| Title | : | The Dukes Perfect Wife (MacKenzies McBrides, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 296 |
| Publication | : | First published April 3, 2012 |
Hart has it all—a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him—his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss—his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late.
Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes—and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination—Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him... or save him.
The Dukes Perfect Wife (MacKenzies McBrides, #4) Reviews
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3.5 stars
First read 5/6/2015
Reread 8/22/2016
Re-Reread 6/29/2017
Re read 7/26/2020
I am not going to do a review on this book. I am just going to say that it was a good book, but no where near as good as the others. Hart annoyed me a lot in this book. I still liked him but the things he did drove me batty. I wasn't really feeling this couple. Ian is in this book a lot and that made it better. The thing that I didn't like about this book was the couple is apart for 8 years. They broke up for what I feel is a stupid reason and I don't like all the wasted time. Even after they get back together they are apart a lot and I don't like that! Still a good read and I am on to the next book.
http://jessicasoverthetopbookobsession.blogspot.com/ -
“You need to stay far away from me, Eleanor Ramsay. You say you don’t need protection, but that is exactly what you do need. From me.”
Another great installment on the Highland Pleasures series, loved it, even though I expected more from this book, but oh well :D Hart and Eleanor were great, and I'm looking forward to the next book and seeing more of them together :)
The story
Eleanor Ramsay receives a photograph of her former fiancé, Hart Mackenzie, and decides to pay him a visit and ask for a job. The job would be finding out who sent the photo, because it's of Hart, completely nude. Something like that could seriously damage his political career, and besides, she needs the money now.
Having announced his wish to marry again, Hart has only one woman in sight for the position, Eleanor. He couldn't have planned it better himself, although the photo is a serious matter, it brought her to his house, and got him a way to be close to her, to make Eleanor his again.
Soon Eleanor starts investigating for real, going through Hart's past, which Hart doesn't want, and everything will become even more complicated after someone tries to kill him. Is the assassin the same person who is sending the letters? And will Hart and Eleanor be able to forgive and forget their pasts and start over?
Hmmm :DDDDD"I’ll not be your perfect wife, Hart Mackenzie, obeying you because it’s my duty. I’ll search until I find you, and I’ll make you stay this time. I swear this."
Well, like in the previous books, we get to see the family again, and it brings that something special to the story :) Ian's role was more pronounced in this one, and I'm not complaining LOL
The mystery in this one was interesting, the whole thing with the letters, although I had a suspicion early on about who could be the one sending them, and I was right in the end :D
The attempts on Hart's life were the other storyline, also good, but nothing very mysterious about them. Loved the scene where it all went wrong, very emotional from Hart's point of view.
Now, the last 30-40% were a bit of a let-down I'm afraid. I totally didn't like where the story went, and the resolution of it.
I'm not very fond of separations in any of my books, and this just didn't sit with me, plus the whole thing was pretty uninteresting.
Maybe I expected more from this book, but I don't know. Could have been better. So considering more than first half was 5 star, and the ending was 3, this rounds up on a nice 4 star rating :)
"I want everything. To be your lover in all ways. I want to come to your bedroom every night and teach you things that will shock you. Best lock your door, El, because I don't know how long I can stay away."
Eleanor
She's the one that jilted Hart, but she still has deep feeling for him.
Eleanor knows everything about Hart, he confided his darkest secrets to her, all but one. The house in which Hart kept his mistress and did "dark sexual things" in, is locked to her, Hart doesn't want to talk about what happened there, even though it could lead to finding out more about the photos.
Eleanor sees how Hart has changed, he isn't happy anymore, just cold, and she wants to see the man he was before, from the time they were engaged.
I have mixed feelings about Eleanor. I did like her, I loved her in the beginning of the book, but I just couldn't understand her, especially when their break-up was explained. I read it, and still can't figure out why was she so upset , no more, no less, not herself or her hurt feelings. The whole jilting story was pretty ridiculous, I wish the author kept it simple, without inventing some god-awful reason for them to be separated.
So yes, even though she was pretty great in the book, I couldn't get past that thing, and the fact that it took her years to forgive him . Seriously.
Everything else in the present was jut fine, and I liked her with Hart :)
"What Hart did was about trust, not pain - Hart promising the most exquisite joy to the woman who surrendered to him absolutely."
Hart
Being a duke and a politician, Hart is used to getting what he wants, and now he wants Eleanor. He's willing to do everything to get her back, all except telling her about his dark self, dark passions or what happened in the house he kept for his mistress.
He is the protector of the family, and no one knows all he's done for them, except for Eleanor :)
She's the only one he could trust, and he can't go on without her anymore.
I am pretty disappointed in him as well. In the first book there was a scene with Ian remembering (I think) seeing Hart with a woman, him holding her throat and basically choking her while she came. And there was this constant mentioning through all the books about his dark nature and the things he used to do in that house with his former mistress.
And again, Hart himself constantly repeated that he has these dark cravings and he can't show them to Eleanor.
Well he didn't. He didn't show them to her or to me. He was as vanilla as it gets, except for a few thoughts of his about cravat usage, and one scene where he actually used it. But nothing DARK. Nada.
Now, I'm not obsessed with kinky, that I need to read it in every book, but damn, I read kinkier stuff in some normal historicals than I did in this one.
And most of all, it all reflected to his characterisation, and it lacked.
All that aside, I still pretty much loved him, but I just wish he was as who he was rumored to be through the first books."He could unwind his cravat and use it to gently tie her wrists. Or maybe to blindfold her so that she wouldn't know what pleasure he intended for her. He wanted to strip everything from her-gown, corset, lift her to the desk, spread her across it, and lick her from her throat to the glory between her legs."
Even with all this "ranting" above, I still loved the book :) I really enjoyed reading it, no matter the characters or the story, so this still isn't one to miss when it comes to reading this series. I'm pretty addicted to it, and no matter how many books there are - I WANT MORE!
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“This was the Hart Eleanor had known years ago, the one she'd agreed without hesitation to marry. He'd had the body of a god, a smile that melted her heart, a sinful glint in his eyes that had been just for her and her alone.”
Hart MacKenzie
Duke Hart MacKenzie has only ever loved one woman. But she left him years ago, and his life has been full of loss ever since. He married, only to lose his wife and son in childbirth.
Hart caressed the letters of baby Graham’s name. “Mac likes to say, We’re Mackenzies. We break what we touch. But this little Mackenzie… he broke me."
Now that all of Hart's brothers are happily married, Hart hopes for a second chance with his Eleanor. But he has dark desires that he is afraid to share with Eleanor.
I am devouring this series and this book was just as entertaining as all the other. El and Hart are so passionate. And I love how Eleanor always keeps Hart on his toes. She is the perfect woman for him, because she isn't afraid of his dictator ways.
I highly recommend this series to all of my friends that love historical romances. The MacKenzies have a permanent place in my heart. I look forward to more books about this wonderful family.
