What to Do with a Duke by Sally MacKenzie

Spinster House, Book 1

Synopsis: Welcome to the charming, fatefully named village of Loves Bridge, where a woman destined for spinsterhood can live a life of her own choosing—or fall unexpectedly, madly in love…

Miss Isabelle Catherine Hutting would rather be lounging in the library than circling the ballroom in search of a husband any day. So when Cat hears that the town’s infamous Spinster House is open for a new resident, she jumps at the chance to put all this marriage business behind her. But first she must make arrangements with her prospective landlord, Marcus, the Duke of Hart—the most handsome man she’s ever seen, and the only man who’s ever impressed her in the least…

With her wit, independent spirit, and not least of all her beauty, Marcus can’t help but be stirred by Cat. It’s terribly unfortunate he’s not looking to marry, given the centuries-old curse that left his family with the Spinster House to begin with. No duke shall live to see his heir’s birth. But is there a chance the curse could be broken—in true fairy-tale fashion—by an act of true love? The race to Happily Ever After is about to begin…

Review: Since I’ve discovered Sally MacKenzie, I always have a great time with her novels. The last two series she wrote were a delight to read and I was curious about this new one. I had the opportunity to read the novella last month and although in the end I was a bit mixed about it, I wanted to see how a complete story could be. Yes because it must be said that novellas are always a bit risky.

The novel continues after the end of the previous story and although it is not mandatory to have read it before launching into the story, it still places the environment and some characters that can be found here. We discover Cat, a young woman pressured by her mother to marry while she wants to live a quiet life, writing books. No, Cat doesn’t want a man and she will do anything to make her dream happen. It may well be that luck turns in her favor when a place becomes available in the Spinster House, where it is possible for a young woman to keep her reputation while living as she wants to. But for this, she will first have to convince the Duke of Hart, Marcus, who has some very different problems. Indeed, it appears that his family is the victim of a curse and every married man dies before being able to see his child. Marcus is determined to remember what can happen and not to marry. Yet it seems that the curse can be broken if the Duke marries for love and not for convenience or power. Is it true?

That’s where the two meet, a compelling link attracting the one and the other and it was interesting to see the dynamics of the two, between a woman who does not wish to marry, and a man who ultimately wants the same thing. Yet it may well be that both change their minds. But first they have to understand the curse.

I loved to follow this story and to discover at the beginning of each chapter the story of Isabelle, the young woman from which all started and to understand what had been happening. A sad story indeed that we do not expect the outcome at the end of the novel.

To conclude, although the plot itself sometimes seems a little long, I spent a good time with this first volume and I am curious to see what will result.

 

3-5 

mellianefini

 

What to Do with a Duke de Sally MacKenzie (VO)

Spinster House, Tome 1

Résumé (traduction personnelle) : Bienvenue dans le charmant village nommé fatalement Loves Bridge, où une femme destinée au célibat peut vivre la vie de son choix ou tomber de façon inattendue, follement amoureuse …

Mlle Isabelle Catherine Hutting préfèrerait plutôt se prélasser dans la bibliothèque que tourner tous les jours dans une salle de bal à la recherche d’un mari. Alors, quand Cat entend que cette infâme Maison Spinster de la ville est ouverte à cause d’une nouvelle résidente, elle saute sur l’occasion pour mettre toute cette affaire de mariage derrière elle. Mais d’abord, elle doit prendre des arrangements avec son propriétaire éventuel, Marcus, le duc de Hart-le plus bel homme qu’elle ait jamais vu, et le seul homme qui l’ait jamais impressionnée…

Avec son esprit indépendant, et non moins de toute beauté, Marcus ne peut s’empêcher d’être attiré par Cat. Il est terriblement regrettable qu’il ne cherche pas à se marier, compte tenu de la malédiction vieille de plusieurs siècles qui a laissé sa famille avec la Maison Spinster pour commencer. Aucun duc ne peut vivre pour voir la naissance de son héritier. Mais est-ce possible de briser la malédiction -en véritable conte de fées – par un acte d’amour? La course pour le “Heureux Pour Toujours” est sur le point de commencer …

Avis : Depuis que j’ai découvert Sally MacKenzie, je passe toujours un très bon moment avec ses romans. Les deux dernières séries qu’elle a écrites étaient un régal à lire et j’étais curieuse de découvrir cette toute nouvelle. J’avais eu l’occasion de lire la nouvelle le mois dernier et même si au final j’ai été un peu mitigée, je voulais voir ce que pouvait donner une histoire complète. Oui parce qu’il faut dire que les nouvelles sont toujours un peu risquées.

