Review: Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean
I am constantly delighted by Sarah MacLean.
Eleven Scandals was an excellent cap to this series. It has an excellent balance between seeing plenty of our old friends from earlier in the series and moving forward with the story of the couple this book focuses on. I regret to inform whoever reads this that I have absolutely joined the ranks of people who wish desperately for a Benedick book. I know we are never receiving a Benedick book, but I want one very, very much. About halfway through the book, I decided he would be a perfect hero in a marriage of convenience book, that because funny later. But if by some miracle we get a Benedick book, I will be delighted.
I really truly loved the power dynamics of this book. I am such a sucker for a "you are not good enough for me" to "I am not good enough for you" journey. Simon is exactly the kind of haughty representation of patriarchal values hero that MacLean is so skilled at executing. She is so skilled at writing these men and giving them an incredible arc to where they are materially changed. Both by the heroine and by the realization that the values they clung to were harmful to themselves and to those they love. I shall eat this up for forever. If anyone at any time wants to talk romance novels and feminism with me, I am here.
I cried like three times while reading this book. MacLean is excellent at manipulating my emotions. I also laughed a lot while reading. This is by no means a rom-com, but it is certainly very funny. I also adore all of the mythology references MacLean puts in her books. Basically, I had an excellent time and do not have the ability to put my thoughts elegantly. I just had a delightful time reading.
I gave this book five stars.
