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Wylder Sisters #2
When The Duchess Said Yes
The second in Isabella Bradford's irresistibly charming and passionate series of the irrepressible Wylder sisters. Notorious for her free-spirited antics, Lady Elizabeth Wylder revels in attention - but not the sort that leaves her humiliated when her future husband, the Duke of Hawkesworth, fails to appear for their first introduction. So when a chance encounter leads to a sizzling kiss with a handsome stranger, she nearly succumbs. The shock of finally meeting her betrothed only to come face to face with her rakish would-be seducer inspires fury - and fans the flames of a fire that both Lizzie and the Duke acknowledge is a most agreeable way to start a marriage. But is the passion that accompanies endless nights of erotic discovery enough to persuade a duke whose scandalous lineage and lifestyle prevent him from giving his heart completely?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
17 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Bradford
9 books159 followersIsabella Bradford is a pseudonym for Susan Holloway Scott, the award-winning author of more than fifty historical novels and historical romances. Her bestselling books have been published in nineteen countries and translated into fourteen languages with more than three million copies in print. Bradford also writes as half of the Two Nerdy History Girls (twonerdyhistorygirls.com), an entertaining history blog and Twitter account (@2nerdyhistgirls) with an international following. She is a graduate of Brown University, and lives with her family outside of Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 26, 2012
Lady Elizabeth Wylder is anxiously waiting to meet her betrothed, the Duke of Hawkesworth and is a bit humiliated when he fails repeatedly to show up for their appointed meetings. Taking a few moments to herself after one such letdown, she wanders in a garden only to be approached by the most devilishly handsome man. One shocking kiss and even more shocking proposition later, she flees to the safety of her sister and his husband, all the while berating herself for slipping up and kissing a man she doesn't even know while she is betrothed to another! It just reenforces her reputation as the wildest sister and she makes sure to keep the scandal to herself. But when Hawke finally shows himself for a meeting, she grows furious when she recognizes him as the man from the garden! How dare he be out seducing other women and not spare the time to meet his finace? However, they quickly realize that they have a fiery passion together that can not be denied and they eagerly look forward to their wedding day. But after the passion cools, will true love last? Or will Hawke run off and leave his dear Lizzie to deal with society by herself?
This was a very enjoyable light-hearted romance that was fun and quick to read! Lizzie was a treat to read--bold, feisty, warm, fun, adventurous and very passionate. Once she gets over her initial frustration with Hawke and his lack of communication for years, she opens up to him easily and lets him see all aspects of her heart. I did have a bit of trouble warming to Hawke as he seemed to shrink his duties as duke. Even upon meeting Lizzie and falling for her instantly, he stilled planned to leave her alone once an heir was born and return to his 'true' home in Naples. Also, he knows he can never live up to his fathers grand shadow and frankly has no desire to try to. I did really enjoy his appreciation for art and I loved seeing how happy it made him and how thrilled he was when he realized Lizzie shared the same appreciation. Really the only major tension comes when Lizzie learns of Hawke's plans to leave in a most unfortunate way and the stubborn couple have a happy ending that suited them well. It is well written and has lovely attention to fashion details, which I always enjoy. The passion is hot and it gradually shifts to a deep love. I liked how Hawke kept doing special little things for his new wife and each little moment lead to an adventure, proper or not for a duke and duchess. If you are in the mood for something light that will make you smile and fan yourself, When the Duchess Said Yes is a treat indeed. 4 stars
Review copy provided by Ballantine Books (Random House) via netgalley.com
This was a very enjoyable light-hearted romance that was fun and quick to read! Lizzie was a treat to read--bold, feisty, warm, fun, adventurous and very passionate. Once she gets over her initial frustration with Hawke and his lack of communication for years, she opens up to him easily and lets him see all aspects of her heart. I did have a bit of trouble warming to Hawke as he seemed to shrink his duties as duke. Even upon meeting Lizzie and falling for her instantly, he stilled planned to leave her alone once an heir was born and return to his 'true' home in Naples. Also, he knows he can never live up to his fathers grand shadow and frankly has no desire to try to. I did really enjoy his appreciation for art and I loved seeing how happy it made him and how thrilled he was when he realized Lizzie shared the same appreciation. Really the only major tension comes when Lizzie learns of Hawke's plans to leave in a most unfortunate way and the stubborn couple have a happy ending that suited them well. It is well written and has lovely attention to fashion details, which I always enjoy. The passion is hot and it gradually shifts to a deep love. I liked how Hawke kept doing special little things for his new wife and each little moment lead to an adventure, proper or not for a duke and duchess. If you are in the mood for something light that will make you smile and fan yourself, When the Duchess Said Yes is a treat indeed. 4 stars
Review copy provided by Ballantine Books (Random House) via netgalley.com
November 28, 2012
2.5 stars
I enjoy “arranged marriage/marriage of convenience” stories as a rule, so I was looking forward to this, the second in Isabella Bradford’s trilogy about the Wylder sisters.
The book has much to recommend it. The writing is good, the love scenes are steamy and there is a generally good-humoured feel to it overall.
But I found it difficult to care very much about the two protagonists. Lizzie is the middle sister and like Charlotte (the eldest) has been betrothed since childhood. Her intended is the Duke of Hawkesworth, a sort of cousin of the Charlotte’s husband, March, but unlike March, Hawkesworth (or Hawke) has no regard for propriety or the responsibilities of his position. In fact, he has lived abroad for the previous ten years and has only returned to England in order to marry Lizzie so that he can obtain his inheritance and father an heir. He has returned begrudgingly, and, rather like a naughty schoolboy on his way to the headmaster’s office, drags his feet when it comes to facing up to the inevitability of his fate. He continually and purposely avoids all contact with Lizzie until he is cornered by his cousin Brecon (who also appeared in the first book in the series) and more or less forced to meet her.
Lizzie is lively and free-spirited, and quite happy to follow Hawke’s lead when it comes to propriety (or lack thereof). Although she has been upset by Hawke’s … lack of enthusiasm for their marriage, she quickly forgives him and is captivated by his looks, charm and wit.
Both of them are very immature and for most of the book they carry on like a couple of randy teenagers. Lizzie is only eighteen, to be sure, but at the time the book is set, it was usual for women to marry young and take on the duties of their position, ane being of good family she has of course been brought up with that knowledge. She does, however, have one moment of insight when she realises that although her husband may have left his mistress(es) behind in Italy, she is a replacement in that he wants for them to behave just as they please without a care for any of the obligations of their position or even the running of their household. Hawke is ten years Lizzie’s senior, but he behaves just as immaturely and incredibly selfishly; if anything, the fact that he is old enough to know better makes his shortcomings worse than hers. But he is convinced that love is a transient thing, and fully intends to return to Italy after he has done his duty and fathered an heir.
To be fair to Lizzie, she does try to talk to Hawke when it becomes apparent that he is discontent, but he, being a typical bloke, decides to disappear for a few days and have some fun on his own, just to teach her a lesson. Lizzie, however, chooses this moment to “man up”, having realised that they can’t live completely outside of society.
There are no evil seducers in this story and no deep dark secrets. The problems in the relationship come from Hawke’s selfishness and the fact that Lizzie is so happy to have found someone who will encourage her in defying propriety that she doesn’t stop to think about the consequences.
The story is all wrapped up quite quickly in the last chapter or so – almost too quickly I felt, for the big changes in both characters; Lizzie turns into the perfect duchess and Hawke abandons his long-held plan to return to Italy for good and pick up his life there as if he were still single.
It’s a fun, undemanding read, but left me feeling rather flat, I’m afraid.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
I enjoy “arranged marriage/marriage of convenience” stories as a rule, so I was looking forward to this, the second in Isabella Bradford’s trilogy about the Wylder sisters.
The book has much to recommend it. The writing is good, the love scenes are steamy and there is a generally good-humoured feel to it overall.
But I found it difficult to care very much about the two protagonists. Lizzie is the middle sister and like Charlotte (the eldest) has been betrothed since childhood. Her intended is the Duke of Hawkesworth, a sort of cousin of the Charlotte’s husband, March, but unlike March, Hawkesworth (or Hawke) has no regard for propriety or the responsibilities of his position. In fact, he has lived abroad for the previous ten years and has only returned to England in order to marry Lizzie so that he can obtain his inheritance and father an heir. He has returned begrudgingly, and, rather like a naughty schoolboy on his way to the headmaster’s office, drags his feet when it comes to facing up to the inevitability of his fate. He continually and purposely avoids all contact with Lizzie until he is cornered by his cousin Brecon (who also appeared in the first book in the series) and more or less forced to meet her.
Lizzie is lively and free-spirited, and quite happy to follow Hawke’s lead when it comes to propriety (or lack thereof). Although she has been upset by Hawke’s … lack of enthusiasm for their marriage, she quickly forgives him and is captivated by his looks, charm and wit.
Both of them are very immature and for most of the book they carry on like a couple of randy teenagers. Lizzie is only eighteen, to be sure, but at the time the book is set, it was usual for women to marry young and take on the duties of their position, ane being of good family she has of course been brought up with that knowledge. She does, however, have one moment of insight when she realises that although her husband may have left his mistress(es) behind in Italy, she is a replacement in that he wants for them to behave just as they please without a care for any of the obligations of their position or even the running of their household. Hawke is ten years Lizzie’s senior, but he behaves just as immaturely and incredibly selfishly; if anything, the fact that he is old enough to know better makes his shortcomings worse than hers. But he is convinced that love is a transient thing, and fully intends to return to Italy after he has done his duty and fathered an heir.
To be fair to Lizzie, she does try to talk to Hawke when it becomes apparent that he is discontent, but he, being a typical bloke, decides to disappear for a few days and have some fun on his own, just to teach her a lesson. Lizzie, however, chooses this moment to “man up”, having realised that they can’t live completely outside of society.
There are no evil seducers in this story and no deep dark secrets. The problems in the relationship come from Hawke’s selfishness and the fact that Lizzie is so happy to have found someone who will encourage her in defying propriety that she doesn’t stop to think about the consequences.
The story is all wrapped up quite quickly in the last chapter or so – almost too quickly I felt, for the big changes in both characters; Lizzie turns into the perfect duchess and Hawke abandons his long-held plan to return to Italy for good and pick up his life there as if he were still single.
It’s a fun, undemanding read, but left me feeling rather flat, I’m afraid.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
July 12, 2013
3.5 stars
This was an overall cute and fun read, considering it’s a historical romance. There isn’t any heavy stuff, though, which was nice.
Hawke and Lizzie are getting married. And they haven’t met each other yet. Until one night, when they do, and they have no idea who the other one is. Yeah, there’s a lot of surprises and squealing going on (from me, not them). Their relationship was kind of odd. It starts out very strong, as in like they both fall head over heels for each other and they’re caught up in the whirlwind of their newly discovered passion for each other. Hawke is also not the usual kind of hero; I mean, sure he’s kind of a rogue and dashing, but he doesn’t have the whole domineering or foreboding thing going for him. He was very boyish, which was adorable. And he does develop as a character, coming to terms with what his marriage really means and how to best treat his wife. And Lizzie…well, she’s young and excited, but I also loved getting to see her develop as a duchess and a wife to Hawke. They actually made a great pair, and it took a while for them to see how great it was, but it was executed nicely.
“Oh, my, Hawke, look what you’ve done!” she exclaimed, adding a little hop of delight. “I shall be as proud as a princess, riding in that!”
“You’re the Duchess of Hawkesworth,” he said as he led her down the chapel steps. “That’s better than any princess.”
She laughed. “Is it?”
“It is,” he assured her, “because you’re wed not to any mere prince, but to me.”
“Here,” he said, exhausted from the effort. “That’s for you, Duchess, to show I won’t ever leave you. That’s my heart.”
This was an overall cute and fun read, considering it’s a historical romance. There isn’t any heavy stuff, though, which was nice.
Hawke and Lizzie are getting married. And they haven’t met each other yet. Until one night, when they do, and they have no idea who the other one is. Yeah, there’s a lot of surprises and squealing going on (from me, not them). Their relationship was kind of odd. It starts out very strong, as in like they both fall head over heels for each other and they’re caught up in the whirlwind of their newly discovered passion for each other. Hawke is also not the usual kind of hero; I mean, sure he’s kind of a rogue and dashing, but he doesn’t have the whole domineering or foreboding thing going for him. He was very boyish, which was adorable. And he does develop as a character, coming to terms with what his marriage really means and how to best treat his wife. And Lizzie…well, she’s young and excited, but I also loved getting to see her develop as a duchess and a wife to Hawke. They actually made a great pair, and it took a while for them to see how great it was, but it was executed nicely.
“Oh, my, Hawke, look what you’ve done!” she exclaimed, adding a little hop of delight. “I shall be as proud as a princess, riding in that!”
“You’re the Duchess of Hawkesworth,” he said as he led her down the chapel steps. “That’s better than any princess.”
She laughed. “Is it?”
“It is,” he assured her, “because you’re wed not to any mere prince, but to me.”
“Here,” he said, exhausted from the effort. “That’s for you, Duchess, to show I won’t ever leave you. That’s my heart.”
December 11, 2012
This book is a little bit different because, almost from the beginning the two are seriously attracted to one another, but in the end I found it a little too much, even if it was important for the plot. And so it was for me a little bit boring, anyway a good romance not so involved with the Ton.
Questo libro non è il solito regency perchè i due personaggi, quasi dall'inizio, sono seriamente attratti l'uno dall'altro, ma alla fine è risultato che tanto trasporto, pur se importante ai fini della trama, è stato per me un po' noioso da leggere; a parte questo un libro d'amore che non ha così tanto a che fare con l'aristocrazia inglese.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP FOR THE PREVIEW.
Questo libro non è il solito regency perchè i due personaggi, quasi dall'inizio, sono seriamente attratti l'uno dall'altro, ma alla fine è risultato che tanto trasporto, pur se importante ai fini della trama, è stato per me un po' noioso da leggere; a parte questo un libro d'amore che non ha così tanto a che fare con l'aristocrazia inglese.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND RANDOM HOUSE PUBLISHING GROUP FOR THE PREVIEW.
June 21, 2012
Am I the only once confused by the title? lol Some covers say "says yes", some say "said yes", and Edelweiss has the cover say one thing and the listing say something else :-/ Sure makes it hard to write my official review lol
Outside of that, I really enjoyed this one. Though I think Lizzie was a little more wanton than I'd expected, the angst was lovely, and I definitely enjoyed the conflict in this one more than in the first book of the series.
A very solid 4 stars, full review to follow.
Outside of that, I really enjoyed this one. Though I think Lizzie was a little more wanton than I'd expected, the angst was lovely, and I definitely enjoyed the conflict in this one more than in the first book of the series.
A very solid 4 stars, full review to follow.
December 8, 2015
This is the one where the hero and heroine are betrothed as children, but when his father dies, he leaves the country for Italy and spends a decade or so in Naples. The contract says he has to marry her before her 19th birthday or he gets no money to go with his fancy title, so he's come back to do it, but really doesn't want to. As the cover copy says, they encounter each other before they officially meet, and they are attracted to each other, but he clings to his ideas of escaping to Naples you himself for way too long. It's a good read and an entertaining story.
September 8, 2017
The Wylder sisters are back to make their mark on Georgian London in the second installment of Isabella Bradford's series, and this time, it's Lizzie's turn. Known as "Lizzie Wyldest" for her exploits, how on earth is she going to fit into the advantageous match already arranged for her? She hasn't the faintest idea, and hopes her first meeting with her betrothed, the Duke of Hawkesworth, goes tolerably well. It goes well, all right, as a passionate connection makes its mark on both parties. If only they knew then that the intriguing stranger was in fact their betrothed. The second meeting goes a little less smoothly, but Hawke insists on expediting the wedding date. Is this because he's that taken with Lizzie, or because he's determined to stick to his original plan: get married, make babies, return to his beloved Italian villa as soon as possible, and never set foot in England again? As it turns out, a little of both, and this is where Ms. Bradford turns this story into something special.
Hawke has good reason to consider his home away from his ancestral estate, and it's no easy task to balance the duty he was raised to fulfill with his heart's true calling. When that calling expands to include Lizzie, his task gets even harder, as Lizzie does her best to fit into her new role. The troubles that face these newlyweds feel genuine and believable, and readers looking for a satisfying hero grovel (and a heroine who means business in letting the hero know he needs a good grovel) will definitely find that here.
Hawke has good reason to consider his home away from his ancestral estate, and it's no easy task to balance the duty he was raised to fulfill with his heart's true calling. When that calling expands to include Lizzie, his task gets even harder, as Lizzie does her best to fit into her new role. The troubles that face these newlyweds feel genuine and believable, and readers looking for a satisfying hero grovel (and a heroine who means business in letting the hero know he needs a good grovel) will definitely find that here.
April 4, 2020
Again a book that began on a decent premise but I had a hard time engaging. Maybe I am old enough now that the instantaneous and uncontrollable passion trope is a little hard to take. That these two main characters can become so insensible to all around them so quickly because of a kiss that they do completely unacceptable PDA repeatedly in all sorts of places and company in an era where propriety was so highly valued is truly improbable.
What's with all the running and climbing trees. Corsets were laced tight enough that ladies' lungs were literally cute off at that bottom. No matter how much outdoor time you had as a child you can not go sprinting about and climbing walls and such in a corset and hoop skirts.
I also had a hard time with the family members even Charlotte and March who had been the hero of the first book and learned that they needed to allow themselves to be passionate as well as respectable seem to have turned more black and white and not allow any of that freedom to this couple. Why would none of the family allow Lizzie and Hawke to even see each other at all from the time the date was set to till the wedding not even for chaperoned visits at the family home or passing of notes etc. That doesn't make sense and was not explained in any way. Even after it caused a scandalous scene when the Duke then took action to see her anyhow.
There were just too many points like this that jerked me out of the story so that I could not feel like I was invested in any of the characters or their fate.
What's with all the running and climbing trees. Corsets were laced tight enough that ladies' lungs were literally cute off at that bottom. No matter how much outdoor time you had as a child you can not go sprinting about and climbing walls and such in a corset and hoop skirts.
I also had a hard time with the family members even Charlotte and March who had been the hero of the first book and learned that they needed to allow themselves to be passionate as well as respectable seem to have turned more black and white and not allow any of that freedom to this couple. Why would none of the family allow Lizzie and Hawke to even see each other at all from the time the date was set to till the wedding not even for chaperoned visits at the family home or passing of notes etc. That doesn't make sense and was not explained in any way. Even after it caused a scandalous scene when the Duke then took action to see her anyhow.
There were just too many points like this that jerked me out of the story so that I could not feel like I was invested in any of the characters or their fate.
March 11, 2020
When the Duchess Said Yes is book two in The Wylder Sisters series by Isabella Bradford. I am enjoying this series. Checking each book out from my local library, I feel like I have discovered a treasure in Bradford’s writing. This story is about the second daughter of the Wylder clan - Elizabeth or Lizzie. It can be read as a stand-alone very easily. Betrothed to the Duke of Hawkesworth, Lizzie is taken to London to meet him. When she encounters a handsome stranger at a masquerade at Ranelagh gardens one night, sparks fly. Can her betrothed make her heart race like the stranger? What if she doesn’t feel drawn to him when they finally meet? I thought that the plot was very well thought out. There are twists and turns that I didn’t expect. Bradford layers her characters and then peels back the veneer to reveal a touchable, relatable person. I am looking forward to reading the third book in the series When The Duke Found Love.