Sexxy MacKenzie Reviews:
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron
The Duke's Perfect Wife
A Mackenzie Family Christmas: The Perfect Gift
The Untamed Mackenzie
The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie
Scandal and the Duchess
Rules for a Proper Governess -
I am so obsessed with this series. Hart is the oldest Mackenzie and has taken a brunt of the bad stuff going on in the family. I could not wait to see him get his own happy ending!
First off, I LOVVEEEDDDD how much we got of all of the Mackenzies in this book. The family is so close, so we saw a ton of Mac, Ian, and Cameron, as well as their wives, and I loved it so much. Hart is such an interesting character because he is so driven and hardened and doesn't put his own happiness first. I loved that this was a second chance romance with someone he was engaged to in his past.
I really enjoyed Eleanor's character and how she seamlessly fit with the women of the Mackenzie family. She already knew that her and Hart had insane chemistry, but it was hard to trust one another again. Eleanor was there to help Hart with something, but, of course, the more time they spent together, the more they started to like each other again. The romance was angsty and swoony and I loved it! The ending took a turn that I wasn't expecting, but I became even more invested in the story and couldn't put it down.
I flew through this audiobook and am already missing this family and these characters. I can't wait to continue on to the next book! -
I was hoping Eleanor keeps away from Hart or, as I call him, "heartless" for another ten years or more; of all the brothers, he was the "sick" one.
In The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, I found Hart McKenzie to be a despicable human being. He manipulated his brothers and others for his own selfish gain. He treated his mistress, his wife, various prostitutes he employed in a separate house, and his sister in-laws like dirt. He had no regard for anyone. This is a man who beds and asphyxiates a prostitute right after Ian had sex with her by his explicit orders to find out if she was planning to blackmail him.
He protected his mistress even when he found out she was a murderer and almost killed his sister in law. He mourned for her in ways he never mourned for his wife or new born son and never really apologized to Beth or Ian.
In book 4 we learn more about his mistress. We learn he knew well about her jealousy and all she would do to keep him. He should have been very aware of what really took place in book 1. This is a woman who took it upon herself to go and let Eleanor know about his other house and what was going on in there. She destroyed his betrothal to Eleanor, the only woman he says he loved. What did he do? He gave the house to his mistress and as soon as his wife and newborn son were dead, he started going back. He treated Angela better than his wife or Eleanor. Angela, who would hire a virgin maid, lock her up, threaten her and serve her on a silver platter to Hart so he can enjoy deflowering her. While Angela, his mistress, was living the lap of luxury and wearing the most expensive clothing and jewels, Eleanor was living in poverty and destitution. If he really loved and cared for her, he would have purchased her father's scientific books anonymously. It is my belief that he wanted to destroy her as he said when she gave him back the engagement ring and that he enjoyed knowing she was poor and dependent upon the aid and generosity of people who used to work for her father. Why? Because he was a cruel, manipulate human being who played with and discarded people, including his own brothers. What I deducted from these 4 books was that he loved and appreciated others that were as despicable, heartless and manipulative as him - no wonder he mourned Angela's death. He might disagree but by all his actions he showed us Angela was the only woman he thoroughly loved. He cared for her, protected her, accepted her as who she was with all her faults.
In book 4 we are to believe the sexual extremes that he didn't want to talk about were nothing but taking nude pictures and some very mild games in which he likes to tie women up. I don't think so! I've read the first book and watched through Ian's eyes what he enjoyed doing in a bedroom with open door and Ian has impeccable memory.
I understand lately a lot of authors are introducing mild BDSM in their books because they see the interest and book sell and what I think is because they don't want to repeat the sex scenes from other books in the series, but trying to redeem a despicable character by saying he is who he is because he needs to control and dominate in and out of a bedroom is utter non-sense. -
4.5 stars.
I've missed you. I've missed you so much it's breaking my heart.
El, I've missed you. I've died a little every day without you.
Lady Eleanor Ramsay is lurking among a flock of journalists in St. James's Street, waiting for the great Hart Mackenzie, Duke of Kilmorgan, emerging from his club. Eleanor had come to change his life, and she is here to present a business proposition. Someone sent Eleanor a somewhat compromising photograph of Hart. She is quite happy to announce that she'd be pleased to look into the matter for Hart - if he will provide the funds and a small salary of course. Eleanor wants Hart to give her a job. In fact, she'd come like an answer to a prayer because Hart had planned to travel to Glenarden to convince her to marry him.
Eleanor is somewhat concerned to see an altered Hart. The young Hart who was devilishly handsome, teasing and laughed so quickly was long gone. Well, Hart is still handsome of course but he is a very hard and driven man and no one would call him kind. I so enjoyed to witness the hard man softening quite a bit throughout the story. Eleanor hit all the right buttons, and Hart began to laugh more often. Behind his armor, Hart is a very caring and loving man.
The Duke's Perfect Wife is another great story written by the amazing Jennifer Ashley. Even though this is not my favorite story of the Highland Pleasures series, it's absolutely worth reading - very entertaining indeed! I loved the banter between Hart and Eleanor.
Hart raised his head. His gentle look fled, and the sinful smile of the young Hart Mackenzie spread across his face.
"Devil," he said.
"You are still rather attractive, Hart."
"And you still have fire in you." Hart brushed a fingertip over her lashes. "I see it."
"On the contrary. Things have been rather chilly in Aberdeen."
"And you came to London to warm yourself? Wicked lass."
"Maybe you were sent to save me."
"I highly doubt that. No one could save you, Hart Mackenzie."
"Good. I don't want you to save me. Not right now."
"Then what do you want?" she asked.
"I want you to kiss me."
Then again, these two know how to lock horns too! Boy, Eleanor is strong-minded and determined. Oh, yes, did we have a tiny problem with "obedience" my dearest Eleanor? LOL I always loved the control freak Hart, and it was so satisfying to see that our dear Hart finally realized that he didn't need to run the world anymore. He wanted to start trying to run his life since he'd neglected it so much and he found a wonderful match in Eleanor!
I loved the characters, and I especially enjoyed to see Hart's brothers again. Ian made a huge appearance and I truly appreciated it. Further, I think the photo session was very well done. It was sensual and playful at the same time. Admittedly, the love scenes were not supremely hot but I liked them a lot though. They were well written and sensual. The story is nicely enhanced by a little touch of suspense. I won't reveal anything substantial here but it has something to do with Hart's political aspirations.
What annoyed me
Hart kept saying he couldn't do it without her. He couldn't face the world without Eleanor. But. At a certain point I wanted to throttle good old Hart and tell him he should admit that he loved her! Gosh, what's so darn difficult to voice your feelings, huh? Yeah, I got it, our hard and driven hero had some issues when it came to his feelings and shortcomings. Well, all's well that ends well, after all!
Eleanor is the perfect lady for the great Hart.
I strongly advise you to read the author's note about the Irish Home Rule. -
Hart's book. Heroine: Eleanor Ramsay. Pub date is now April 2012.
