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

The Duke’s Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley, is the 4^th 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