Julia Quinn New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James gives the classic Hans Christian Andersen story of T he Ugly Duckling a wonderful, witty, and delightfully passionate twist. Lisa K leypas Nothing gets me to the bookstore faster than a new novel by Eloisa James. Overall I say a very good story and well worth a listen.Avon. She could change gender roles very well and pronounced things clearly and concisely. She moved the story along very well, not reading to fast or to slow. I didn't think I cared for her at first but as the story went on I realized her strength. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Don't we all want to be adored by someone? Theodora's independence and strength are refreshing and a good role model for young girls everywhere. His unwavering love and admiration for Theodora is touching. Although Theodora is not classically beautiful in the eyes of society, her husband James finds her lovely beyond compare. The story is fun and adventurous, it's plot bound up in Hans Christian Anderson's book 'The ugly duckling'. I felt to much attention was payed to things of no interest and not enough to things that were but I can forgive because I really enjoy Eloisa James writing overall. Although there were parts that lagged, overall the story was interesting and fun. James and Daisy (Theodora) were star crossed lovers from the start but torn apart by lies and deceit.

I was pulled right into the story from the beginning. It's always a pleasure to hear her performances. As usual, Susan Duerden does a stellar job of narration. The books I enjoy tend to have some relief along the way, but this one required perseverance.

I had to keep listening because I knew there would be a happy ending - I just wanted to get past the many years of truly miserable lives. For my taste, the pendulum swung too far to extreme sadness and wallowing. I could have gotten past the plot weaknesses if there had been a touch of humor or quirky secondary characters. Even the life changing events are weak - she says 'get out' and he says 'OK' and disappears for seven years. I just couldn't get beyond the passive behaviors of supposedly strong personalities - a take-charge woman and a successful pirate captain - who wallow in misery for years. I didn't get too hung up on the fact that they were raised as siblings. I liked the premise of this book with the ugly duckling and the rich handsome hero who has the character to see past the surface. Sometimes the journey is humorous and sometimes the journey is sad, but the best books have a mix of both.

I accept that these books follow a certain formula with misunderstanding, angst and reconcilliation. I love the pure entertainment found in a well-narrated historical romance novel.

The ugly duchess by eloisa james