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http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
4.5 flames
“Hart Mackenzie. It was said he knew every pleasure a woman desired and exactly how to give it to her. Hart wouldn't ask what the lady wanted, and she might not even know herself, but she would understand once he'd finished. And she'd want it again."
Thus begins the smokin' first paragraph of
The Duke's Perfect Wife.
I’ve wanted Hart’s story since I first saw him in
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. He was such an ass to Beth, yet his love for his brothers, especially Ian, was so obvious. Hart seemed driven. He acted as if the fate of the world rested on his broad shoulders. And to him? Maybe it did.
When
The Duke's Perfect Wife opens, Lady Eleanor Ramsey is pushing her way through a crowd of journalists to get to Hart. When she has him alone, she propositions him. And no, not in that way. She asks him for a job. This is my favorite thing about Eleanor. She may tend to babble, but she is also very direct. She doesn’t sugarcoat anything and she is a very capable woman. What a patient and caring woman Eleanor is. Hart just bulldozes over people to get his way, and El quietly sidesteps him every time. Eleanor is good for Hart, I only wish Hart had trusted her a bit more. The backstory between the two is finally brought to light, and I was surprised at how emotionally vested in their romance I became.
Eleanor is in possession of several photographs of Hart. This wouldn’t be so unusual, except that hart is nude in all of them. Someone has been sending them to her, and she can’t resist the chance to uncover the mystery (which by the way, was a great mystery!). But that means, she is uncovering more and more about Hart, as well.
Hart has been planning his life out down to the second. He knows what he’ll do, and where he’ll be 1 year from now, 5 years from now, you get the idea. Having Eleanor sitting across from him in his carriage, telling him he will give her a job, actually fits with his plan. He wants El for his wife, he always has. He blew it with her when they were young, and now that he has her in his life once more? He won’t let go.
This poignant quote was from Mac to Hart, warning him not to hurt Eleanor again.
“We're Mackenzies," Mac said, his gaze steady. "Remember that we break what we touch." He jabbed a finger at Hart, "Don't break this one."
One thing I wish we had seen more of was Hart’s penchant for “unusual proclivities,” because it was such a huge part of who he was. What we did see, though, was how hard it was for Hart to share that side of himself with Eleanor. It wasn’t easy for him, and even Ian seemed to understand Hart better than he understood himself. In fact, Ian was in this one quite a bit, and not only did he diffuse a tense situation merely by being Ian, but he stole every scene. He is the one who kept telling Hart to let Eleanor see every side of him.
I love how this series has such a different feel to it from Jennifer Ashley's other books, even compared to her other Historical Romances. The language, the words, the way they speak, it's all such a seductive world, you’ll get swept away, just as I did.
***Thank you to the author for the ARC -
OH MY GOSH!!! I LOVED this one!! I can't even put into words how much I fell in love with "The Duke's Perfect Wife". I actually haven't read this series for quite a few years, not since they first came out, and I can't believe it took me so long to read this one. Ever since the first in the series, I just fell in love with all of the characters. How great it was to see them all in Hart's story. Hart I have always loved...even though he is manipulative and craves power...but more importantly he loves very deeply. He does everything he can to protect those in his close circle, especially his family. The career he has made for himself is sky rocketing, and is most popular among England, even though he is a Scot and wears a kilt (so so sexy!!!)Eleanor, is a fighter, and I just loved that about her. She stands up to Hart, which could be very amusing, and isn't afraid of him at all. I really loved the sparks that fly between these two...even verbally. The bed scenes...well *sigh* so sweet and tender at times, but very steamy, I felt like I was in a oven!! The plot was very thrilling and exciting, and so mysterious at times, I kept guessing what was going to happen, and I ended up guessing wrong!! LOL Such adventure reading Ashley's historical's. I am never bored, and I always find myself totally engrossed in this one. I always know when I pick up her books I will enjoy it, and it was the same for this one. I think it had me from the first paragraph and I was hooked and It was pretty hard putting it down. I have always loved the way this author writes her stories...so powerful and heart wrenching. It touches something deep inside this reader, and I am sure every other reader who has had the opportunity to read her wonderfully written works. I couldn't help but fall in love with Hart....a hero to just dream about for years!!! A story that will capture your heart and take you on a adventure of love and passion and danger! A Delectable treat.
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I so wanted to give this book 5* because there was so much I loved about it but there were a few issues that really bugged me and so I'm rating it 4.5*.
WHAT I LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK
Hart and Eleanor
As with everything else, Hart had planned with precision how he intended to win Eleanor back and make her his wife. Poor Hart! Things don’t go completely to plan and it was wonderful to see that famous self-control crack when she unexpectedly walks back into his life. He’s so used to controlling everything and everybody around him but Eleanor is the one person who has never been intimidated by him even at his most imperious.
I love Eleanor. She’s irrepressible, smart and determined but she’s also warm, compassionate and kind. She has a way of putting everyone at their ease, whatever their station in life, and I like that about her. I smiled at how her constant chatter drives Hart crazy but arouses him at the same time.
”Goodness, I haven’t seen her in donkey’s years,” Eleanor said, sitting back as they rolled on. “Her daughters must be, oh, quite young ladies now. Have they made their come-outs yet?”
Her mouth was still kissable, closing in a little pucker while she awaited his answer.
“I haven’t the faintest bloody idea,” Hart said.
I loved seeing that Eleanor has a slightly wicked side; the way she peruses those nude photos of Hart in such detail!
These two are just a perfect match. Even after their break-up, Eleanor was the only one he ever confided in and trusted his darkest secrets to. I think she understands him even better than he understands himself. Eleanor can strip away the protective layers and find the laughing teasing man she fell hopelessly in love a decade ago. Despite the passage of time and the different paths their lives have taken, I feel their love for each other has remained a constant.
Yes, he’s still got that hard edge but I began to see Hart through very different eyes. In the intervening years, he has suffered terrible pain and grief but he has always hidden his emotions behind a cold-hearted mask. There’s such a heart-wrenching scene where Eleanor finds him touching his son’s gravestone and his words are so poignant that I felt tears welling in my eyes.
I enjoyed how the romance developed between Eleanor and Hart. Beneath their teasing, there was always an undercurrent of sexual tension between them and I loved that rather delicious scene in the laundry room.
Ian
The deep connection between Ian and Hart plays an important part in this story. Hart had always done everything he could to protect his younger brothers from their cruel and ruthless father. But Ian has always been different and special in Hart’s eyes and the actions he is prepared to take to keep Ian safe speak more than anything of his love for his brother. It is obvious how much Hart’s happiness means to Ian .
The Rest of the Mackenzie Family
I loved seeing all the happily married Mackenzie brothers, their wives and adorable children. The family scenes had such warmth and humour and this is one of my favourites.
Screaming erupted from on high- shrill, desperate, Armagedon-has-come screaming. Mac grinned and jogged back upstairs.
