The Reluctant Duchess (Ladies of the Manor Book #2) - eBook

I've been a member of Ms. White's launch team for a while now and I can say that even if I wasn't, I would have nothing but positives to say about this book. It has everything a fan of historical fiction could want--mystery, danger, romance, love. My heartstrings were pulled on more than one occasion and I might have even shed a few tears. Rowena's story is tragic yet holds such a sense of renewal. It doesn't hurt any that Brice is one of the best fictional characters I've read in a long time. His bulwark faith is phenomenal.

The Reluctant Duchess (Ladies of the Manor) is a solid five-star read. It's book two in the Ladies of the Manor series so be sure and grab a copy of The Lost Heiress first. You won't want to miss the awesome beginning to this series. I highly recommend it to any fan of historical fiction.

I was provided a copy of the book from the author and publisher for review purposes only. Only my honest opinion of the book is required. No compensation has been received.

Beautiful. Sigh-worthy. I swooned my way through The Reluctant Duchess. I fell head-over-heels in love with Brice, and I still have yet to recover. The romance was sweet, the mystery exciting and the characters flawed, but lovable. If youre looking for a breath-taking Edwardian love story, The Reluctant Duchess is for you!

I was given a copy of the book by the author in exchange for my honest review.

I was a little apprehensive to start reading Roseanna Whites The Reluctant Duchess due to the fact that it was book two in the series and I had yet to read book one. It is always hard to know whether or not books in a series can stand alone in a way where the reader can dive into the story without feeling confused that they missed some integral part to the storyline or if it is imperative that they be read in order. I was so glad that The Reluctant Duchess did not fall into the latter category, as I was able to jump right in and fully immerse myself into Rowena and Brices story. I think the author did a wonderful job of not giving the reader too much backstory of the previous book, but just enough to where we were not completely puzzled by the events happening in the story.

There were so many things that I absolutely loved about this book. One of them being the beautiful cover. The old saying dont judge a book by its cover, has never been something I completely agreed with. I consider myself a harsh critic of book covers, but from the first glance at The Reluctant Duchess I knew without a doubt that it possessed grace and simplicity, while at the same time emanating mystery and intrigue. With that first perusal I knew it would be a book I would greatly enjoy, and I was right. Another thing that I loved was the innate ability the author possessed to be able to pull you in to the story in a way where you did not just simply live in the story, you became a part of the story. Those are the types of books that I enjoy and appreciate the most, because I feel like it truly opens our minds to worlds that we would never have had the chance to be a part of, but have the ability to because of the portal the book supplies us with.

If you are looking for a book that has the perfect amount of romance mixed with just the right amount of suspense, then this is the book for you. As a word of advice, you might want to pick a day when you have nothing to do, because this book is hard to put down once you get started.

*I received a complimentary copy of The Reluctant Duchess from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest opinions.

This book by Roseanna M. White is the second in the Ladies of the Manor series. Lady Rowena Kinnaird is the heiress to a Highland earldom, but due to her father's harshness and abuse she has never felt worthy of her future role. After the man she was intended to marry attacks her in the most vicious way, she finally has the courage to stand against her father's wishes. In an effort to rescue a broken woman, Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, offers to marry her on impulse. Rowena accepts but after they are married she is reluctant to become intimate because of her fear of men. Faced with the possibility of carrying her attacker's child, she is forced to rely on the good graces of her husband. When she finds that her husband has secrets involving precious jewelry and sketchy people, she is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery... even if it means betraying her husband's trust.

Until now, I have not read anything from this author. This book was able to be read as a stand alone even though there is a previous book in the series. Many of the characters obviously have connections from the first book but it was easy to understand the limited explanations in this book. Rowena faces several dark plots including: childhood abuse from her father, rape from her suitor, threats and rage from her attacker, nightmares and fear following the trauma of her attack, etc. She is portrayed as a weak and fearful woman. The rape is explained but not too much detail (I have read much worse rape scenes in other books not from this author). I can understand why some people may be unable to handle this type of scene though. The patience and understanding that Brice has with Rowena is refreshing but I'm not sure is completely believable. He honestly seems way too good to be true. Since it is a fiction book, I can look past that. Brice also has a strong relationship with God. He seems to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance and recognizes when he fails. He is a man who prays a lot. Rowena slowly comes out of her shell and recovers emotionally due to her husband's love and security. One thing that I did not really like was the strong Gaelic accent and wording that Rowena and the other Highlanders have. It took me awhile to get used to it. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction, romance, suspense, and intense plots.

In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission I am required to disclose that Bethany House provided this book for free in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

It is really hard to read a book when you have melted into a puddle of goo over the hero. Seriously, there's no where for your glasses to rest for one thing. And you have to keep taking breaks to try to solidify yourself. And reading The Reluctant Duchess in a heat wave? Not advisable. Because Brice is undoubtedly one of the most delectable heroes I have met in a long time. He'd give Prince Charming a run for his money in charmingness. Flirtatious -- oh my -- start fanning yourself now. He's clever and witty and perhaps a little too sure of himself where women are concerned. No worries of an inflated ego though. Rowena takes care of that. :-) And the thing I love most about him? He is unapologetically faith-filled. A man who follows the promptings of the Spirit even when they don't make sense.

Rowena has been brutalized by the men in her life so she doesn't quite recognize what a gem Brice is. She's always looking for his angle. Fueling her anger over past injustices and taking them out on him. So reluctant to trust. Unwilling to believe that God could ever notice her so she is utterly confused by Brice's faith. Another barrier to keep them apart. And she's an expert at putting up barriers. One after the other until Brice gently tells her that he expects nothing but that she be the woman God made her to be. And then he gives her the freedom to do just that.

Honestly, the way faith is woven into the foundation of this story is astounding. And just because Brice allows himself to be led by the Spirit doesn't mean he always gets it right. Especially where Rowena is concerned. But what a sweet, joyous experience it was to watch her take those first tentative steps toward a relationship with God. Not only did my romance loving heart sing over this book but my inspiration seeking soul was nurtured as well.

And then there's the Highland location, the rich Gaelic folklore, a full cast of intriguing characters, some of whom we met in The Lost Heiress! Serious intrigue, sinister enemies, a priceless treasure that may or may not be cursed. What more could you ask for in a book? Except maybe exquisite historical details, witty banter, toe-curling romance....well, you get the idea. The Reluctant Duchess is pretty much this bibliophile's idea of sweet perfection.