Regina (virgosun) reviewed The Duke's Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Bk 4) on + 888 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I had a wonderful time reading about Hart and Eleanor, a couple who ultimately learned from their mistakes after their love was derailed years earlier. The story begins with their second time around with just enough info sprinkled throughout to explain their history. These two had the hots for each other, which made for some sensual encounters, including the use of Eleanor's interest in capturing Hart's beauty through photography. Hart stepped up the the plate with being the in-charge and powerfully demanding man as only a thoroughly alpha male could be. Although he was intense, he was also inherently good. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop when the author kept mentioning Hart's proclivity for "darker pleasures," but really, that didn't turn out to be so dark; just a little kinky. Eleanor easily took it in stride. Another element that I loved so much about this book was that Ian was prominently featured. He just so happens to be my favorite of the MackKenzie men.
Overall, Hart's story was a satisfying conclusion to the MacKenzie series and a beautiful testament to learning and loving life as we live it. 4.5 stars.
Overall, Hart's story was a satisfying conclusion to the MacKenzie series and a beautiful testament to learning and loving life as we live it. 4.5 stars.
Ruth T. (RegencyBelle) - , reviewed The Duke's Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Bk 4) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
As once sang the great Peggy Lee, "Is that all there is?
The characters in the first three Highland Pleasures books just about leaped off the pages. They appear again in Book 4, but as flat as paint on a wall. I was left with the impression of travel by train, by coach and landau, by boat and by shank's mare while nothing really happened. My fault as the reader perhaps, for there was attempted assassination by gun and by explosives but I was numb by page 174. A very disappointing fourth in a series I had enjoyed at first -- and at second -- reading.
The characters in the first three Highland Pleasures books just about leaped off the pages. They appear again in Book 4, but as flat as paint on a wall. I was left with the impression of travel by train, by coach and landau, by boat and by shank's mare while nothing really happened. My fault as the reader perhaps, for there was attempted assassination by gun and by explosives but I was numb by page 174. A very disappointing fourth in a series I had enjoyed at first -- and at second -- reading.
Helpful Score: 2
A satisfying if not particularly shocking ending to the Mackenzie saga (the series continues with Ainsley's brothers in the lead).
Hart has always been a character who was too overbearing, too angry, too deeply wounded to really get to know him. We've learned over the previous three books how very deeply he loves his brothers and that he has some dark secrets. He's that kind of enigmatic hero that is like catnip to romance enthusaists. But we have also been told that he's been involved in some rather deviant sexual perversions in the past.
The dance of getting Hart and Eleanor back together was a bit slow and the reasons, especially on his side, rang a bit false. On the one hand he wants to protect Eleanor from his inner sexual darkness, on the other hand he explains how it isn't really all that perverted. Furthermore nothing he ever does or says to to Eleanor seems particularly dark. It was difficult to tell if Jennifer Ashley just needed to dance around the subject to satisfy her publisher or if perhaps in her mind having sex while looking in a mirror is very "dangerous" and kinky. Ultimately, resolving Hart's mysterious past wasn't as revelatory or as scandalous as the build-up would have led us to believe.
Having loved this entire series, this was probably the weak spot in the lot, but certainly worth the read. Jennifer Ashley keeps all her characters unique and Hart and Eleanor were an interesting couple. We also spent a lot of time with Ian, Beth, and the other Mackenzies.
Hart has always been a character who was too overbearing, too angry, too deeply wounded to really get to know him. We've learned over the previous three books how very deeply he loves his brothers and that he has some dark secrets. He's that kind of enigmatic hero that is like catnip to romance enthusaists. But we have also been told that he's been involved in some rather deviant sexual perversions in the past.
The dance of getting Hart and Eleanor back together was a bit slow and the reasons, especially on his side, rang a bit false. On the one hand he wants to protect Eleanor from his inner sexual darkness, on the other hand he explains how it isn't really all that perverted. Furthermore nothing he ever does or says to to Eleanor seems particularly dark. It was difficult to tell if Jennifer Ashley just needed to dance around the subject to satisfy her publisher or if perhaps in her mind having sex while looking in a mirror is very "dangerous" and kinky. Ultimately, resolving Hart's mysterious past wasn't as revelatory or as scandalous as the build-up would have led us to believe.
Having loved this entire series, this was probably the weak spot in the lot, but certainly worth the read. Jennifer Ashley keeps all her characters unique and Hart and Eleanor were an interesting couple. We also spent a lot of time with Ian, Beth, and the other Mackenzies.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Helpful Score: 1
Hart Mackenzie, the Duke of Kilmorgan, is surprised when his former fiancee, Lady Eleanor Ramsay, shows up on his doorstep bearing nude photographs of Hart taken years ago. Eleanor doesn't know who sent them to her, but she is worried they may hurt Hart's political chances as he vies for the post of Prime Minister. Hart sees this as his chance to win Eleanor back and immediately moves her into his home while she investigates the photos. Now Hart must regain the trust he lost long ago and win her back.
This is the fourth book in the Highland Pleasures series. Hart is the oldest of the Mackenzies. He has always protected his brothers from their abusive father, and has shouldered the burdens of keeping the family together. I enjoyed Eleanor's straight forward way of dealing with Hart. She knew him better than he knew himself in many cases. But my favorite character in this book was Ian. I've loved him from the first book in the series. He will do anything to see his brother happy at last. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the fourth book in the Highland Pleasures series. Hart is the oldest of the Mackenzies. He has always protected his brothers from their abusive father, and has shouldered the burdens of keeping the family together. I enjoyed Eleanor's straight forward way of dealing with Hart. She knew him better than he knew himself in many cases. But my favorite character in this book was Ian. I've loved him from the first book in the series. He will do anything to see his brother happy at last. My rating: 4 Stars.
Susan W. (WriterOne) -
Helpful Score: 1
I was actually disappointed with this final installment. The others were just so stellar but this one dragged on and on in some parts. The end was also anticlimatic.
I think much of my disappointment was Ashley's writing. She did a lot more "telling" instead of "showing" so it was hard to feel part of the emotional moments.
This is no reflection on the characters. I loved Hart and Eleanor -- I'm invested in the entire Mackenzie clan. I loved the fact that Hart finally realized what was important in life and didn't let it slip away at the end.
I do wish that she would have told Daniel's story. I think that would have made for a much more completed conclusion.
I have littled understanding as to why she picked Ainsley's brothers to pursue. They didn't seem particularly remarkable to me. I would much more rather have heard about Inspector Fellowes and with that hijack towards the end, I've little doubt we'll see something come of "that" relationship.
I think much of my disappointment was Ashley's writing. She did a lot more "telling" instead of "showing" so it was hard to feel part of the emotional moments.
This is no reflection on the characters. I loved Hart and Eleanor -- I'm invested in the entire Mackenzie clan. I loved the fact that Hart finally realized what was important in life and didn't let it slip away at the end.
I do wish that she would have told Daniel's story. I think that would have made for a much more completed conclusion.
I have littled understanding as to why she picked Ainsley's brothers to pursue. They didn't seem particularly remarkable to me. I would much more rather have heard about Inspector Fellowes and with that hijack towards the end, I've little doubt we'll see something come of "that" relationship.
