The Day of the Duchess (Scandal & Scoundrel, #3)

by Sarah MacLean

[kimbacaffeinate]

I was anxious to get Malcolm and Seraphina's (Sera) story, although admittedly I wasn't at all fond of Malcolm. Leave it to MacLean to turn my opinion and have me flipping the pages in need of a happily ever after for the Duke of Haven.

Their story is told both in the past and present allowing the reader to see their courtship unfold and what caused Sera to flee. MacLean takes the reader through a gauntlet of emotions from heartbreak to anger and finally understanding.

Sera has spent the past three years abroad and has returned to London determined to gain her freedom. She does so loudly and right away I admired her tenacity and spunk. Indeed at first I whole heartily agreed with her but witnessing her and Malcolm interact assured me these two were far from over. When Malcolm declares he will grant her wish if she agrees to help him find her replacement I knew we were in for quite a treat.

Not wanting to be alone, Sera gathers her sisters and they take up residency at her husband's estate for the summer. The Soiled S's were an absolute hoot. So we have Malcolm, Sera, her siblings, a wild cat and a gaggle of prospective Duchesses and their mothers all gathered for a house party. Can you just picture the mother's vying to have the Duke spend time with them? Of course, Malcolm is determined to change Sera's mind if only he can get a moment alone with her, damn her sisters!

MacLean delighted me with wicked banter, outrageous conversations and immeasurable frustration at this pair. While they certainly had a lot to overcome, Sera was stubborn and I adored how the author shed light and worked her magic.

Sera brings a new character with her, one who has caught the attention of Sesily. She was quite bold and I look forward to their story.

I must warn you the tale is filled with angst and is sure to completely distract readers from the outside world. The beginning began a little slow for me with the back and forth timeline but I was soon hooked and unable to set it aside. Looking back, the past timeline was essential to understanding both characters. It set the foundation for all of the emotions MacLean pulls from the reader. THE DAY OF THE DUCHESS ranks among my favorite MacLean books.

Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer