The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

 

The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley, is the 4th book in her Highland Pleasures series, better known as The Mackenzie’s. Here is a short blurb that tells you exactly what this series is about.

Meet the Mackenzie Men

Rich, powerful, dangerous, eccentric. A lady couldn’t be seen with them without ruin. Rumors surround them–of tragic violence, of their mistresses, of their dark appetites, of scandals that set Victorian England and Scotland abuzz. Hart, Cam, Mac, and Ian: each a tortured genius, each ready for love and darkly sensual games

Review:

The Duke’s Perfect Wife brings us to Hart MacKenzie, the eldest brother not married, and whom many have been waiting for his story.  Hart is the brother who spent his life taking care and protecting his family, and throughout the series you saw his controlling ways, his quest for power, as well as his arrogance.  But Hart, deep down has never forgotten his true love, Eleanor Ramsey. 

Eleanor is our heroine in this story, and what a wonderful character she is.  Years before, it was Eleanor, who broke off her engagement with Hart.  Though she was very much in love with him, she discovered that he chose her to help him gain contacts and power.  Despite his attempt to force her to marry him, Eleanor was steadfast and refused to buckle under his threats.

Now years later, the story picks up with Eleanor, who lives somewhat impoverished, with her father in Scotland, coming to England to talk to Hart.  She meets with Hart, and explains that she has received some nude photographs of him sent to her anonymously.  She tells Hart that someone may be trying to stop him from becoming Prime Minister, and she wants to help.  She asks him for a job, to make a little money and to help him discover who is behind this.

Hart agrees to pay her a salary, as he has his own plans.  He wants Eleanor back in his life. Hart plans to win her back, as he has never forgotten her, and plans to marry her.  But he knows he has to thread carefully, so he doesn’t lose her again.  Almost immediately, you can feel the chemistry between the two them, and what a romance it is.   Hart has always had passion, and his quest to win Eleanor became his obsession.  But Eleanor, while having no plans other then helping Hart, and making some money on side, knows she still very much loves Hart.   Despite her not wanting to resume this relationship, she finds Hart much too difficult to ignore. 

The MacKenzies played a big part in this story, all accepting and hoping Hart would indeed marry Eleanor, as they openly loved her. It was great to continue to see the family throughout.  Ian, though not always functional, depending on his Beth to keep him focused, would tell Hart that no matter where he is, he can always find him.  This does come to be true, as Ian does save the day.

There was so much fun watching Eleanor become the one who controlled Hart, and tempted him with fun stuff, like taking newer nude photographs of him for her own collection.  She would do what she wanted to do, driving Hart crazy, and it wasn’t long before their sexual tension erupted.  This was a very sensual story, and Eleanor and Hart relationship became very steamy.  

There were a few surprises and changes closer to the end, that makes  a complete change in Hart & Eleanor’s life, as well as all the MacKenzies.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Looking forward to the next book in Jennifer Ashley‘s wonderful series.

Reviewed by Barb

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12 thoughts on “The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley – a Review

  1. i really do enjoy this type of romance stories. I have read some of jennifer ashley, in fact i think i read a couple of the mackenzies. i will have to check it out. thanks

  2. *raises hand*…I have a question…

    Victorian England..and nude photographs…..how could anyone take secret nude photos…without the victim knowing? There were no secret spy electronics in Victoria England……..how is that explained?

    And…because I haven’t read the series….what is wrong with Ian?

    • LOL read the series, Sandy. *grins*

      His former now dead wife took the pictures. lol

      Ian is like one of those geniuses, who they think is mad. Let me post this:
      When Ian was ten, Ian’s father had him committed to a private asylum and labeled mad. Because of Ian’s ability to learn but inability to meet another person’s gaze, he was considered sullen and arrogant. The doctors subject Ian to numerous experimental “cures,”

      Our hero Hart had him released, when he took charge of the Mackenzies. Ian’s book is The Madness of Lord Ian
      Mackenzie, which I think is the first book in this series.

  3. I love reading your reviews Ms. Barb. My second favorite genre next to romantic fantasy is Highlander/scottish historicals. This series sounds wonderful, with qualities that set it apart from its peers. I will definately be checking these out.

    • and let us not forget, Jennifer Ashley is a wonderful writer. Not only is this series good, but I love her Shifters Unbound series, which will start tomorrow. Totally different, yet so good. To me this shows Ashley’s talent.

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