Le roman se situe à la suite de la nouvelle et même si ce n’est pas obligatoire de l’avoir lue avant de se lancer dans l’histoire, elle permet de placer le contexte et certains personnages que l’on retrouve ici. On découvre alors Cat, une jeune femme pressée par sa mère à se marier alors qu’elle ne désire que vivre une vie tranquille à écrire des livres et se cultiver. Non Cat est loin de vouloir d’un homme et est prête à tout pour que son rêve se produise. Il se pourrait bien que la chance tourne en sa faveur quand une place se libère dans la Maison Spinster, où il est possible à une jeune femme de garder sa réputation et de vivre comme vieille fille tranquillement. Pourtant, pour cela, elle va tout d’abord devoir convaincre le Duc de Hart, Marcus, qui lui se trouve avec de bien différents problèmes. En effet, il semblerait que sa famille soit victime d’une malédiction et chaque homme marié meurt avant de ne pouvoir voir son enfant. Marcus est donc bien décidé à ne pas oublier ce qu’il peut arriver et à ne pas se marier. Pourtant il semblerait que la malédiction puisse être brisée si le Duc se marie par amour et non par convenance ou pouvoir. Est-ce vrai ?

Dès lors où les deux se rencontrent, un lien irrésistible les attire et c’était intéressant de voir la dynamique des deux entre une femme qui ne désire pas se marier et un homme qui finalement ne désire que la même chose. Et pourtant il se pourrait bien que les deux changent d’avis. Mais avant tout ils doivent comprendre la malédiction dont leur famille est à l’origine.

J’ai beaucoup aimé suivre cette histoire et découvrir en chaque début de chapitre l’histoire d’Isabelle, la jeune femme à partir de quoi tout a commencé et de comprendre ce qui avait bien pu se passer. Une histoire bien triste d’ailleurs dont on n’attend pas le dénouement en fin de roman.

Pour conclure, même si l’intrigue en elle-même parait parfois un peu longue, j’ai passé un bon moment avec ce premier tome et je suis curieuse de voir ce que donnera la suite.

3-5 

mellianefini

In the Spinster’s Bed by Sally MacKenzie

Spinster House, Book 0.5

Synopsis: At Spinster House, a woman can enjoy the spoils of single life—or find the love of a lifetime…

It has been twenty years since Lord William Wattles laid eyes on Annabelle Frost. Still, he remembers everything—her ethereal beauty, her bookish intelligence, her surprisingly modern attitudes about love…and lust. But Belle’s allegedly wanton behavior led her father to send her away to save the family’s reputation. Now she resides at Spinster House in the village of Loves Bridge, where an unmarried lady can live—and in Belle’s case, support herself as a librarian—in peace…

Beautiful, passionate Belle—sworn off marriage? William can’t believe the woman he once knew could end up like this. But when the hands of fate bring him to Loves Bridge, his long-lost love might just end up back in his arms. Is their unwavering desire worth the sweeping scandal that is sure to follow them both? Absolutely.

Review: I looked forward to this new Sally MacKenzie’s series. Indeed, I always have a great time with all her stories and I was curious to see what she would present us this time. This new addition allows us to have a glimpse of what awaits us in the future for this series.

We discover Belle, a young woman who was able to rebuild her life after being thrown into the street by her father when she was younger. With luck, she managed to find a job enabling her to continue her life as a single person without being dishonored in any way whatsoever. Thus she becomes the new librarian in Loves Bridge, as soon as she keeps her spinsterhood label. And, to leave her past completely behind her, the young woman even decides to change her name. Yet, her life will change completely when an old acquaintance comes to town, a man for whom her heart beat and for whom he it always beats. Unfortunately the latter is married, what can happen then?

I enjoyed discovering this introduction even if finally everything happens too fast and I struggled to hang on everything. The romance between the two is very fast too and it is true that they are not very careful about what others think of them. But really, I think the only problem is the speed of the narrative, as it fails to really embrace this resurgent relationship. But overall it’s still a nice story to follow and I admit that I am curious to read the first novel now.

