Reluctant Duchess - A Review

Published - April 2016, Bethany House
Series - Ladies of the Manor Book 2
Author - Roseanna M. White
Title - The Reluctant Duchess
Format - ebook, paper
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Lady Rowena Kinnaird is the heir to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt worthy. All her life, her father has belittled her. When the man that she thought she would marry brutally attacks her, Rowena is left broken and bruised. She's afraid to trust anyone and longs to escape her father's home. Brice Mysterson, Duke of Nottingham, is a favorite of London, but he's no stranger to sorrow. He's recently lost his father and has come into possession of a rare treasure. He's not looking to marry while the danger associated with the gems is still so high. Yet when he and his family go to their Highland home, he meets Lady Rowena. There's something about her that stirs his protective instincts. When she's the victim of another attack, Brice proposes marriage to rescue her. Rowena longed to escape, but she didn't expect it would be by marrying a notorious flirt! When she learns that Brice is in danger due to the rare gems, will Rowena be able to trust her husband enough to be safe? And can Brice show his wife that not all men are like those she's known? Will the pair find love together or will they live as strangers for the rest of their lives?

This is book 2 in the series, and I have to say I enjoyed it way more than the first book. I found the first book to be slow, but this one I loved! I do recommend reading the first one before this one though as it explains how Brice came to be in possession of the Fire Eyes. I loved how this book continued the mystery surrounding the Fire Eyes.

I loved how Brice was obedient to the Lord. And how he didn't question the leading. Even when his world was shaken, I loved how steadfast he remained. I loved how he was there for Rowena and that he showed her that she could trust him and love him.

Rowena is so strong. I think that she's a perfect compliment to Brice. While she grew frustrated that he wouldn't listen to her concerns, she did learn to trust him.

The other characters were interesting. Especially the villain. The villain wasn't the person that I would have thought. And as we get into this character's mind, I was shocked at the depth of this particular character's delusions. I wasn't sorry to see this particular character get what was coming.

The third book is going to follow Brice's sister, Ella, and the Fire Eyes to its conclusion. I believe it comes out in the fall, and I'm excited about it.

I received this book for free from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Recommended to fans of Roseanna M. White, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Ladd, Melanie Dickerson, Julie Klassen

Rating - 4 stars