October 31, 2024
#2 Wylder Sisters Regency Romance series
This book was kind of all over the place, I thought. The characters were fun, the banter was entertaining, but the plot was weak and didn't really go anywhere. Lizzie and Hawke have known about their arranged marriage for years, but now the time has come, and Hawke is dragging his feet. He's made a tentative game plan to marry, sire an heir, then he wants to return to his villa in Italy and leave his wife behind. Turns out (of course) that Lizzie is all that he has ever wanted in a wife, and he's enamored. But he still wants an out because he doesn't believe in lasting love. So their problems stem from this same issue, over and over again. She's a little naive, he's a little jaded, but they seem well suited, and I was rooting for their ultimate success as a couple.
This book was kind of all over the place, I thought. The characters were fun, the banter was entertaining, but the plot was weak and didn't really go anywhere. Lizzie and Hawke have known about their arranged marriage for years, but now the time has come, and Hawke is dragging his feet. He's made a tentative game plan to marry, sire an heir, then he wants to return to his villa in Italy and leave his wife behind. Turns out (of course) that Lizzie is all that he has ever wanted in a wife, and he's enamored. But he still wants an out because he doesn't believe in lasting love. So their problems stem from this same issue, over and over again. She's a little naive, he's a little jaded, but they seem well suited, and I was rooting for their ultimate success as a couple.
December 4, 2024
I chose to read this with the full awareness of the rating, otherwise I would've given this one star. Well, now I know why it's not so high LOL.
Fast paced, but still managed to bore me lol. I don't mind insta love if it's written right, but these two mcs had no chemistry argh. I needed to remind myself all the time that she just turned 19, and ofc she would be unstable and easily swayed by her mom and aunt (as the duke said, the harpies lol).
Fast paced, but still managed to bore me lol. I don't mind insta love if it's written right, but these two mcs had no chemistry argh. I needed to remind myself all the time that she just turned 19, and ofc she would be unstable and easily swayed by her mom and aunt (as the duke said, the harpies lol).
April 26, 2020
What a pair of idiots!! I damn near stabbed my own eyes after reading several pages back-to-back of shallow complements and praise. How can she be your WORLD when you just met her?! I love you but I don't know you! Blithering idiots! Thank God for Brecon, am I right?
Low key, kinda liked it though...
Low key, kinda liked it though...
January 18, 2018
3.5 stars
April 4, 2024
Definitely the weakest in the trilogy.
September 25, 2012
I really wanted to like this book, but it was apparent from the very beginning that it was just not working for me. It's a shame because the premise is a lot of fun and in theory should be something that I enjoy, but I found the execution lacking from the get go.
The story centers around Elizabeth Wylder, known to her friends as Lizzie, and the Duke of Hawkesworth, known as Hawke. Their fathers (prior to their deaths) arranged a marriage contract between the two, and Hawke's father, in his Will, stipulated that he would not inherit anything that was not entailed unless he married Lizzie by her 19th birthday. This would essentially render him penniless.
Hawke's father died ten years ago, and Hawke has been in Italy since then. He reluctantly returns to fulfill the terms of the Will as Lizzie's 19th birthday is only six months away. He holds a lot of unacknowledged bitterness towards his parents, and his father specifically, and does not believe that love lasts. He plans to stick around just long enough to have children/do his duty by siring an heir, and then he plans to set his family up comfortably and return to his beloved Villa in Naples. Hawke enjoys relative anonymity upon his return to England, having been gone for ten years.
Lizzie, on the other hand, was ecstatic to learn of her betrothal and had many romantic dreams of their first meeting and lives together. She has been staying with her sister Charlotte and brother in law March (the Duke of Marchbourne, who is conveniently also a cousin of Hawke's). But as the weeks pass and Hawke continues to ignore her, she grows hurt and worried.
Hawke glimpses an intriguing woman at the opera one night, and then spots her again dressed as a fairy at a masquerade and kisses her. Hawke can't get the mysterious woman out of his head, only to discover (after finally having his hand forced by his mother and his cousin) that the mysterious woman is none other than the woman to whom he is betrothed.
After an initial confrontation that is easily wiped away, the two marry and have to work past their issues to find their HEA.
What didn't work for me in this story, first and foremost, were the characters. Lizzie came off as naive upon introduction, first with her romantic dreams and then with her reaction to being informed that Hawke was not away in Italy pining and waiting for her. As the story progressed, I didn't exactly dislike her, but I found her to be immature, reminding me more of a modern teenager and not a 1760s married woman of nearly 19.