“Papa’s coming, hellions,” he called. “If you’re good, you can have Auntie Eleanor for tea.”
WHAT BUGGED ME ABOUT THE BOOK
There was constant reference to Hart’s darker sexual side and his fear of telling Eleanor the full truth about his needs. Like many others, I was disappointed that Ms Ashley didn’t explore this aspect in any depth. The only concession was a lack-lustre scene involving light bondage . I remember reading Elizabeth Hoyt’s beautiful and erotic scene in Wicked Intentions between Temperance and Lazarus and wished for something similar in this book.
A further issue I had concerns about was the dramatic events towards the end of the book which lead to Hart’s realization of what‘s really important in his life. I can suspend disbelief with the best of them but this seemed to layer one improbable situation upon another. It’s difficult to explain without resorting to spoilers.
Despite these issues, I still enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to the next book about Elliot McBride (Ainsley’s brother). -
Tras vislumbrar en los libros anteriores, sobre todo en el primero, buena parte de la azarosa vida amorosa del controlador y arrogante Hart, tenía mucho interés en leer esta historia. Y no me ha defraudado.
El cabeza de familia de los Mackenzie quizá es el hermano más complicado de los cuatro, pero también lo da todo por su familia y por proteger a aquellos que ama. El que lleve falda escocesa a la mínima ocasión y que Ian tenga un papel destacado en la historia también han influido para bien, para qué negarlo.
La trama política y su relación con Eleanor me han gustado, aunque hay cosas que yo no sé si sería capaz de perdonar, no así tanto el tema de las fotos o el giro final de la historia, que me ha resultado poco acorde con el carácter y la ambición de este duque de armas tomar. De ahí que no le dé las 5 estrellas. -
2022 Reread.
Hart & El... they make me so happy. This series is deeply moving to me. I enjoy spending time with this family so much.
5 Stars
3 on my Spice Scale
***************************************
June 2020
I love this series so much.
Hart, I have been waiting for since the beginning. I loved his redemption and his realization about what is important to him. Love Love Love. -
4.5 Stars
Welcome to the world of the Mackenzies. They are mad, bad, and delicious. And the most enigmatic of them is Hart Mackenzie.
Plot Summary
Ten years ago, Lady Eleanor Ramsay jilted Hart Mackenzie, the now all-powerful Duke of Kilmorgan. When Eleanor shows up on his doorstep a decade later, the unflappable Duke is...well...flapped. One look at El and Hart's decision is made he will win her back and not let her get away again. A piece of cake for the most powerful man in the realm, right? Maybe. Maybe not.
Quick Review
- I am not quite sure what to make of this book. There are some parts that I just LOVED, some that I wished were explained more, and some that I found just meh (*cough* Eleanor *cough* ). But I will say this it left me with a wonderful feeling which is reflected in my rating.
- This story had so much drama (that went nowhere), so much angst & so much love (that I thoroughly enjoyed), and so much romance (that I was forced into believing).
- The writing is amazing, the pacing was erratic, and the plot was substandard. But the characters... they were brilliant, enough that I could forgive the other shortcomings.
- Hart Mackenzie, a man any woman can easily fall in love with. Not because he is charming (which he is when he wants to be), not because he is a rake (which he is, kind of), not because he is powerful (you know where this is going, right?), or not even for any of the 50 other reasons, but just because he is a strong, strong inscrutable man. Ms Ashley did a phenomenal job scripting this deliciously complex character. Hart may not have always come across as an appealing character in previous books, a little annoying even, but as his story is revealed, you understand that this is a man shaped by his demons. That was some skilled writing.
- Ian, Ian, Ian...this man. Ms Ashley should take a bow for this character. I can always find you. People who have read this book will know what I am trying to convey.
- Eleanor individually was a great character. A self-reliant woman, strong, honest, a little crazy (I think that is a prerequisite if you wish to be a potential Mackenzie.) The problem with her was when you threw her in with Hart.
Why not the full 5 stars?
- The romance was unbelievable, no seriously, it was NOT believable. Hart decided she is the one, so I am to believe she is the one? As a reader, I had no context as to why? Yes, she was mostly resolute next to Hart, but then why dump him?
- This brings me to the stupid reason she dumped him for. She had half information from a half-crazy source. Later, when some more information comes to light, she is not even contrite about the unceremonious dumping.
- I think I am possibly slipping into a semi-rant mode so, let's just say that I do not enjoy contrary females.
- The dark side of Hart was left unexplored. It was hinted at so much and would have made him a little different than your average "abused by father, need to get more power, have to manage everything and everyone" kind of a Duke. But no, that is exactly what he ended up becoming.
- The 180-degree change in Hart. Too quick, too much towards the end, too predictable, a little boring. Ian's correct predictions notwithstanding.
- More info about Hart's first marriage would have helped deepen his character. Basically, a little more depth to both Hart & Eleanor would not have gone amiss.
- Not that big a problem, but too much drama on too many fronts. Pick one and stick to it.
Special Mentions
- Hart at his son's grave. Chills.
- The final letter from Hart To Eleanor...moved me to tears
- The photographs, sexy, sexy, sexy.
- The McBride men
- Inspector Fellows
- Louisa
All will be clear as I read ahead.
My Recommendation
The story had its issues, but Hart more than made up for them, at least in my eyes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it with either a scowl or an amused expression on my face.
Jennifer Ashley has written a winner of series. I hope you read them and then read them again.
PS - Why the break away from titular similarities? Here, The Many Sins of Hart Mackenzie would have been utterly perfect! -
The Lord of Scoundrels is the first, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie is the second, and The Duke's Perfect Wife is the third romance book that left me speechless and unable to share my thoughts and my feelings in a review by the time I finished reading it. So I'll just tell you how many stars I gave to this book and the reasons in a simple way.
Five stars to Hart Mackenzie. For his pride, his passion, his mistakes, his pain, his roughness, his sacrifices, his burdens, his responsibilities, his strength, his gorgeous body, his beautiful face, his secrets, his restless mind, his fragile soul, for finding his long lost love, and for loving Eleanor in his own complicated way.
Five stars to Eleanor Ramsay. For her courage, her kindness, her tenderness, her understanding, her forgiveness, her trust, her patience, her determination, for searching her long lost love, for never stop loving Hart, and for never give up on him.
Five stars to Ian, for the same reason you all love him.
Five stars to The Mackenzies, for being noisy, being supportive, being there, for showing how much madness, happiness, and love a family can have.
Five stars to Jennifer Ashley. For her fascinating story, her characters who are close to my heart, her writing that touch my soul, and her messages which I will always remember.
So, how many stars were there?
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Now that I've read all the Mackenzie brothers' books, I can finally compose the lists I've wanted to since the beginning.
Favorite heroine:
1. Eleanor.
2. Isabella.
3. Beth.
4. Ainsley.
Favorite hero:
1. Ian.
2. Hart.
3. Cameron.
4. Mac.
Favorite romance:
1.
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
2.
