The Duchess Diaries [Mass Market Paperback]

Mia Ryan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

When not carpooling, scraping gum off seatbelts, doing laundry and staring insanity in the face, Mia Ryan likes to escape into her writing. You can also read Mia Ryan's "A Dozen Kisses" in The Further Observations of Lady Whistledown, an Avon book published in February 2003.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (November 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006051969X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060519698
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #284,041 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Different kind of romance, but worth your while., January 19, 2004

By 

J. Miller "book lover in CA" (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Duchess Diaries (Mass Market Paperback)

When I saw that Mia Ryan's book had been released, I was very excited. I loved her story in Lady Whistledown and could not wait to read more of her work. I almost did not buy Ms. Ryan's book when I read the reviews below, but I am glad I gave the book a chance. The story is not the same "everything is happiness as long as you have on a gorgeous dress and a handsome man on your arm" kind of book most of us are used to. In fact, it is quite the opposite.

Lady Lara does not fit into the lady-like mold that Society demands. In fact, the harder she tries, the worse it is. The people she meets are horrible and the only people she enjoys spendng time with are misfits like herself.

While the story is not the fairy tale readers may expect, the story is fun and I defy anyone not to laugh at the Unfortunate Incident with Lord Cartwright. Give Mya Ryan's book a chance. There are some lovely parts and quite a few chuckles. I expect we shall be seeing books telling Lady Lara's sisters' stories in the coming years. Frankly, I can't wait to see what is in store for them, especially Rachel!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, March 29, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Duchess Diaries (Mass Market Paperback)

Because I adored "A Dozen Kisses" in the Whistledown anthology, I purchased this novel. As with most romances, the plot was a bit predictable (gorgeous male lead meets feisty, headstrong female, hijinks ensue). But I enjoyed it anyway, because it was fast paced, witty and well-written. Granted, some scenes could have been better, but none were wretched enough to ruin the novel.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Darling Debut to an Enjoyable Series, March 13, 2004

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Duchess Diaries (Mass Market Paperback)

Lara Darling is both a `darling' heroine and a sometimes - actually quite often - walking disaster whose exuberance for life gets her into so much trouble. Lara can't quite back off from anything, especially if someone says, "I dare you!" It is these words precisely that came to Lara through her dear and loving grandmother's will and diaries that convince her to go to London for one season to find a wealthy husband. Finding a husband is the last thing Lady Lara Darling ever wanted to do! Why, she'd have to behave like a lady - not drive a coach, not shoot guns, or even swear - my goodness! But her grandmother knew her granddaughter best and with that dare in mind, Lara set out.

Before Lara even arrived in London, she is somewhat impressed by a daring feat of driving of a coach and four by a driver known as `The Baron', Griff Hallsbury. Griff, the coachman was devastatingly handsome and something of a mystery and probably the first man Lara had ever been attracted to. Lara was overheard to boast that the driving feat could be accomplished by herself and just had to prove it. Griff, not forgetting his once elevated station in life realized how if it became known who she was it could ruin her before she ever reached London. Pretending she was a `Mrs. Hastings', he came to her rescue and alleviated her first social disaster. Their paths would cross several times during the season as he always seemed to `be there' when she needed him yet the mystery of who he was and the undeniable attraction between them would grow as well as Lara's frustration that she just would never find a husband or be happy as a wife. As she soon recognized her love for Griff, she was recognized and blackmailed by people from Griff's past that were seeking revenge by placing them in a race to humiliate him and unmask her. Both would then have to `race' to save the other.

I found this to be a totally delightful, fast paced and immensely enjoyable light-hearted romance with just a light touch of suspense and danger. The lead couple was absolutely made for each other and their chemistry was skillfully written. The addition of the grandmother's diary entries was a nice touch that gives the readers insight into the characters and their relationship. The secondary character development of Lara's sisters was a very key and enjoyable entry into the plot and the reader will, as I do, look forward to a continuation of the series as the Darling sisters foray into town for love and romance. The author uses great imagery, witty dialogs, and unusual situations that will leave you chuckling - the `unfortunate incident' with Lord Cartwright is an absolute hoot not to be missed. Bottom line, this is going to be a wonderful series if the first book is any indication of what's in store for the rest of these `darling' sisters! --- Submitted by Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com ---