And Hawke I just plain never warmed up to. Where I could almost believe Lizzie's immaturity, I found Hawke's largely inexcusable. On top of that, the amount of resentment he carried towards his father didn't do much for me. Hawke's father was the Perfect Diplomat and took his responsibilities at Parliament very seriously indeed. The problem was whatever neglect/abandonment and pressure Hawke's father must have put on him was never followed up on in the text of the story, and as such, I largely did not care and wanted Hawke to get over himself already and take on his responsibilities.
The relationship between Hawke and Lizzie didn't hold my interest. On top of not caring for the characters on an individual level, the relationship development was inconsistent. After their initial confrontation, everything gets more or less brushed under the rug because . . . well, actually, I'm not sure why. The two were clearly attracted to each other, but even that attraction came off as shallow. Their relationship seemed to be all over the place, from running around like teenagers together to Hawke snapping at her when she tried to introduce him to other people who shared his interest in art. The only way I can think of to describe my impression of their relationship (other than shallow) was unearned. And that's not the takeaway feeling I want to have when I finish a romance novel.
Some of the secondary characters were okay. I still did enjoy seeing more of Charlotte and March and Brecon. I was confused as to why Lizzie spoke as though Charlotte had always been a paragon of proper, ladylike behavior, which was not at all the Charlotte I remember from the first book in the series. Lizzie's mother and Diana were barely present in this, and the other characters mostly came off as two dimensional.
Also worth mentioning, in the first few pages Hawke mentions his friend, the Marquis of Petershaw and just pages later mentions that Petershaw is a third son and has no obligations of marrying and producing an heir. I talked to Jess and Katie about this, and none of us can figure out how a third son came about a courtesy title. So there you have it.
I'm undecided as to whether or not I'll give the third book in this series a try. Right now I'm leaning towards no, though.
I received a free copy of When the Duchess Said Yes through a GoodReads giveaway.
The story centers around Elizabeth Wylder, known to her friends as Lizzie, and the Duke of Hawkesworth, known as Hawke. Their fathers (prior to their deaths) arranged a marriage contract between the two, and Hawke's father, in his Will, stipulated that he would not inherit anything that was not entailed unless he married Lizzie by her 19th birthday. This would essentially render him penniless.
Hawke's father died ten years ago, and Hawke has been in Italy since then. He reluctantly returns to fulfill the terms of the Will as Lizzie's 19th birthday is only six months away. He holds a lot of unacknowledged bitterness towards his parents, and his father specifically, and does not believe that love lasts. He plans to stick around just long enough to have children/do his duty by siring an heir, and then he plans to set his family up comfortably and return to his beloved Villa in Naples. Hawke enjoys relative anonymity upon his return to England, having been gone for ten years.
Lizzie, on the other hand, was ecstatic to learn of her betrothal and had many romantic dreams of their first meeting and lives together. She has been staying with her sister Charlotte and brother in law March (the Duke of Marchbourne, who is conveniently also a cousin of Hawke's). But as the weeks pass and Hawke continues to ignore her, she grows hurt and worried.
Hawke glimpses an intriguing woman at the opera one night, and then spots her again dressed as a fairy at a masquerade and kisses her. Hawke can't get the mysterious woman out of his head, only to discover (after finally having his hand forced by his mother and his cousin) that the mysterious woman is none other than the woman to whom he is betrothed.
After an initial confrontation that is easily wiped away, the two marry and have to work past their issues to find their HEA.
What didn't work for me in this story, first and foremost, were the characters. Lizzie came off as naive upon introduction, first with her romantic dreams and then with her reaction to being informed that Hawke was not away in Italy pining and waiting for her. As the story progressed, I didn't exactly dislike her, but I found her to be immature, reminding me more of a modern teenager and not a 1760s married woman of nearly 19.
And Hawke I just plain never warmed up to. Where I could almost believe Lizzie's immaturity, I found Hawke's largely inexcusable. On top of that, the amount of resentment he carried towards his father didn't do much for me. Hawke's father was the Perfect Diplomat and took his responsibilities at Parliament very seriously indeed. The problem was whatever neglect/abandonment and pressure Hawke's father must have put on him was never followed up on in the text of the story, and as such, I largely did not care and wanted Hawke to get over himself already and take on his responsibilities.
The relationship between Hawke and Lizzie didn't hold my interest. On top of not caring for the characters on an individual level, the relationship development was inconsistent. After their initial confrontation, everything gets more or less brushed under the rug because . . . well, actually, I'm not sure why. The two were clearly attracted to each other, but even that attraction came off as shallow. Their relationship seemed to be all over the place, from running around like teenagers together to Hawke snapping at her when she tried to introduce him to other people who shared his interest in art. The only way I can think of to describe my impression of their relationship (other than shallow) was unearned. And that's not the takeaway feeling I want to have when I finish a romance novel.
Some of the secondary characters were okay. I still did enjoy seeing more of Charlotte and March and Brecon. I was confused as to why Lizzie spoke as though Charlotte had always been a paragon of proper, ladylike behavior, which was not at all the Charlotte I remember from the first book in the series. Lizzie's mother and Diana were barely present in this, and the other characters mostly came off as two dimensional.
