Playing Through Every Choices Book In Order (Part 108: Desire & Decorum, Book 2)

Hey! Today we revisit a series I didn't finish the first time around as we attempt to escape our forced engagement to Duke Richards.

Next time, we deal with our dead half-brother coming back from the grave...and with ill will towards us.

Link to previous reviews: https://www.reddit.com/user/stresseatingdog/comments/sj3s3m/all_choices_reviews_megapost/

Desire & Decorum, Book 2

M/C: Anjali Valentine

Love Interest(s): Mr. Sinclaire

Favorite Characters: Mr. Sinclaire, Ms. Parsons, Prince Hamid, Mr. Harper, Briar, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Konevi

Least Favorite Characters: Duke Richards, Countess Henrietta

Rating: 9.5/10

Review:

I truly adore this book, and I feel like it is one of the best period piece Choices books we've gotten thus far.

The plot is engaging, and that in part is due to how effective Duke Richards is as a villain. He is so utterly detestable and loathsome that taking him down is so, so satisfying. Collecting clues against him and trying to defy him whenever possible is a great conflict that covers the entire book. The pacing is also well done, I thought.

My main LI was Mr. Sinclaire, but I do like how the book lets you have an open choice up till the very end in terms of which LI you will marry in the next book. Mr. Sinclaire himself is one of my favorite LIs in a genderlocked book. I love how deeply he cares for M/C and how his stoic facade is broken away as he gets to know her. The other three LIs are all really good characters as well, and my favorite is Ms. Parsons.

The Dowager Countess is infuriating at the beginning, but it's nice that she comes to her senses later. It's still awful that she puts M/C into the Duke Richards situation and doesn't heed M/C's warnings. Countess Henrietta's betrayal was really minor, but I can overlook that because I like the moments of her and M/C partnering up.

I love the side romances in this book too. I chose to have Briar end up with Mr. Marlcaster, because I really like the way that relationship develops both of them. I also adore Mr. Chambers and Mr. Konevi's romance so much.

Why the .5 off? While I understand why this series is genderlocked, it doesn't mean I can't be sad about it, no? None of the period piece books on this app are GOC, and it's just kinda depressing at times. I fully understand why, for realism, the genderlock exists, I really do. It just sucks that tweaking and altering couldn't be done to make an experience for all.

Overall, though, I really enjoyed this book. It is a wonderful sequel to the first that ups the ante in a natural way, and kept the charm and world so consistent and perfect throughout. Hopefully we end on a high note with Book 3!