The Courtesan Duchess (Wicked Deceptions, #1)

by Joanna Shupe

[stacey_is_sassy]

DNF at 35% no rating as I did not finish.

Well, my first attempt using my new Romance Package from Audible was unfortunately not to my liking. I checked out a few reviews and saw that I wasn't alone. Now, unlike others, I kind of knew that I'd be meeting a douchewaffle hero who has no respect for his wedding vows. Where I differ, is that it wasn't my biggest problem (it was a problem, just not my biggest problem). Unfortunately, the narration, mixed with the storyline didn't work. Now, I actually liked the narrator's voice and think she did an OK job, but her reading the sex scenes made my skin crawl.

Now, talking about the sex scenes...it was described as "sweet" on Audible. Bloody Hell!! If that's sweet, I'd love to see what steamy was like. The hero was smarmy and lecherous and not at all what I'm used to in my Historical Romance reads. I don't mind sexy and dirty talk but this did not get my heart pumping or turn me on at all. I suppose the justification was that he thought he was talking to a courtesan?!?

Can't say I'm a fan of the hero and I don't think the rest of the story was long enough to be able to convince me that he could change his spots. I'll pass on The Courtesan Duchess and go searching for something else.

Quite a few positive reviews so don't judge this story on my review alone. Also, keep in mind that I was listening not reading. It may have been a better experience if I didn't have to "hear" him.