Fool for Love (Duchess Quartet Book 2)

This is the second book in the Duchesses Quartet series, it was better than the first but I still found it lacking. However, it does keep a better pace than the previous book. There isn't chapter after chapter dedicated to inane dialogue or scene descriptions that only serve to fill up pages.Henrietta and Simon (Darby) are the main characters in this book but Esme and Sebastian's story is still woven throughout. Henrietta is a local heiress in the village where Esme's country home is located, Darby is the nephew of Esme's recently deceased husband and has just come for a visit to Esme's country estate to "check-in" on his aunt's condition due to the rumors surrounding her reputation. Darby has recently come into guardianship of his step-sisters, this part of the book confused me because his step-mother and father recently passed away leaving a toddler and infant behind. Given the children's age it seemed like they should his half siblings not step siblings because the book gave the impression his father and step-mother had been together for some time and if they hadn't been his father's children I would assume they would have gone to their biological father, but I digress. Henrietta and Simon meet and form an attraction to one another but due to a hip alignment issue Henrietta limps and has been told by several doctors she will be unable to have children as it is the same condition that killed her mother in child birth. Henrietta somehow doesn't understand that martial relations and becoming pregnant are one in the same which is the main issue between she and Simon. Henrietta and Simon's story was fine but I found myself more interested in Sebastian and Esme's story.Sebastian and Esme were introduced in the previous book, now Esme is recently widowed and pregnant while Sebastian has fled to the Continent due to the scandal created in the previous book. Sebastian is still in love with Esme but she is trying to honor her husband's dying wish to become a virtuous, scandal free woman while struggling with her feelings for Sebastian. Their story is full of passion and heartache which is exactly what I want from a HR novel. I'm looking forward to their story which is continued in the next novel.

I loved Henrietta! She is not the cliche "feisty" heroine who is constantly contrary and angry and rash. She is strong-willed, but not stubborn. She knows herself, she's smart, and she's honest. No silly misunderstandings that last the whole book because the heroine can't tell the hero how she feels.Simon didn't fall into a simple mold either. I would have liked to know more about his feelings towards his late Uncle, his Aunt, and his step-sisters. But the important thing was that I knew exactly how he was feeling about Henrietta, and so did she because he showed her and told her.Esme and Sebastian's story is compelling (although not complete in this book). In all, this book manages to be fun and witty, and also portray deeper feelings authentically. It will stay in my library!

Like all her books, this one is an lighthearted , delightful novel, it’s tender, funny and endearing tale of love, can’t go wrong with any book written by Eloisa James!

I laughed out loud so many times while reading this book. There are so many tender moments as well. Well done, Eloisa James! For someone who just recently started reading Kindle books, I am now addicted to authors I had never heard of before. I can read series in order without waiting for a book to be delivered.

I know this was about another charming couple, and it was wonderfully written, but I am following this series to learn more of Esme. That said, love everything about this except the first chapter. I misread/misunderstood for a moment and thought the hero had a rather nasty STD. I was wrong, whew!

I love Eloisa James and this book was no exception. Great characters and just a quick and easy read. No crazy plot that was hard to follow. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a light read.

I have read this story once before. I enjoyed then and now. I love the way the author brings her characters into all the stories. And at the end of each story leaves us wondering what will happen to a certain character. Now, to the next book to find Esme and Sebastian happily ever after. I have already the book once but am looking forward to reading again. The story had intrigue, surprises, betrayal, romance, and a happily ever after.

This was a charming tale that extended the story lines for some of the main characters from ugly duchess. The new characters whose romance was established was satisfying.

Really enjoyed this story, the second in the Duchess quartet. It isnt necessary - strictly - to read them in sequence but it does help, more than most series novels because the characters are very intertwined and often the main plot of the novel has actually begun in the previous work. More than begun really.... she really starts the story in the book before - if you see what I mean.However, this is just an excellent, funny, sensual, romantic story which I thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely keep for re- reading. Both the hero and heroine are thoroughly likeable and attractive and I found the situations in which thy found themselves very amusing.Do read it.

The second book in the 'duchess quartet' is a riveting and entertaining story. Even if you haven't read book one, this is still a great stand alone book. The characters are realistically human, ' The hero and heroine ' are likeable and the author makes you care what happens to them. I really liked this and it's actually better than the first book! Love, love, love!

I am a historical romance junkie ,I love them. Eloisa James doesn't disappoint with the success quartet, this is the second book and I am now hooked. Darby is a great romantic lead , and its lovely that Henrietta has been faced with a physical disability and has the strength in character to overcome society's discriminating and archaic ideals. I am now off to buy the third book in the series.

Absolutely nothing to dislike!

Great