3 

mellianefini

In the Spinster’s Bed de Sally MacKenzie (VO)

Spinster House, Tome 0.5

Résumé (traduction personnelle) : Au Spinster House, une femme peut profiter de sa vie de célibataire ou trouver l’amour de toute une vie …

Vingt ans se sont écoulés depuis que Lord William Wattles a posé les yeux sur Annabelle Frost. Pourtant, il se souvient de toute-son éthérée beauté, son intelligence livresque, ses attitudes étonnamment modernes sur l’amour … et sa luxure.Mais le comportement prétendument déréglé de Belle conduit son père à la renvoyer pour sauver la réputation de sa famille. Maintenant, elle réside à Spinster House dans le village de Loves Bridge, où une dame célibataire peut vivre et dans le cas de Belle, subvenir en paix à ses besoins comme bibliothécaire…

Belle, Belle la passionnée –a promis de ne pas se marier ? William ne peut pas croire que la femme qu’il a connue autrefois pourrait finir comme ça. Mais quand les mains du destin l’amène à Loves Bridge, son amour perdu pourrait bien finir par revenir dans ses bras. Leur désir inébranlable vaut-il le scandale qui est sûr de les suivre? Absolument.

Avis : J’attendais avec impatience cette nouvelle série de Sally MacKenzie. En effet, j’ai toujours passé de très bons moments avec toutes ses histoires et j’étais curieuse de voir ce qu’elle allait nous présenter cette fois-ci. Cette nouvelle nous permet d’ailleurs d’avoir un petit aperçu de ce qui nous attendra par la suite.

On découvre Belle, une jeune femme qui a réussi à refaire sa vie après avoir été jetée à la rue par son père quand elle était plus jeune. Avec beaucoup de chance, elle a réussi à trouver un travail lui permettant de pouvoir continuer sa vie en tant que célibataire sans être déshonorée de quelque manière que ce soit. C’est ainsi qu’elle devient la nouvelle bibliothécaire de Loves Bridge, à la condition qu’elle garde son statut de vieille fille. Et pour laisser son passé complètement derrière elle, la jeune femme décide même de changer de nom. Pourtant, sa vie va complètement changer quand une ancienne connaissance arrive en ville, celui pour qui son cœur battait et pour qui il bat toujours. Hélas ce dernier est marié, que peut-il alors se passer ?

J’ai bien aimé découvrir cette introduction même si finalement le tout se passe trop vite et j’ai eu du mal à accrocher. La romance entre les deux est très rapide et c’est vrai qu’ils ne font pas très attention à ce que pensent les autres de tout ça. Mais vraiment, je pense que le seul problème c’est la vitesse du récit, comme on ne parvient pas à vraiment adhérer à cette relation renaissante. Mais dans l’ensemble c’est quand même une histoire agréable à suivre et j’avoue que je suis curieuse de pouvoir lire le premier roman maintenant.

3 

mellianefini

Loving Lord Ash by Sally MacKenzie

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.

3-5

mellianefini

Lord Ash à tout prix de Sally MacKenzie

La Duchesse des Coeurs, Tome 3

Résumé (traduction personnelle) : Un petit malentendu…

Kit, le marquis d’Ashton, se retrouve dans un bourbier. Il s’est marié jeune et par amour – quel naïf. Il a découvert son erreur le jour même de son mariage, mais il est aux prises aujourd’hui avec une femme qu’il hésite à faire confiance. Et malgré toutes les preuves qu’il rassemble par rapport à l’infidélité de Jess, il ne parvient pas à prouver sa culpabilité devant le juge – son cœur insensé.

Jessica sait qu’elle a gâché son mariage, mais innocemment. Un mariage de conte de fées ne fait aucune différence si elle n’a pas obtenu le marquis charmé pour aller avec. Eh bien, elle en a assez des rencontres fortuites avec des messieurs nus et des moitiés d’explications qu’elle a données à son mari. Il est temps de se remonter le moral et d’aller gagner son homme une fois encore, même si elle doit faire des coups bas pour cela.

Avis : Je dois dire que j’attends ce roman depuis le tout premier tome où l’on découvre Ash. J’étais tellement curieuse de savoir ce qu’il se passait entre lui et sa femme et la raison derrière leur rupture. Et je dois dire que j’étais aussi impatiente de voir leurs retrouvailles après autant de temps. C’est aussi pourquoi je pensais aimer celui-ci bien au-delà de tous les autres, mais je pense que j’avais un peu trop d’attentes. Il est bon oui, mais je pense que je reste toujours amoureuse du premier tome qui était une véritable découverte pour moi.