The Duke's Perfect Wife
3.
The Many Sins of Lord Cameron
4.
Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage
The chemistry between Eleanor and Hart can be felt even in Cam's book, and Ashley develops their relationship in an entirely believable and beautiful manner in
The Duke's Perfect Wife. These two are absolutely perfect for each other, in every way that matters. I like how their past was revealed slowly and sparingly, rather than being dumped all at once. Both of them have been through a lot of pain and sadness, and I'm glad they ended up getting the HEA they deserved.El, I’ve missed you. I’ve died a little every day without you.
Eleanor is my favorite heroine of Ashley's to date, and I immensely enjoyed reading her inner monologue. It was always amusing watching Hart and Eleanor fight, especially since Hart would usually be the one getting all angry and huffy, whereas Eleanor would be completely calm and reasonable, which only served to irritate Hart even more, which would generally end up leading to a deliciously romantic scene.
Hart is the ideal older brother, and I loved watching him with his younger brothers, especially Ian. He's a lot more vulnerable and sweet than he lets on, but I'm glad the brothers finally stopped taking him for granted.
The epilogue at the end of
The Duke's Perfect Wife is the most memorable in the entire series because it shows each brother with his respective family, and it's so amazing to see how far they've all come from who they were at the beginning. My favorite passage is also from that chapter:Next came Ian and Beth. Ian sat in the chair, his kilt draped over his knees. Beth stood regally beside him in her dress of Mackenzie plaid. She held Belle in her arms, while three-year-old Jamie perched on Ian’s lap. The camera caught Ian looking, not at the lens, but up at his wife, his face soft with happiness. Beth was looking back down at him, his fingers on her hand. A beautiful portrait.
For more reviews, visit my
blog. -
4.75 stars!
"We're Mackenzies, we break what we touch."
My beautiful broken boys. Ruined by their pasts. Faced pain and suffering time after time but still grew up to be good men. These characters hold special place in my heart, forever etched.
Hart Mackenzie to duke of Kilmorgan, the first born. The cold, controlling and manipulative one. At an early age he learned to man up and protect his brothers so he sacrificed a lot. He had to, for his family. He hardened himself up so he can see to it that his family is okay but along the way to his success he kind of lost himself. He grew arrogant and very controlling resulting to more pain and loneliness. He lost the love of his life on his search for glory but what I liked about this book is it's about second chance.
Eleanor loved Hart all throughout the years even if they broke up and grew apart. I adored her because she wasn't afraid of him, she knows what she wants and she didn't back down just because someone told her so. She gave Hart a second chance, even after all the heartache-which I think is so beautiful.
Also can I point out that Ian was so being Ian in this book. He's like the great guru that his brothers listen to when they need advice. He gives it to them but with a lot of indiscretion that they need to decipher and learn themselves to understand. He's adorable, I love him so much.
I just want to thank Jennifer Ashley for creating these men and for writing such wonderful stories that touched my heart. Love you JA! I'm one of your biggest fan!
I'm honestly not ready to move on. I finished all the stories of the Mackenzie brothers, it's a goo thing there are too many books in this series. I'll dive into them the soonest. -
Another enjoyable read in this series about 4 Highland Scottish brothers. Some of the story takes place in Scotland and some in England.
I liked the duke more than I thought I was going to. He was very controlling and manipulative, but there were reasons for this stemming from his past. As the book proceeded, he grew and developed as a person, and he mellowed quite a bit. I liked seeing the character growth.
I liked Eleanor also. Ashley does a great job with her heroines in this series. They are strong and individual women who are not shy about their sexuality, although they do, on the whole, fit into the mores of the day, on the surface at least.
I enjoyed the Victorian era touches such as the use of photography, although The touches of mystery in the story on the whole worked well, though.
A good read overall, and I will continue with the series. -
5+ STARS!!!
Posted on
Under the Covers
Describe the book in three words
Suz: I love Hart...hmm or maybe Contains Hot Highlanders!
Annie: HART.IS.MINE.
Suz: ACTUALLY, I think you will find Hart is mine
*tug of war over Hart commences, Suz wins ofcourse, hehehe!*
The cover: Love it or Hate it?
Suz: Not a fan, I think that the other covers are better, especially Cam's book!
Annie: LOVE IT! It’s Paul Marron. In a Kilt. As Hart Mackenzie. Must I go on?
Hart Mackenzie: Sexy Dominant Highland God or Controlling Manipulative Bully?
Suz: Definietly sexy highland god with a nice wide dom streak, I loved that about Hart. I don't think he would be the same if he wasn't quite as manipulative and interfering as he was. You know that it all comes from a place of love, he just wants to protect his family and those he loves and he thinks he is the best man for the job!
Annie: It’s quite obvious what my answer would be to this one. Hart is a Highland god through and through. His dominant tendencies in and out of the bed make him so irresistible! How can you deny a man who knows exactly what he wants and how he wants it? Not only do we see Hart’s dominance and arrogance in this book, but we also see the vulnerable and parental side to him as well. Ashley does a great job of displaying different sides to Hart’s character.
What did you think of Eleanor Ramsey?
Suz: I really like El, I loved her habit of talking on and on and despite having a fairly hard life struggling through poverty, she never whines, she just gets on with it cheerfully. And what I really really loved about her was that she never backed down from Hart and that she was never afraid of him, as deep down she knows she can always trust him. She was a great heroine
Annie: El is my newest favourite historical romance heroine. I loved her spunk and attitude and the way she keeps Hart on his toes. Despite the fact that her family is in an uncomfortable position, she doesn’t allow the burdens of life to dampen her spirits. She’s a fun, flirty gal who knows how to handle a man like Hart Mackenzie and I have to admire that talent. Not many can match someone so bold as a Mackenzie highlander.
Hart and El, were they a match made in heaven?
Suz: I am not normally a fan of rekindled romance, but I do think that El and Hart were a great couple. Hart needed El, she stopped him from becoming a shell, who only have his political ambitions for succor. I did think this book would be hotter then it was. There is some steamy scenes, but I think Cam and Ian's books were far more erotic.
Annie: Absolutely! There’s no question. The chemistry is potent from page one and undeniable throughout the rest of the book. El matches Hart in the way they are both determined to see through certain events until their expected results happen. While I thought the sex scenes would be more steamy and involve ..err...something extra, the love scenes between Hart and El were still fantastic.
The MacKenzie clan has grown from four solitary brothers to a horde of mini Highlanders and their wives, what do you think of the familial relationships and their inclusion in the book and their affect on Hart?
Suz: I think one of the best things about the Highland Pleasures series is the relationship that the four brothers have with eachother. The brotherly bonds are especially strong as they all lived through an abusive childhood, terroized by their father. Hart being the eldest has always protected his brothers, first from their father then from themselves and it has been the keypoint in his life. What was great about this book was it showed the tight connection that Hart and Ian (my two favourite Mackenzies!) had. Hart would do anything for Ian and is almost more like a father then a brother.
