Say it Like I read it: Review of THE DUKE'S SHOTGUN WEDDING by Stacy Reid

(Blurb from Goodreads.com)

Victorian Era England...

As far as rash decisions go, it was formidable. But Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne's will remains strong. If the only way to save her family's estate and reputation is by aiming a small pistol at the Duke of Calydon, then so be it. For Lady Jocelyn demands satisfaction - and she will have it at any cost. Even if it means demanding the hand of the intense and foreboding Duke himself... But she's made the first move against a very dangerous opponent... For Sebastian Thornton is no stripling to be trifled with. The lady has played her hand. Now it's his turn. For Sebastian is in need of a wife. And to find a wife with spirit and fire - even if she means to only marry for his money - would be a great prize indeed. And he intends to thoroughly take his pleasure with her... and demands his own satisfaction in return.

The way I read it ~

I would have loved more of this story. I felt it wasn't enough. I craved the opportunity to delve deeper into the personalities of Sebastian and Jocelyn. It all felt like a tiny morsel that was neither thoroughly satisfying or enjoyable but was quickly snatched away and hidden in some far off dark corner. I simply wanted MORE. MOOOOOOOOORE!!!!

I think because of the length (too short) of the story, the drama kicked in from the instant the first page was turned. There was no gentle nudge of polite introduction, no perfunctory drivel. I was smacked straight into the drama. And by drama (in pure historical romantic fashion) I mean: Wronged Lady points loaded gun at rakish yet devastatingly handsome and cynical Duke. I knew I'd love it. That was a given. What I didn't expect was the delight of getting to know the main characters better being denied. Nevertheless There were things I enjoyed.

Sebastian and Jocelyn's first meeting was sizzling. I love when the women are fiery and rebellious and the men are dauntingly distrusting and hot blooded. Yikes! I did fan myself a few times. And the other times when I forgot to, this happened...

I did like the witty comebacks from Jocelyn and the fact that she didn't' cower when Sebastian went all I-am-your-husband-and-you-will-obey-me, angry male dominant on her. I would have loved to read more of their initial wedded 'bliss' but that part felt rushed through and I barely got to digest. I have a case of heartburn now.

What didn't I like? Jocelyn was infuriating at certain points where I even yelled at her "What is wrong with you woman?!" The flip side of her fiery temper was the crazed young whip appeal as I called it. Like she had moments when a split personalty would come out. Sebastian was the Lord of Over Reactions. He would get upset so easily and totally dismiss Jocelyn's pleas with such finality that had me reeling and calling him a bastard. The severity of all this was even more apparent because the story was too short! I needed back story, scene lead-ups and more in-depth introduction of the support characters. They kind of just floated in and out of Sebastian-Jocelyn orbit.

I will say though, that the writing was spot on. I pretty much pictured Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy so kudos to Stacy Reid I'm such a fan that I incompletely fell into the story. I even read in a English accent. (not totally weird)

This was a fun, albeit fast read. But lots of fun.