This is a really good book. I read these in the wrong order starting with the third then the first and now this one. I like the mystery and the love story. I would recommend all of the books in this series, just start in the right order! ( )

The magic continues in the second book of the Ladies of the Manor series!!! The mystery behind the curse of the fire eyes continues, but closure won't come until the final book. However, not to worry because you will be enthralled by the relationship between Brice (the Duke of Nottingham) and the Scottish Lady Rowena.

I loved everything about these two! Brice is beyond amazing in every way. He isn't perfect, but man, he is pretty darn close. Brice is a strong man of God with a witty demeanor and is sweet, patient, and respectful. Rowena is broken and hurting. Her journey of faith and healing is extremely touching. The aspects (the story addresses rape) that bring these two together are heartbreaking, but their combined strength and determination to fight for the happiness they deserve is inspiring and truly touching.

The Reluctant Duchess is a must-read, 5 STARS.

“I don't know who you are either, Rowena. " His fingers tightened around hers. "But I know who your not. You're not who your father made you. You're not who that Kinnaird fellow made you. You're who God made you. And perhaps now you have been given the opportunity to discover who that is. Freely"
Brice ducked his head a bit, caught her gaze. "And if you really want to spite them, do you know what you should do?" He leaned closer, pitched his voice lower. "Thrive. Be happy.”

― Roseanna M. White, The Reluctant Duchess ( )

Loving this series so much! ( )

Just . . . Brice. Why does he have to be so amazing? I love how respectful, kind and gentle he was with Rowena, giving her her space, but not letting her distance herself too much and fall back into her self-consciousness.

I had a hard time relatingunderstanding Rowena a lot of the time, maybe just because I've never dealt with the issues she did.

The storyline was more focused on Brice and Rowena than the Fire eyes, which I kinda liked, but kinda didn't.

Oh, and did I mention how gorgeous that cover is? Swoon! I adore it.

The reason I docked two stars was for content reasons. There was some stuff that made me uncomfortable throughout. Some of it was just adult issues - realistic, but not meant for younger audiences. But other stuff I feel like should have been cut.

Recommended for ages 18 for adult themes and issues such as a woman who was violated (not described, but mentioned numerous times), intimate relationships, talk about mistresses, and romance. ( )

I love this author. I just wish she could write faster, just kidding, no not really. I love the way she develops her characters. She captures my interest right from the start and doesn't let go until the last page and beyond. I can't wait for the next book in the series. ( )