I'm sure this book would be some people's idea of a great read but unfortunately it's not for me. I found it stilted and unrealistic in an unenjoyable way.
DNF at about 45% mark.
2 stars (mostly for the cover!)

This one was even worse than its predecessor.

The heroine was a cold, emotionally-stinted bitch, but without the requisite explanation as to why she was that way. I guess Ms Monroe wanted her to come across as eccentric, but the girl was just a cold, emotionally-stinted bitch. Especially once she turned her eye onto the hero as a replacement for the corpse she's been trying to resurrect for the past six months.

The hero was flat and one-dimensional, the "romance" completely nonexistent...The entire story was an utter disappointment.

This is adorable for what it is; I really loved the overall essence of it. However, I <i>really</i> wish it had been expanded, because I think it could've been a great book if it been like a standard 250-350-ish pages. Largely because of the length, I think, it was kind of abrupt and a little "wait, what?" I actually stopped and checked to make sure I hadn't missed a part at one point.

That being said, I was into it. I'm definitely keeping an eye out for Erica Monroe in the future.

'I am not duchess material!'

Macabre premise of a determined, scientifically gifted, young woman who loves her guardian and mentor so much that she attempts to bring her back to life. This makes for a marvellous literary opportunity.
Felicity Fields is somewhere on the autism spectrum. Her passion is chemistry. With the death of her beloved guardian Aunt Margaret, she throws her energies into alchemy and the search for the elixir of life, and the creation of the Philosophers stone. Felicity's desire to bring her aunt back to life, based on her absolute love for her, is an overwhelming fixation. And time is running out!
Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe, has been slightly in awe of Felicity from childhood. He is inured, although not immune, to her habits and forthright manner. He has returned to Tewbury, partly for a friend's wedding and partly to 'do the right thing' and bring Felicity to London to have a season, fulfilling his duty and obligations due her. Something Felicity has no time or inclination for.
Recently disappointed by his failure to have his Night Watch Bill passed in the House of Lords, his initial encounters with Felicity bring that home to him. My thoughts were that had he a determined Felicity by his side, applying her logical thought processes to his problems, perhaps things might have been different for his Bill's process. (But then maybe not, as Felicity is decidedly lacking in the social understandings.) As Felicity so succinctly stated, she's not duchess material, but then again, never has a person been more confident in who she is.
I really liked Felicity, her forthrightness, her passion, her willingness to follow her dreams, and I really liked her friends, the little we saw of them.
This novella is certainly an entertaining gothic addition to the series.

A NetGalley ARC

I had a hard time with this book, I think it was just a little bit too far out there for me.

Usually I really enjoy Monroe's novels but this one was a little over the top. To be a chemist - well, okay - but an alchemist who wants to raise somebody from the death - nope. It was too much. Next to that I did not feel any connection to this heroine and I read tons of Regency novels, this on was ... yeah, kind of boring. Unfortunately.

*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

Erica Monroe tips her hat to Mary Shelley in the Determined Duchess. This is the story of a scientifically minded and lonely girl trying to bring back her deceased guardian. Felicity and Nicholas grew up knowing each other. He has inherited the estate and has come to take her to London to prepare her for society and finding a husband. She does not agree. They don’t see eye to eye on the science, but can they find a way to see heart to heart in love?

The book was a gift. The review my own.

Felicity Fields was an orphan but had been taken in by Margaret and Randall Grantham, the sixteenth Earl and Countess of Tetbery. Her studies of Alchemy was very important to her. She wanted to play Frankenstein and bring Margaret back. She was so tired of being alone. Nicholas Harding, Duke of Wycliffe, had missed Margaret's funeral. They played when young until she discovered Science. She was a very exacting person, had no use for society and she did not really get along with people.
There are some twists and it is all a bit strange but it very good. The way he finds out about her experiments scares him to death. She is so different from everyone else. He wants to give her a season, something she never had, but she does not want it. I loved this, especially in the mausoleum, when he saw what she was up to. He could not believe it. This is a tale of some intrigue and it does seem kind of spooky, too.
I received this ARC free and voluntarily reviewed it.