Ash vient d’avoir 30 ans et il lui faut un héritier. Les choses sont bien faites, il a aussi une femme, même s’il l’a abandonnée au lendemain de leur mariage. Le marquis décide donc, tant bien que mal, qu’il est temps qu’il retourne vers elle et lui demande un enfant. Problème ? Oui parce qu’il en faut un ! Une fois arrivé, il la surprend dans les bras d’un autre homme nu et il comprend alors que rien n’est possible entre eux et décide de divorcer. Pourtant, parfois tout n’est qu’apparences et comme le dit si bien Jess, Ash semble être très doué pour tomber sur elle alors qu’elle se trouve dans des situations complètement ambiguës et pourtant souvent assez innocentes. Mais alors qu’ils décident finalement d’essayer de passer du temps ensemble pour voir s’ils peuvent arranger ce qu’il se passe entre eux, il se pourrait bien qu’ils apprennent que leurs sentiments sont toujours là.

J’avoue que j’attendais vraiment avec impatience de découvrir la raison de la séparation de nos deux héros et c’est vrai que j’ai été assez surprise. C’est finalement quelque chose de bête en plus… mais je trouve ça dommage qu’ils n’en aient pas parlé avant, cela aurait réglé bien des problèmes. Mais comme quelqu’un me l’a dit une fois, si les personnages se parlaient, il n’y aurait pas d’histoires. Alors bien sûr, au lieu de se croire l’un l’autre, ils préfèrent écouter les rumeurs colportées à leur sujet. Le pire c’est qu’on voit qu’ils s’aiment ! Mais aucun des deux ne fait vraiment d’efforts et au final ils se laissent seulement porter par le temps. Pourtant alors qu’ils partent pour Londres, pour être seuls et loin de leurs demeures respectives, voilà que toute la famille débarque, que ce soit la Duchesse, Ned, Jack et leurs compagnons. Vous vous doutez alors que le tout sera vraiment explosif alors qu’ils se réunissent sous le même toit.

J’ai eu beaucoup de peine pour Jess qui à cause d’un malencontreux événement se voit comme la trainée de service, chose qu’elle n’apprécie pas vraiment, surtout quand son mari y croit parfaitement. Puis il faut dire que personne ne se retient pour l’insulter et lui expliquer le fond de leur pensée. Et même si la jeune femme est forte, c’est parfois difficile d’accepter tout cela sans faillir, notamment quand son mari pense pareil. C’était blessant de voir que Ash ne cherchait même pas à lui laisser le bénéfice du doute, mais en même temps les deux sont vraiment mignons ensemble et quoi que pense son mari, il n’hésite pas à la défendre contre ceux qui s’attaquent à elle et à tout faire pour la protéger.

C’était un nouveau bon roman qui termine l’histoire de nos trois frères et qui nous permet d’ailleurs de voir ce qu’ils sont devenus à présent avec leurs compagnes. Après c’est vrai que j’en attendais tellement que c’était peut-être un peu en dessous de ce que je pensais mais j’ai quand même pris un grand plaisir à lire le roman et je vous conseille fortement de tenter le premier tome qui est vraiment génial ! Je me demande à présent quel sera le prochain livre de l’auteure car tout ce qu’elle écrit parvient parfaitement à m’emporter.

3-5

mellianefini

The Naked Baron & The Naked Viscount by Sally MacKenzie

Naked Nobility, Book 2

Synopsis: Tell Me What You Want

New to London society and rather…awkward…Lady Grace Belmont would just as soon hide behind the palm trees as dance with a man she doesn’t know. But Baron Dawson is on the hunt for a wife. Grace’s generous curves and remarkable height do not intimidate him. In fact, it would be more accurate to describe his reaction to the charming newcomer as lust.

Before Grace can so much as gather her thoughts, she finds herself in his arms, committing one shocking impropriety after another. The Baron’s devilish attractiveness—to say nothing of his splendid muscles—is simply impossible to resist. Her beloved aunt and chaperone advises patience, but Grace is not about to listen. The handsome baron is whispering such delightful things in her ear…

Review: What a joy to read these two other books in the Sally MacKenzie series. It is always very pleasant and is perfect for a light and fun read when I need it. This novel takes place at the same time as the Naked Duke and it was very funny to see the main characters become secondary here. Some places intersect, as well as certain events, allowing us to put us in mind other stories at the same time.

