Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on My Sister Took My Fiancé and Now I’m Forced to Marry the Ugly Duke
First Impressions
Okay, the title is a mouthful, right? And the premise is classic: scorned woman, forced marriage, potential for romance. I dove in expecting a fun, maybe slightly tropey read, and honestly, that's mostly what I got. This web novel has a certain je ne sais quoi that kept me reading, even when I questioned some of the character's choices.
What Works Well
I think the world-building, while not overly detailed, provides a solid backdrop for the story. I found the initial dynamic between the female lead, Lucrezia, and the "Ugly Duke" surprisingly refreshing. He wasn't immediately smitten; in fact, his initial distrust of her felt more realistic than the instant-love trope we often see. I also appreciated the unique element of Lucrezia's strong religious beliefs. It's not something you see often in this genre, and it added a layer of complexity to her character, even if it wasn't always executed perfectly.
Areas of Concern
Here's where things get a little tricky. The biggest sticking point for me, and it seems for many other readers, is Lucrezia herself. While she's presented as intelligent and pious, her actions often come across as naive, even frustratingly so. Her magnanimity towards her sister, who, let's be honest, is a fiancé-stealing menace, stretches the bounds of believability. I understand the author was going for a "bigger person" vibe, but it often felt like she was a doormat, letting her family walk all over her. This lack of agency made it difficult to fully connect with her, even though I wanted to root for her. Also the plot felt rushed at times, and some of the world-building elements, like the kingdom of Rai, could have been explored further.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
Okay, so here's where I delve into some specific plot points that might spoil the story for you. You've been warned!
Several readers pointed out the inconsistencies in Lucrezia's character. She's supposed to be devout, yet she invests her own money, which goes against the teachings of her religion. This contradiction made it hard to understand her motivations. Also, the resolution of the conflict with her sister and ex-fiancé felt a bit too convenient. They essentially get away with their actions, which left a sour taste in my mouth.
Final Verdict
My Sister Took My Fiancé and Now I’m Forced to Marry the Ugly Duke is a mixed bag. It has moments of genuine charm and intrigue, but the flawed protagonist and rushed plot hold it back from being truly great. If you're looking for a light, fluffy read with some interesting twists, it might be worth your time. However, if you prefer strong, independent female leads and meticulously crafted plots, you might want to look elsewhere. I'd give it a tentative 3 out of 5 stars.