Also worth mentioning, in the first few pages Hawke mentions his friend, the Marquis of Petershaw and just pages later mentions that Petershaw is a third son and has no obligations of marrying and producing an heir. I talked to Jess and Katie about this, and none of us can figure out how a third son came about a courtesy title. So there you have it.
I'm undecided as to whether or not I'll give the third book in this series a try. Right now I'm leaning towards no, though.
I received a free copy of When the Duchess Said Yes through a GoodReads giveaway.
November 12, 2012
A deliciously witty tale! I rated it at 4.5. Taken from my review at RomanceJunkies.com:
After being out of the country for the past ten years, the Duke of Hawkesworth, aka ‘Hawk’, has been forced to return to England by his lawyers and his duty. In the intervening years, he has grown from a boy to a man, but the English women now seem pale and bland to him compared to the voluptuous women he left behind in Naples. However, long ago his father had betrothed him to a woman of rank and although his father could not prevent Hawk from inheriting the title, he could control the money. So unless Hawk marries his betrothed by her nineteenth birthday, he will not receive a farthing. But since his return to London, he has been putting off meeting his fiancée. After all these years, Hawk still resents his father and the will he drew up. While attending the opera one night, he sees a beautiful woman in a box near his and when she meets his gaze, he winks at her to which she shyly smiles back. Fascinated, he determines to learn this woman’s name. After all, his fiancée has waited this long, she can wait a little longer.
Lady Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Wylder, the second daughter of the deceased Earl of Hervey, had formed an agreement with Hawke’s father for their two children to wed by her nineteenth birthday. She had been told on her eighteenth birthday about her betrothal with the duke and at the time had been overjoyed. Six months ago, she had arrived in London to assist her older sister, Charlotte, with her wedding to the Duke of Marchbourne, aka March. Seeing how devoted he is to her sister, she has dreamt of her wedding being the same, but so far she has not laid eyes on the man, even though he has been in town for a fortnight now.
Having been told that her fiancé would meet her at a masquerade party at Covent gardens, Lizzie dons a fairy costume and attends the party with Charlotte and her husband. But as the time for his arrival passes by, Hawk has still not made an appearance. Growing restless, she is ready to call the whole thing off, but she doesn’t have a choice. She must marry the duke. Deciding to take a walk, Lizzie continues walking when Charlotte becomes distracted by her friends. Shortly afterwards, she runs into the same man who winked at her at the opera. He flirts with her and even steals a kiss before she escapes back to her sister. By the time that they arrive back at their table, Hawk has sent his regrets for not meeting them that night. But for once, Lizzie is glad he did not show up.
But Hawk’s reprieve is over. The next morning, his cousin, the Duke of Breconridge, forces him to meet with his fiancée. Upon meeting her, Hawk discovers that Lizzie is the same girl he kissed in the park. He is furious that she would kiss him when she was engaged. Meanwhile, she is devastated that he would kiss a strange girl while engaged to her. After a few days, when cooler heads prevail, they meet again and arrangements are made to wed in three weeks. But this seems like an eternity as their passion for each other blazes out of control. However, Hawk is not known for giving his heart as he seeks his pleasures. Will their desire for each other fizzle out, or has Hawk finally found the woman he can trust with his heart?
A delectable tale, WHEN THE DUCHESS SAID YES, the second book in talented author Isabella Bradford’s WYLDER SISTERS series, is a witty, passionate historical romance that captured my attention from the very beginning. Before they even officially met they were unable to keep their eyes off of each other and this still proved true after they met. Lizzie wants her marriage to be like her sister’s. But forever is a long time and Lizzie is a simple country girl while Hawk, at ten years her senior, is more worldly, so she cannot help wondering if she can hold his attention. Still the two seem like kindred spirits and I could not help rooting for a happily ever after for them. The characters are engaging and complex while the story is filled with plenty of humor, clever banter, sexy situations, romance and love, making this a story you will remember long after the last page is read and the book is closed. I enjoyed this wonderfully written story immensely and am eager to read the next addition to this series, WHEN THE DUKE FOUND LOVE, which is the youngest daughter Lady Diana’s story. It is due to be released November 27, 2012. Although it is not necessary to read the first book in this series, WHEN YOU WISH UPON A DUKE, to understand this story, I recommend reading it for the entertainment value. At any rate, I highly recommend reading WHEN THE DUCHESS SAID YES!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
After being out of the country for the past ten years, the Duke of Hawkesworth, aka ‘Hawk’, has been forced to return to England by his lawyers and his duty. In the intervening years, he has grown from a boy to a man, but the English women now seem pale and bland to him compared to the voluptuous women he left behind in Naples. However, long ago his father had betrothed him to a woman of rank and although his father could not prevent Hawk from inheriting the title, he could control the money. So unless Hawk marries his betrothed by her nineteenth birthday, he will not receive a farthing. But since his return to London, he has been putting off meeting his fiancée. After all these years, Hawk still resents his father and the will he drew up. While attending the opera one night, he sees a beautiful woman in a box near his and when she meets his gaze, he winks at her to which she shyly smiles back. Fascinated, he determines to learn this woman’s name. After all, his fiancée has waited this long, she can wait a little longer.
