The Reluctant Duchess ~ Review

The Reluctant Duchess

Ladies of the Manor #2

By Roseanna M. White

In The Lost Heiress we were introduced to Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham. The Reluctant Duchess continues the story in which Brice took possession of a rare treasure from Justin and Eden in an attempt to protect them from those seeking these jewels. With the threat of death now focused on him instead Brice is not in a position of seeking out a bride.  But it seems others have plans for him that include marriage.  And Lady Rowena Kinnaird's family seems determined to see her wed to this English duke and far away from the Scotish Highlands she has called home.

But Brice feels lead to marry this young woman, who is nothing like one would expect of an heiress or the daughter of an earl.  Rowena's life is in danger and Brice is her means of escape, but Rowena is not willing to participate in the subterfuge those closest to her are willing to perpetuate to secure her marriage and her future.

Rowena is a young woman who has been broken and she is unable to trust freely making her a perfect pawn in the treachery that the reader observed in The Lost Heiress as Rowena becomes the newest target of Kitty's friendship.  

Can Rowena learn to trust again before it is too late? Or will she forever be broken and separated from a relationship with the God her new husband urges her to seek? And can Brice see his wife for who she is beneath the layers and years of hurt and betrayal? Can they find her true worth and value?

The Fire Eyes are a continuing lure throughout as Brice works to keep them hidden away until Brook can decide what to do with them - these jewels that have cost her so much. But will they know cost Brice the very woman who is working her way into his heart?

Historical fiction with a touch of intrigue - the perfect way to pass a week-end! These are characters one can empathize with though those who are focused on their selfish desires are harder to identify with. Set in the later half of 1912 in Scotland and England one is taken into another world that is only 100 years ago and yet there are such differences in custom and technology from what we experience today.  If you haven't read the previous book you can still easily follow along and get caught up at a later date.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Will Fleeing the Scottish Highlands Only Leave Her in More Danger?

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she's never felt good enough--not for her father, not for the man she thought she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping those threatening her life.

Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, yet the last thing he needs is the distraction of the newly introduced Lady Rowena. He has enough on his plate having recently come into possession of a rare treasure for which many would kill, yet those around him seem intent on pairing him with this desperate but beguiling girl.

Rowena is reluctant to marry this notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in some kind of questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she'll end up in more danger than she fled.