The Devilish Duke Can’t Sleep

My Thoughts on The Devilish Duke Can’t Sleep

The Devilish Duke Can’t Sleep is a novel I went into with mixed expectations, and I have to say, the experience was equally varied. While it has its charms, it’s not without its drawbacks. It's a story that seems to promise a sweet romance set against a backdrop of curses and aristocracy, and in some ways, it delivers.

First Impressions

Initially, I found myself a little underwhelmed. The first several chapters are very introductory, and I could see why some readers felt it took a while to really grab them. The female lead, Lena, is presented as kind and optimistic, which is refreshing, but I can understand how some might find her a bit too saccharine at first. The male lead, the "Devilish Duke," is a traumatized soul, and while that's intriguing, it also felt like familiar territory.

What Works Well

What truly shines in this novel is the central relationship. I loved watching the slow burn between Lena and the Duke, as they learn to trust and understand each other. The Duke's character development, as he gradually opens up and heals, is particularly well-done. I also appreciated how the author subverted some common tropes, like the Duke's mysophobia being more nuanced than the typical CEO-like coldness. The world-building, while not always the primary focus, is also fairly well-crafted, with some interesting political intrigue that gets introduced a bit later in the story. I found the refreshing take on political setting to be a nice change of pace, where the country is ruled by a queen, but the problem is that she has yet to bear a girl.

Areas of Concern

Unfortunately, the novel does stumble in certain areas. Several readers mentioned that the plot can drag on, with the pacing feeling slow at times. I agree that there are sections where the story gets bogged down in unnecessary details, and the political maneuvering can feel more like filler. I also found the consistency of the characters to be a bit of an issue. Lena, in particular, seems to fluctuate between being sensible and surprisingly naive, which can be frustrating.

Final Verdict

Overall, The Devilish Duke Can’t Sleep is a decent read if you’re looking for a sweet and slow-burn romance with a touch of fantasy. While it's not perfect and has some pacing and character consistency issues, the charming central relationship and refreshing subversion of tropes make it an enjoyable experience. I would recommend it for those who appreciate character-driven stories over fast-paced plots.