‘Death had taken everyone Felicity Fields had ever loved’
Miss Felicity Fields is no stranger to loss. Having recently lost her guardian, Felicity is determined to use her knowledge of alchemy and create a philosopher’s stone to reanimate her. Time is running out as her guardian’s remains will only last so long. Complicating matters, the heir to the estate will come to claim his property.
Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe, has long been fascinated by his aunt’s ward. Bitter at the defeat of his first Bill in the House of Lords, he returns to his aunt’s home in time for Christmas.
Will he support Felicity in her macabre experiment or force her from the only home she has ever known?
This gothic novella is certainly not for the faint of heart. There are descriptions of autopsy and embalming. However, I found myself engrossed in the story. I loved Felicity as a character she is not a typical heroine. The locals consider her strange. She is blunt spoken, unable to understand emotion or metaphors, obsessed with science and awkward in social situations. It would not be for another one hundred years that autism became a recognised condition.
The issue with the book was the romance. While I did like both characters and felt they were made for each other, it was rushed. The obstacles were overcome too easily. An otherwise excellently detailed story was let down by this.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the first gothic book I’ve read since childhood. The storyline kept my attention and provided characters that had depth and pluck enough about them, that I kept thinking about them long after I closed the book.

It will be a genre that I take on with more interest, as I plan to read the rest of this very engaging series. Lots of great passages;Four stars. Highly recommend.

Felicity Fields is trying to use alchemy to resurrect her guardian Margaret; however, Margaret’s nephew, Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe has now become Felicity’s new guardian. In his role, he also takes ownership of the home that Felicity feels is hers. Felicity fears that Nicholas will put an end to her pursuits, including the creation of the Elixir of Life. Nicholas is also filled with trepidation in meeting Felicity after years apart, as he has never understood her. On meeting, they begin to realise their previous feelings for each other, have grown into something more.
The Determined Duchess was an interesting read, with a mix of both the macabre and romance. Whilst this is part of a series, this book can be read as a stand-alone.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Reads like a full story, no sex a bit dark in the writings of what Felicity did with the body, it was a bit unsettling for me. HEA, duel povs.
She needs to hurry and figure out the recipe for making the mythological philosopher’s stone to bring her dead guardian/aunt back to life within a 6 months and her time is nearing to crucial point when Nickolas shows up 6 years from the last time he visited. Nick wants to drop Lissie off at his sister for her guidance into getting Lessie ready for the ‘ton’ in London (his sister is a stiff upper lip kind of woman and looks and puts Lessie down for her scientific thinking). Nick knows Lessie is hiding something important and when he does he needs to talk her down from the plan she has. Can he show her love and being alive is better then dabbing in the no’s of life???

I’m a bit stumped where to even start reviewing this book. I’ve read Regency romances with determined heroines before, even ones interested in science, and ones with supernatural themes.

I’ve never read one where the heroine was an alchemist determined to reanimate her dead adoptive mother.

To his credit, the hero reacts very well when he discovers the object of his affection is dabbling in necromancy. But then, he’s known Felicity all her life. I still think I’d have been backing away slowly, looking around nervously for the villagers with pitchforks and burning stakes.

The author really made the alchemy part of the storyline work, and Felicity’s background was such that the level of her grief was perfectly understandable. Nicholas, the hero, was marvellous too, especially as he came to realise how badly he’d treated Felicity in the past simply because he didn’t understand her. The way he apologises was delightful; I haven’t seen a lovely apology since Mr. Darcy.

Though this isn’t the first in series, it stands perfectly well alone. The narrative centers almost entirely on Nicholas and Felicity, other characters only making very minor appearances.

The only problem I had with the story is that there seems to be a sudden jump in the romance from Felicity and Nicholas kissing, to her declaring that she would make a terrible duchess, to Nicholas telling her she’ll be fine. There wasn’t really much in the way of actual ‘falling in love’, at least, not from Felicity’s side. Frankly, there didn’t seem to be much in the relationship for her, especially since Nicholas had already told her he’d permit her to remain at the estate with funds to continue her research.

The alchemy and science part of this story was wonderfully researched and written, as was the characterisation, but the romance felt really rushed, and for that, I can’t give it five stars. It’s a solid four, though, and definitely one of the more unusual premises I’ve seen for a historical romance!

