Duchess of Love, Book 3
Synopsis: A Little Misunderstanding. . .
Kit, the Marquis of Ashton, is in a sticky wicket. He married young and for love—how naïve. He discovered his mistake the very day of his wedding, but he is saddled now with a wife he’s reluctant to trust. And however much evidence he gathers against faithless Jess, he can’t seem to prove her guilt to the final judge—his foolish heart.
Jessica knows she’s bobbled her marriage, however innocently. A fairytale wedding makes no difference if she hasn’t got the marquis charmed to show for it. Well, she’s had enough of accidental encounters with naked gentlemen and near misses explaining things to her husband. It’s time to buck up and go win her man back—even if she has to fight very dirty indeed.
Review: I must say that I wanted this novel since the very first book of the series where we discover Ash. I was so curious to know what happened between him and his wife and the reason behind their break up. And I must say that I was also eager to see their reunion after waiting for so long. This is also why I thought I would love it beyond all the others, but I think I had a little too much expectations. It is good yes, but I think I’m still more in love with the first volume as it was a real discovery for me.
Ash has just turned 30 and he needs a heir. Things are well done, he also has a wife, even if he abandoned her the day after their wedding. The Marquis decides, that somehow, it is time to return to her and to ask for a child. Problem? Yes, because there is a big one! Once there, he surprises her in the arms of another naked man and then he realizes that nothing is possible between them and decides to divorce. But sometimes things aren’t really what they look like and as Jess said so, Ash seems to be very talented to fall on her while she is in completely ambiguous situations and yet often quite innocent. But when they finally decide to try to spend some time together to see if they can fix what is happening between them, they may learn that their feelings are still there.
I confess that I was really looking forward to discover the reason for the separation of our two heroes and it is true that I was quite surprised. It’s finally something quite stupid… but I find it a pity that they did not talk about it before, it would have solved many problems. But as someone told me once, if the characters were talking, there would be no stories. So of course, instead of believing each other, they prefer to listen to rumors spread about them. The worst is that we see they love each other! But neither really does an effort and ultimately they just wait to see what will happen. Yet as they go to London, to be alone and away from their homes, the whole family arrives, whether the Duchess, Ned, Jack or their companions. You doubt that then everything will be really explosive when they get together under the same roof.
I was really sad for Jess who, because of an unfortunate event, became the most hated girl, something she doesn’t really appreciate, especially when her husband believes all the rumors perfectly. Then I must say that no one hesitate to insult her and to explain the merits of their thinking. And even if the woman is strong, it is sometimes difficult for her to accept this without any reaction, particularly when her husband thinks the same. It was hurtful to see that Ash did not even try to give her the benefit of the doubt, but at the same time the two are really cute together and whatever her husband thinks, he does not hesitate to defend her against those who are attacking her and does everything to protect her.
It was a good new novel that ends the story of our three brothers and also allows us to see what they have become now with their companions. After that, it’s true it was perhaps a little below than what I thought but I still took a great pleasure in reading the novel and I strongly recommend you to try the first Volume as it is really great! I wonder now what will be the next book of the author because whatever she writes, I always love it.
kara-karina
Funny, how there are always stupid reasons for separation in historical novels 🙂 Glad you liked this one, D.!
Victoria (aka Zemfirka)
Haven’t read this series, but I do enjoy an occasional historical romance. 🙂 Will check out the series – thanks for a great review! 🙂
Melliane
I don’t read a lot of them but it’s really nice from time to time.
Mirjam
I’m sorry Loving Lord Ash didn’t quite live up to your expectations, even though you do like it. Unlike you I have been looking forward to this book the least, so perhaps I will love it! 😉
Melliane
I’m curious to see what you’ll think about it. You really need to tell me.
kimbacaffeinate
It is so true most of the time these squabbles and separations are for totally stupid reasons. It is true in life too. While this didn’t wow you like the first I am glad you enjoyed it.
Melliane
yes you’re right about that too, I agree
BookaholicCat
Can you believe it? It’s me visiting your blog. 🙂
I also expected much from this book and was sadly disappointed. Like you my favorite book in this series is the first book.
Great review.
Melliane
aaaaaaaaah Marcela!!! you’re here! how were you able to access the blog? I’m so happy, it made my day! Yes I understand you. It’s too bad.
brandileigh2003
Love the premise of the three brothers and glad you enjoyed the new tale
Carmel @ Rabid Reads
I hate it when an author makes you wait for your fav character’s book! I know it’s not their fault (obviously). Sorry to hear that this one didn’t live-up to your expectations. That’s usually the way it goes unfortunately. At least it wasn’t all bad! Great review.
Melliane
yes, I think it was too much for me… I know, it’s just I was so sure it would be awesome. No it’s ok.
Melissa (Books and Things)
I can handle some stupidity in a book if it wraps up well. Hm… still sounds like a decent read, but might try one of the others in the series first. Great review!
Giselle
Most reasons for separations are stupid haha – but yeah when you’re waiting for something and it’s kind of bleh it can be a tad disappointing. “if the characters were talking, there would be no stories.” that’s a good point! conflict does make for aweosme chemistry in most cases too! 🙂
blodeuedd
I want to try one of her books one day..one day
aurian
Great review Melliane, thank you! And yes, if characters communicated, there would be no book at all.
Joy (Joyousreads)
The reason has me curious as well. How in the heck do you say, “it’s not what you think” when it’s seemingly obvious there’s infidelity involved? Lol.
Glad you enjoyed this one. 🙂
Lily B
awww that sounds unfortuante, I think I would feel sorry for Jess as well. Now I am wondering what happened too!
Lily B
wow sounds like a lot of work and detail went into this one 😀 wonderful guest post.