Annie: Actually, one of the biggest reasons why I follow this series is because of the big familial relationships throughout the series. Ian plays a big part of this book and I loved reading about him again. In this book, we see more of Hart’s experiences with his abusive father and the possible fallouts of their actions if Hart didn’t do what he did. I LOVE the fact that Ashley incorporates a different kind of love in her romances. Romantic love is important, but a family is what makes a character's life full.
Any general thoughts on the book, and will you be looking forward to the next one The Seduction of Elliot McBride?
Suz: I loved this book! I have been looking forward to Hart's book since the The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie and I wasn't disappointed it was a heartwrenching and emotional book and I can't wait to see what What Ms Ashley has in store for us next.
Annie: YES! After devouring this book, it actually makes me want to go back and read the rest of the series to relive my favourite moments until the next book comes out. I’m actually regretting the fact that I read so quickly.
Any Favourite Quotes?
"We're Mackenzies," Mac said, his gaze steady. "Remember that we break what we touch."
That was what Hart Mackenzie always wanted, she realized. For others to surrender to him, to let him be their master. Not because he wanted to punish them, or to have his own way, but for their own good, beacuse he wanted to take care of them. Those who didn't understand that dashed themselves to bits on him.
“You were supposed to burn this,” Hart said. He couldn’t get up, could not move, drained from what he’d just read.
Eleanor closed the door and came to the table littered with letters. “I couldn’t, somehow.”
He noticed that she did not need to ask which letter he meant. “Why not?”
“I don’t know, really. I supposed, because, of all the people you could have told, you chose to tell me.”
“There was no other person,” Hart said. “No one in the world.”
*ARC provided by publisher -
This book.. this book.. sucks.
Sorry, that's harsh, I usually try to be a little more subtle and snarky about my critiques but wow. This is a textbook perfect example of a romance you cannot be invested in because the majority of the interactions between leads (both of whom drove me batty) were not remotely romantic.
"He's taking advantage of ye, lass."
"He is Hart Mackenzie. He cannot help himself." <-- oh yeah, look at me swooning.
Eleanor rambles nonstop, incessantly, ridiculously, obliviously, obsessively. Hart loses his cool, yells at her, is frustrated by her, yet still cannot help being attracted to her. Um, what? Why? Literally there is nothing attractive about her behaviour. He stomps around and issues edicts, she ignores them, does whatever, he finds her, stomps around, yelling, and wants to tear off her clothes and give in to his "deep and dark desires".
Not. romantic.
I hated both leads, I hated the reason for their breakup, I hated these inane long letters that apparently people write to each other in order to confess all their "deepest and darkest sins" that Ashley used as info-dump-y backstory, I hated Hart's actions near the end when everyone is concerned and he's off in la-la-fucking-land, I hated the obsession with needing to retrieve compromising photos.. only to then.. take.. more? Again and again? What the fuck. Not even Ian's role in this book could save it and I live for the scenes we get with him.
Waxing my hoohah is less painful than my experience with THE DUKE'S PERFECT WIFE. So much so I was moved to book an appointment with my local salon. This book drove me to self-inflicted pain, people. If that doesn't speak for itself I don't know what does.
There was literally one funny line and I'll share it with you here :
"Mac, I want you to go back to the house and make sure the ladies don't get the idea to go searching as well. I told Eleanor not to, but you know the Mackenzie females."
"Hell, Hart, can't you find something easier for me to do? Go up against an army of assassins in my underwear, maybe?"
So, yes. While nothing was wrong with the writing and there were no puppy murders or anything heinous that might normally warrant a one star, my sheer and complete lack of fun, enjoyment, and the total annihilation of my ability to chill is why I couldn't be bothered to slap this with an ambivalent meh of a two. I'd honestly recommend skipping this if you are wanting to push on in the series but a) most people like to read in order and b) for all I know I'm just extra ragey about a perfectly acceptable three star but nothing fancy read.
Proceed at your own risk. -
Welcome to my HR Purgatory shelf!
In Roman Catholicism, the purgatory is where the souls of the dead wander in an indefinite state. They stay in such a state unless they "become fit for heaven" at some point. Similarly, this shelf is where books that I am warned about stay—untouched and unread—unless a very compelling reason forces me to read them.
***
Reason(s) for putting The Duke's Perfect Wife in this shelf:
Manwhore H is a manwhore. He wasn't celibate during the separation, while the h remained so.
In sraxe's words: "He's a total manwhore who owned a whole whore house in which his mistress and several other prostitutes (who he ALSO slept with) lived. his mistress, feeling she was getting too old for him, would also go out and get younger prostitutes for him to use."
Yeah, seriously, what the fuck? Sorry, but I don't need this "hero" in my life.
***
Thank you, Booklover Indianapolis, and Tishke, for your reviews! (And of course, thank you, sraxe, for flagging this, buddy!)
Booklover, Indianapolis's Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Tishke's Review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... -
*This is a joint review that was originally posted on
Fiction Vixen*
Today Amy and I (Catherine) are talking about The Duke’s Perfect Wife. We both are such big fans of this series that we couldn’t resist doing a joint review for you guys. This is a conversational review, so we might reveal more than a regular review would, but spoilers will be kept to a minimum.Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiancee, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart.
Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late.
Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him.
Catherine: Well, this book has been a long time coming, hasn’t it? It seems like we have been waiting to read about Hart forever. Ashley set the bar high when she first introduced Hart in The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. He was such a hard, cold man; completely unlike the typical Romance hero. I found myself as intrigued by him as I was repelled. I wasn’t ever sure what was driving him, but I was excited to find out. Imagine my surprise to find how playful and flirty he could be!
Amy: Hart is implied as a hard, cold man, commanding, driven from grief and loss but we learn when he is with Eleanor, his compassionate, tender and teasing side surfaces and we begin to see what he once was with her and how he can be that man again."You have always been so afraid you'd become like him, and he made you fear that. But you're not a bit like him at all. You have a temper, yes, but you're generous and strong and protective. Your father was none of that."
Let’s talk about Eleanor a bit. I loved the fact that she was so caring, so giving. Could care less what people thought about her. How she never stopped loving Hart. How she was clever in making her way back into his life."He'd been devilishly handsome, teasing and tender, and he'd courted her with a verve that had left her breathless. She'd fallen in love with him quickly, and she wasn't sure she'd ever fallen out of love with him."
How she drove Hart crazy when she would be on a roll in conversation and would not shut up. (Loved how flustered he was when she was on a roll!)"And stop giving me that innocent look. You're not innocent at all. I know you."
"Yes, I'm afraid you know me a bit too well. Makes talking to you dashed difficult sometimes."
Eleanor had a little smile on her face, making a joke of it, and Hart couldn't breathe. She always did this, walked into a room and took the air out of it.
Catherine: I loved that about her, too! As much as he frustrated her with his bossy ways, she drove him crazy with her nonstop, steamroller style of talking to him. As to the never giving up her love for him, well...that was both a positive and a negative for me.