A very entertaining book.
I seem to have read many new publications lately where the heroine is on the autistic spectrum. Felicity unfortunately is also the proverbial 'mad scientist' and has an obsession with bringing someone back to life. Some of the things she does to create the process is just icky and not something I would normally associate with a Regency Miss. She simply appeared to be batty and I adored her for it as did Nicholas who had the patience of a saint.
I enjoyed this story a lot and so I will definitely check out the rest of the series

Felicity Fields guardian has died and she plan to use her knowledge of chemistry to resurrect the woman who was loved like a mother to her. Margaret's nephew, Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe is Felicity’s new guardian and rightful owner of her home on the wild coast of Cornwall. She fears he’ll stop her research and lose her opportunity to mixing the Elixir of Life to resurrect his Aunt, but what she doesn’t expect is the unexpected reaction she has to Nicholas and his passion. Nicholas has never understood his aunt’s ward or her strange scientific studies. The last thing Nicholas wants is a ward especially one whom he never got along as a child. Maybe he should send her to London to make a proper match, but he can’t stop thinking about her or his reaction to her every time they’re together. What magic will it take for Felicity and Nicholas realize they’re meant to be together, she’s no longer alone she has Nicholas to stand by her side.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

3.5 stars

I absolutely loved the unique take that this book bought, it had a great ambiance. The story idea was well crafted with two great characters, she was esp interesting. It was a little creepy and macabre and I thought that was good.

But it wasn’t that historically accurate an unmarried lady and a Duke would not be living in the same house. And I also struggled with how they hadn’t seen each other for 6 years but quickly progressed their romance. I didn’t quite buy it

Felicity Fields has lost everyone she has ever loved to death, but she plans to change that. She is close to figuring out the formula for the Elixir of Life, an ancient alchemy recipe that promises eternal life, healing powers and possibly the power to raise the dead. Since the death of her adopted mother, Margaret, Countess of Tetbury, Felicity has been consumed with unlocking the secret of the Philosopher's Stone and reviving Margaret. She has gone to great lengths to ensure success, but she is running out of time and now with the return of Nicholas, Duke of Wycliffe, she is not sure she can continue her experiments without alerting him.

Nicholas, had not seen Felicity in six years, but he spent many summers with his Aunt Margaret and knows Felicity very well, she is by far the smartest person he knows and the most socially inept. Now that Margaret is dead, Felicity is his ward and he feels it necessary to take her to London and find her a husband. But he is not prepared for the attraction he feels towards her or for the secrets she is hiding.

This a very well written novella, it is a tiny bit on the creepy side, but it packs a powerful punch of emotion and the power of friendship and love. My heart broke for Felicity and I loved Nicholas, these two sort of reminded me of Brennan and Booth from Bones - they are complete opposites, yet perfect for each other. The story has some heartache, some fascinating scientific theories and a very touching ending.

This novella was originally released in the [book:Charmed at Christmas|35533038] anthology and it is the second in the Gothic Brides series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title with no problem at all.

After the death of her beloved guardian Margaret, Miss Felicity Fields is left alone with an uncertain future. This blunt bluestocking has a secret, she’s determined to resurrect her guardian through the ancient art of alchemy. The last thing she needs is the return of Nicholas Harding, the Duke of Wycliffe and rightful owner of her home on the wild coast of Cornwall. When they were children, Nicholas never understood his aunt's brilliant but unemotional ward, or her many scientific studies. An engrossing read, the author’s characterisation is always so very good & even in a short story the characters have life & depth. A delightful short story that I read in one sitting, the story is well paced, it took a little while for me to like Felicity but as the story progressed I liked her more & more. Nicholas is lovely & brought a smile to my face.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This book is more of a 3.5 in my book but it was a nice quick read. I would have enjoyed if the story was longer and little more in-depth. The story was written fairly well I can tell the author did research and even had a nice section to explain certain discrepancies. I will likely read this again. I would also recommend this to others.

I requested, and received, this ARC with a promise that I would give a fair and honest review. A scientist and a duke walk into an estate and the only thing that can interrupt their determination is a multi-faceted explosion. This is a novella so it is pretty short. It is probably suitable for those not wanting eroticism.