Welcome to the first day of my first try at a book club readalong! Today, we are talking about chapters 1 to 8 from Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy. I hope you enjoy this format!
Since this is a readalong, there will definitely be spoilers ahead so make sure that you’ve either also read chapters 1 to 8, or you don’t intend on reading this book and are just curious, or you simply don’t care about spoilers haha.
Chapter 1
My first thoughts about Elliot were that he was the typical male character in these kinds of books. A Duke who wants to seem proper and does things by the book. Very full of himself. But, unsurprisingly enough, he enjoys traveling, hiding his identity, of course, to visit his mistress. The lady is a breath of fresh air. I honestly didn’t think I would get a female character that seems so strong willed and not all about high society life. I’m intrigued.
Chapter 2
We get a bit of backstory on the lady, Delilah. She’s actually a widow! Surprises here as well! I wasn’t expecting her to have a title as well. The latch on the door is also very conveniently broken haha. But I have to say, I wasn’t expecting them to get together so fast! I thought this was just them meeting and they would have a one night stand at a later time when they saw each other again. This book is not wasting any time!
Chapter 3
The beginning of this chapter just picks right back up in the middle of the sex scene haha. My only question is, why is the author using the word “prick” for his penis? It feels so… vulgar… and weird. Also, in my head, a prick is the same as someone who’s a jerk. So it’s very weird for me to get into the action when I have to remind myself that she’s talking about his penis when she says “prick” haha. They obviously have a great connection and this was the best sex of both of their lives, because if it wasn’t, then there would be no reason for the rest of the book.
Chapter 4
Is it just me, or is it strange how they’re just casually revealing their entire lives to each other, well almost, when they’re complete strangers? I get that this part is mostly for us readers to get a background on both of them, but it feels so weird for them to have a conversation like that right after having sex. They were on top of each other not long ago, and couldn't get their hands off of one another. Suddenly, food’s here! Let’s talk about our personal lives while we eat, after we said this would be a one night stand! Elliot is acting like the complete jerk I was expecting him to be. Commenting about how he’s about to get engaged with an agreeable woman, and then acting all weirded out and maybe disgusted by the fact that Leela’s father married a merchant’s daughter. And of course the second they finish eating they’re back at it. AND HE LEAVES WHEN SHE’S SLEEPING! I’m really disliking this Elliot guy.
Chapter 5
We are now in Lambert Hall, the house of her late husband. She’s catching up with her stepdaughter, Tori. And wouldn’t you know it, SHE’S THE ONE ELLIOT IS GETTING ENGAGED TO!!!! How did I not see this coming! I only figured it out when Tori said she was getting engaged. Before that, it hadn’t crossed my mind at all. Leela wasn’t using her full name! Ohhh gosh, this is going to be so awkward! I love it! And OF COURSE he’s already there. That’s where he was going! I completely forgot he was on his way to see his future betrothed! They’re going to see each other again!
Chapter 6
After vomiting on his shoes, Leela is staying in bed, claiming she’s sick. Good move, girl. But Tori wants her to spend time with the Duke so she can get to know him and tell Tori if he’s a good match for her. Forcing them to spend time together. I love it. And now Edgar, her stepson that’s older than her by two years, barges into her room because she still hasn’t come out and it’s embarrassing him. Great. I do not like this guy. He gives me bad vibes.
Chapter 7
Tori really is super shy around Elliot. She has no problems talking with Foster, Elliot’s secretary. But when she tries talking to Elliot, she just stammers. And that is definitely turning him off. Especially after the conveniently pleasant conversation he had with Leela at the inn. Surely making him realize he wants more than just an agreeable wife.
Chapter 8
Old lady gossip here. Not surprising when hanging out with high society ladies. Leela and Elliot finally get a chance to talk alone! Buuut it goes to shit because she wants to move on so she doesn’t hurt Tori. She’s being mean to him on purpose! Although, with how he thinks, I’m not feeling super bad for him right now. He thinks very highly of himself, and I don’t like guys like that. Those who think they’re better than others.
Predictions
I think, dear stepson Edgar is going to try to force himself on poor Leela. I hope he doesn’t, I really hope. But he gave me such creep vibes, that I can’t help thinking he’s going to try something. Elliot is going to stop him and that’s when the news of him and Leela sleeping together is going to come out! Because Edgar’s ego is going to be bruised. Tori will be so unwanted by the other guys that Foster is going to come save her! They have really good chemistry I feel. I want them to end up together. Then, after trying to stay apart, Elliot and Leela are finally going to give in to passion and get together.
Schedule
December 2nd: Chapters 9-16
December 9th: Chapters 17-24
December 16th: Chapters 25-32 (Chapter 32 being the epilogue)
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