book of this series but it's not necessary. I enjoyed listening to this book very much and recommend it to you too.

Again the narrator made the story come alive with her voice inflections.

boring..boring...boring

What would have made Julia and the Duke better?

nothing, but not written this book. It was a waste of time and money

What could Samantha Holt have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I think SH is just a poor writer. I have read 2 books and I don't plan on reading anymore. She is just not very good.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Stevie Zimmerman?

SZ is a good narrator, but the sound quality of her recordings are always so poor. I have heard it described as if it was recorded in a bathroom stall and I agree. SZ needs a better recording studio where her talents can shine.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Julia and the Duke?

All the scenes regarding otters. I just think that was a little weird.

Any additional comments?

I thought a shorter book would be better, but SH isn't even a good enough writer for a novella.