Given how cold Hart was, I was surprised to see the level of teasing that went on from his brothers and how well he took it."For God's sake!" Hart sprang to his feet.
Everyone at the table stopped and stared at him, including Ian. "Do I have to be made a mockery of in my own house?"
Mac leaned back in his chair, his hands behind his head. "Would you prefer we made a mockery of you in the street? In Hyde Park, maybe? In the middle of Pall Mall? The card room at your club?"
He didn’t seem like that guy to me before. He was always there for his brothers, yes, but I never got that friendly vibe. Even his protective gestures felt cold. I guess this Hart was a revelation to me. That is particularly true for his relationship with Ian. I didn't know what to expect from Hart regarding Ian, but it definitely wasn't what we saw. I loved the surprise of seeing how Hart's world was dominated by his determination to make things better for Ian. I felt like a light bulb went on because it cast so much of his previous behavior in a different light, like his initial behavior toward Beth.
Amy: I ADORE Ian and the lengths he went to out of love for his brother and his desire for Hart to have happiness.A hand reached out of a dark passage and landed on Hart's shoulder. Eyes the color of Mackenzie single-malt regarded Hart in the dim light of Reeve's lantern. Hart looked back at Ian Mackenzie, face smudged and bearing lines of exhaustion. Ian put both hands on Hart's shoulder, and his fingers dug through Hart's coat.
"I found you," Ian said, his voice low and fierce. "I found you." He put his arms around Hart, and Hart for a moment sank into the strength that was his youngest brother. "I always find you," Ian whispered.
I loved how protective of Ian he was as well and it did make more sense how he treated Beth once we knew why.
So what about the photographs? Didn’t you love how determined Eleanor was to capture the Hart she knew by capturing him in her own photographs?"What are you afraid of, Hart? You're a beautiful man with a beautiful body, and I wish to photograph it. It's the same as when my father finds the perfect specimen of a mushroom. Nothing for it but he must record it for posterity. Or at least for his own enjoyment. Besides, he often eats the mushroom."
Catherine: The bits about the photographs were wonderful. I loved how wicked and out of character they were for the man that I believed Hart to be. I would never have taken him for the subject, only the photographer. I loved how Eleanor had no shame about claiming them for her own and adding them to her memory book. I was, however, unhappy with the way things developed with the memory book. I don’t want to say anymore about it so I don’t spoil anything, but it was a large gripe for me.
Well, I think we’re about done talking about this, but there’s one more thing that I have to discuss. I really like Eleanor and Hart together, but I've got to be honest and say that however good their relationship was when taken on its own, it was a huge disappointment for me when I consider it as Hart's story. I still enjoyed the book, but I felt that the author took the easy way out with her characterization of him. There was heavy build up about the mystery of Hart and his past with Eleanor. I felt that the reason for their split was mundane and the easy way they got back together made me confused over why they had ever been apart. There was lovely emotion there, sure--I particularly liked Hart's longing for her and the way it would practically consume him--but it lacked the intensity that I expected for them. That's my main complaint of the story--the lack of intensity.
Eleanor had a line that I loved:Breathing hurt. Hart had said her name like that on the day in the summerhouse in Scotland when he'd laid her down and kissed her in the sunshine. He'd told her that he wanted her and exactly how he'd wanted her. Eleanor had laughed, pleased with her power. Eleanor Ramsay, bringing the great Hart Mackenzie to his knees.
Foolish, foolish Eleanor. She'd never had power over Hart, and that very day, he'd proved it.
He was proving it again. He kissed down to her décolletage, his breath heating her bare skin, his hair like rough silk. She found her unbound hand coming up to stroke his hair--she hadn't told it to do that.
He would unmake her. Again.
And I really wanted more of that. Did you feel the lack of that too?
The image I had of Hart in the first book was what has dominated the way I viewed his character throughout the series. He was hard and cold, and slightly scary. The way he played people and the dominant and dismissive way he treated his past lover had me wondering how Ashley would follow through with him. He was, quite simply, not standard hero material, and I liked that. Although I am not a BDSM fan, I was disappointed to see what I saw as a huge part of his sexual preference dismissed as simply a need to have his partner have total trust in him. Sure...that's all it was. /sarcasm.
Amy: Yes! We were led to believe that he had this serious taboo kink but it was mild in manner even in the time period."Aye, you've got a fire in you, lass, that is true. A temper." The delicious Highland accent broadened as more whiskey went into him. "And a fire of another kind. I've not forgotten that."
"Surrender. That was what Hart Mackenzie always wanted, she realized. For others to surrender to him, to let him be their master. Not because he wanted to punish them, or to have his own way, but for their own good, because he wanted to take care of them. Those who didn't understand that dashed themselves to bits on him."
Catherine: One last thing, I swear! I was surprised to see the importance Hart’s political aspirations played in the storyline and was quite shocked by a certain event that occurred around page 182 (of the ARC). Do you know what I’m talking about? But that’s not my ultimate question. What I really want to know is what did you think of the last quarter of the book? It felt a little out of place for me, like the plot got away from the author. Am I alone in this?
Amy: Lol, with our love for the Mackenzie brothers, we could dissect this book for days! Yes I agree and was shocked at the prominent role politics played to Hart’s life. I also believe that the last quarter of the book felt a little disjointed. I’m not sure what I expected, but I had hoped for a grander, more significant moment towards the end in seeing Hart face his demons and what we got left me a little deflated.
Catherine’s Final Thoughts: Although it wasn’t quite what I was hoping for, I still thought it was a good read overall. I’m eager to see what comes next in this series. The Duke’s Perfect Wife gets a B- from me.
Amy’s Final Thoughts: I naturally had overly high expectations for The Duke’s Perfect Wife and while it didn’t quite reach the level I had hoped, it was still another great read from Jennifer Ashley. I am happy she is continuing the series and we will see more of the brothers! The Duke’s Perfect Wife gets a B- from me. -
This was probably my least favorite of the Highland Pleasures series, and that would be because I didn't much care for either of the protagonists. Hart is rigid, high-handed, and arrogant, and Eleanor is manipulative. They both play emotional games with those around them, and I have a hard time connecting with characters like that. Still, it wasn't a terrible book, and I enjoyed reading about the Mackenzie clan, even if these were the lesser characters of the family.
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4.5 STARS
She was the only one in the wide world who knew the truth of Hart Mackenzie.
Loved this one too. Hart was not my favorite brother though. He was a bit difficult to like really. Gruff and dark. A bit over-controlling. He did love his woman though. He just didn't know how to show it. What a great series. I've loved all the books so far. -
I thought this would be a bit more edgy than it was. The hero was portrayed as much darker in earlier novels. Was a bit disappointed that he turned out to be your standard tortured historical hero with a few rather tame kinks shown.
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3/5 stars.
I read this a while back, however I was so dissapointed that I stopped midway. I just recently picked it up again as I had started to read the following books.