We discover Kate and her niece Grace in London during a bal. Grace is promised to a man she does not love but that does not really bother her… or at least until she meets Baron Dawson. As soon as he sees her, the Baron knows that this woman would be perfect to become his wife and he is determined to make her accept a marriage proposal. Yet it all seems much more difficult with this stubborn young woman. This can’t be because they are attracted because other family complications come into play, too. In parallel to this story, we also follow Kate and the Uncle of the Baron: Alex. These two people have a common past, and when he tried years ago to marry her, her brother refused her hand. But now that they are older, the possibilities are different or that is in any case what Alex thinks. But of course, this is not counting on the determination of the lady.

I loved this story and to follow the two couples staged. The romance between Alex and Kate is obvious, while they waited their whole life for that, some ramparts always arise between them. Yet Alex is determined to make Kate his wife and hope not to have to wait more. He is direct and honest but also susceptive. Kate meanwhile is trying to impose her choices but it is not really her nature so it was quite funny to see their arguments. Despite her age, she is very innocent and very unsure, which puts her in quite funny situations. They perfectly complement one another. Regarding Grace and Baron I must say that they are both very similar. They are determined and are always behaving like they want in society. Yet I loved seeing that Grace despite her attractiveness for the man, always kept in mind that it was not him she was going to marry with. I was curious anyway to see how Kate and Grace would end and it is true that I am happy with the outcome and how everything went. It was again a good story even if I always read everything in disorder.

4

Naked Nobility, Book 5

Synopsis: The Naked Truth…After eight Seasons in London, Lady Jane Parker-Roth is ready to quit the dull search for a husband in favor of more exciting pursuits. So when she encounters an intruder in her host’s townhouse, she’s not about to let the scoundrel escape. Until she discovers she’s wrestling a viscount-Edmund Smyth, the one noble she wouldn’t mind meeting in the dark. And when their struggle shatters a randy statue of the god Pan, even more mischief ensues…

Edmund was indeed searching for evidence of a scandal, but the shocking clues inside the nude statue are far from what he expected. The same can be said of Jane, who shows a talent for interfering in his affairs. And as his quest becomes more than a little improper, he finds the impetuous Lady has a talent for that as well…

Review: After reading the Naked Baron, here I am with the Naked Viscount. I admit that I was immediately intrigued when I saw that it staged Edmund that we discover as a secondary character in the previous book and Lady Jane Parker-Roth, John’s sister, People we’ve heard so much about. In addition, we also meet once again Winifred the Viscount’s aunt with her monkey and parrot that always cause zany situations for our greatest pleasure.

Lady Jane Parker-Roth is now 24 years old and still not married, yet she isn’t really cares about any men, except Edmund, alas, he does not even seem to notice her. However, when one night she finds him in her home, seeking for a drawing, she falls under both his charm and decides to participate in his mission. It would appear that pieces of drawings are hidden in the penis of some unusual statues. And while these drawings can put them in grave danger, Jane is determined to help Edmund to discover the end of the story whatever he agrees or not. And I must say he rarely agrees. And while the plot thickens, our heroes will face many dangers to find the truth. But besides that, now the aunts of the Viscount decide to come visit him to force him to find a wife. And I must say it would be churlish to antagonize these terrifying ladies with their many animals.

It was nice to have a heroine as Lady Jane Parker-Roth. She is very different from the ones we use to see, and although she is still single, she knows more things that any other girl. It was pretty funny to see that she did not hesitate to follow her desires and always does as she wants to. I loved seeing the situations in which she was able to get without realizing it, some also very shocking for this period. And surprisingly enough, she isn’t really looking to marry anyone, but she likes Edmund a lot and would love to know him a little more. Regarding the latter, I think I can say that he is sometimes frustrating as he wants to prevent Jane to do anything. But it’s still very funny to see how she handles him to achieve her purposes. They are really cute together and their relationship evolves gradually during the novel. I was pretty excited to see their progress about the investigation to discover the culprit. And I must say that I was totally surprised when I discovered his identity because of course I asked myself the question several times without reaching about any suspects.

It was a very good new novel, full of humor as always and I was happy to discover these two titles which are very pleasant to read.

4

mellianefini