I had previously been very excited to read this book as I liked Hart, and the little sneak peek we got of Eleanor in the Cameron's book had me intriuged. I am a sucker for a good old "reclaiming-lost-love" plots.
It's not bad, but I won't be singing praises for it either. I believe it's my expectations from this series and these characters that has perhaps put me off.
It started well enough, however as it progressed a lot of it didn't sit right with me. Hart is extremely manipulative and demanding, and basically commands people to breathe the way he wants. I get that that's his character, but that's also how he approached his second chance courtship with Eleanor - like a strategized political move. The way it was written it almost felt like Hart wanted to secure a 'win' in his balance sheet by marrying Eleanor.
In his pursuit of Eleanor this time around, there was little of romance and love. It was all about control, he wanted her as his - and that was the end of it.
Eleanor I still liked. I don't particularly get why she was so angry with Hart 10 years ago, but I could see it from her standpoint. What irked me about her was how we were constantly told she was a fiery lass strong-willed and wouldn't be taken for a ride. However, when Hart kept pushing at her and pulling back, she just went along. When Hart just announced they were getting married after their second first time together in a bout of jealousy and posessiveness, she still did nothing. Just gaped and went along.
She became a doormat for all things Hart Mackenzie, and it pricked me. Her moments of self-doubt were also weakly placed and executed. They truly lost a wonderful chance for some heartbreaking angst, followed by a good ole second chance storyline.
But alas, no. We get this instead. -
We've been told numerous times about Hart's dark desires. Here we are drowned in shame and darkness feelies. Then he just ties up the heroine and goes slow. Yea that's it. Isn't that considered a notch above vanilla nowadays? Have I gotten so jaded without realizing it? I'm curious if anyone found anything abnormal about Hart's sexual activities?
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5*+++
I love this book. Hart and Eleanor's story is lovely! It was amazing reading about Hart and about how he realized what was really important in his life. Eleanor was a great heroine(that says smth. because I usually hate them or I'm indifferent :D), I loved how she stood up to Hart.
The whole Mackenzie family has great stories and I enjoyed reading them all.
Quotes I loved(only those that I remembered to write down)
“Papa is angry with Uncle Hart,” Aimee said as the door swung slowly shut again. “Papa is often angry with Uncle Hart.”
“That is because your Uncle Hart is most maddening,” Eleanor said.
Aimee put her head on one side. “What does that mean? Maddening?”
Eleanor shifted Robert, who’d slept soundly through the outburst. Cuddling him filled something empty in her heart. “Maddening is when your Uncle Hart looks at you as though he listens to your opinion, then he turns around and does whatever he pleases, no matter what you’ve said. Your feel your throat closing up, and your mouth tightening, and you want to stamp your feet and shout. And you know that even if you do shout and wave your fists, it will do no good. That is what is meant by maddening.”
“For God’s sake!” Hart sprang to his feet.
Everyone at the table stopped and stared at him, including Ian. “Do I have to be made a mockery of in my own house?”
Mac leaned back in his chair, his hands behind his head. “Would you prefer we made a mockery of you in the street? In Hyde Park, maybe? In the middle of Pall Mall? The card room at your club?”
PS: I couldn't put the book down, even thou that now I'll only sleep about 3 hours.... Jennifer Ashley what you do to me... -
I keep reading this series mainly to keep up with the character from the first book, Ian, and they have been pretty entertaining. But, this one was a little too contrived. I think the author decided to cash in on the 50 shades popularity here. The Duke is rich and likes to dominate. There is a lot of him thinking about tying her up, and then he does - with a cravat (ye old tie). Sound familiar? *eye roll*
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Vale, tengo sentimientos encontrados con este libro. Por un lado me encanta y por otro le veo un poco - demasiado fantasioso en algunos aspectos.
Diré lo que me ha encantado primero.
La trama política. Me gusta cuando un libro de época se basa en hechos reales para crear una trama lo más cercana posible a la realidad de aquellos tiempos y creo que en ese aspecto Jennifer Ashley lo ha manejado muy bien. Ha sido muy interesante ver los problemas sociales de aquella época en gran Bretaña entre Ingleses, Escoceses e Irlandeses. No me meto mucho más porque la política y yo somos como el agua y el aceite, pero es un plus para esta historia.
La historia de Hart. Sí, es dura y llena de traumas con ese padre que le tocó. No me encanta por la crueldad que pasó, sino porque en este libro sabemos realmente qué ocurrió con Hart, con Ian y con el resto de los hermanos en una época en la que mandaba el cabeza de familia. Ha sido doloroso y a la vez bonito ver cómo Eleanor siempre le apoyó en la distancia y quiso lo mejor para él a pesar de cierta manera de actuar de Hart que fue para darle de yoyas hasta cansarte.
Los secundarios. Todos y cada uno de ellos y en especial Ian. Me ha encantado ver cómo maneja a sus hermanos y sus relaciones como si no fuera con él la cosa. Es mi personaje adorado.
El misterio de las cartas. Aunque un poco simple porque enseguida sospeché de uno de que estaba metido en el ajo (y lo que me pude reír cuando lo descubrí) la verdad es que ha estado bastante movida y ha servido para que la trama tuviera algunas escenas de lo más bonitas y seductoras.
El epílogo. Uno de los más emotivos y bonitos epílogos que he leído en esta serie.
Ahora pasamos a lo que me ha parecido fantasioso.
Irónicamente, la trama de las fotos. ¿Cómo es posible que haya fotos del duque de Kilmorgan, uno de los solteros más codiciados y odiados a partes iguales en una tienda antigua y nunca las hayan usado para beneficio personal? A lo mejor lo han dado a entender durante la trama, he sido corta y no lo he visto, pero me ha descolocado totalmente y me ha parecido un gran golpe de suerte, así como lo del álbum de recortes de Eleanor.
El padre de ella, ¿Por qué nos le pintan de una forma y luego va desapareciendo poco a poco de la escena? Al final ya ni sale, lo que me ha quedado un poco descolocada, todo hay que decirlo.
El amor entre Eleanor y Hart. Ha sido precioso, profundo, maravilloso y cualquier apelativo que queráis ponerle, pero lo que le hizo él daba para años y años de rencor. Llamadme mala persona, pero eso que le dice yo se lo recordaría hasta el final de mis días. Y la segunda oportunidad que ella le da y que él destroza en ocasiones....vamos que el romance me ha gustado pero no me ha parecido de los mejores que he leído.
Y el final. Esos últimos capítulos finales donde Hart cambia el chip como por arte de magia y deja todo en manos de otra persona. Y no solo eso, sino que se "esconde" durante días sin tener en cuenta a su familia. No digo más para no spoilear, solo quedaros con que el final me ha parecido de fantasía y no me ha gustado tanto.
En general, una trama entretenida, con momentos dulces, apasionados y hasta divertidos que podría haber estado mejor si algunas cosillas del final y de la actitud de Hart no hubieran sido como fueron.