Lady Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Wylder, the second daughter of the deceased Earl of Hervey, had formed an agreement with Hawke’s father for their two children to wed by her nineteenth birthday. She had been told on her eighteenth birthday about her betrothal with the duke and at the time had been overjoyed. Six months ago, she had arrived in London to assist her older sister, Charlotte, with her wedding to the Duke of Marchbourne, aka March. Seeing how devoted he is to her sister, she has dreamt of her wedding being the same, but so far she has not laid eyes on the man, even though he has been in town for a fortnight now.
Having been told that her fiancé would meet her at a masquerade party at Covent gardens, Lizzie dons a fairy costume and attends the party with Charlotte and her husband. But as the time for his arrival passes by, Hawk has still not made an appearance. Growing restless, she is ready to call the whole thing off, but she doesn’t have a choice. She must marry the duke. Deciding to take a walk, Lizzie continues walking when Charlotte becomes distracted by her friends. Shortly afterwards, she runs into the same man who winked at her at the opera. He flirts with her and even steals a kiss before she escapes back to her sister. By the time that they arrive back at their table, Hawk has sent his regrets for not meeting them that night. But for once, Lizzie is glad he did not show up.
But Hawk’s reprieve is over. The next morning, his cousin, the Duke of Breconridge, forces him to meet with his fiancée. Upon meeting her, Hawk discovers that Lizzie is the same girl he kissed in the park. He is furious that she would kiss him when she was engaged. Meanwhile, she is devastated that he would kiss a strange girl while engaged to her. After a few days, when cooler heads prevail, they meet again and arrangements are made to wed in three weeks. But this seems like an eternity as their passion for each other blazes out of control. However, Hawk is not known for giving his heart as he seeks his pleasures. Will their desire for each other fizzle out, or has Hawk finally found the woman he can trust with his heart?
A delectable tale, WHEN THE DUCHESS SAID YES, the second book in talented author Isabella Bradford’s WYLDER SISTERS series, is a witty, passionate historical romance that captured my attention from the very beginning. Before they even officially met they were unable to keep their eyes off of each other and this still proved true after they met. Lizzie wants her marriage to be like her sister’s. But forever is a long time and Lizzie is a simple country girl while Hawk, at ten years her senior, is more worldly, so she cannot help wondering if she can hold his attention. Still the two seem like kindred spirits and I could not help rooting for a happily ever after for them. The characters are engaging and complex while the story is filled with plenty of humor, clever banter, sexy situations, romance and love, making this a story you will remember long after the last page is read and the book is closed. I enjoyed this wonderfully written story immensely and am eager to read the next addition to this series, WHEN THE DUKE FOUND LOVE, which is the youngest daughter Lady Diana’s story. It is due to be released November 27, 2012. Although it is not necessary to read the first book in this series, WHEN YOU WISH UPON A DUKE, to understand this story, I recommend reading it for the entertainment value. At any rate, I highly recommend reading WHEN THE DUCHESS SAID YES!
Dottie, RomanceJunkies.com
July 25, 2016
Authors have to be very careful when they create selfish or immature characters. Readers are expected to empathize with the men and women in a story, yet when they push the limits of a person’s tolerance for childish acts then all chance of redemption or compassion is lost. This was how I felt while reading through Isabella Bradford’s When the Duchess Said Yes, book two of the Wylder Sisters series. Both main characters severely tested my patience for juvenile and self-centered acts, so much so that once I was finished I was angry at their resolution more than I was happy to see them together.
The trouble starts almost immediately with the introduction of our hero the Duke of Hawkesworth. Hawke has been living for the last ten years in Naples, completely shirking his duty to his title and avoiding the fulfillment of a marriage contract signed by his father. When we meet Hawke, he has already been in London for two weeks but is still sidestepping his responsibilities to his betrothed even though their meeting was his only reason for returning. He has no desire to marry other than his obligation. However Hawke has a rather limited picture in his mind of his ideal for personal wedded bliss. Believing that his parent’s example of separate lives within the marriage is best, he doesn’t commit himself to remain in England or to truly build a life with his wife as any feelings they share will eventually die.
Our heroine doesn’t fare much better in her initial scenes. Lady Elizabeth Wylder, or Lizzie as she is known to her friends and family, comes across as a bit of a spoiled brat. Joining her older sister in London for the express purpose of meeting her betrothed, Lizzie doesn’t seem very grateful for the opportunities this marriage will offer her. Instead, she frets about making a terrible first impression while wearing an ugly masquerade costume, is upset that she is being forced into marriage at all since she is still so young, with experiences yet to be had (even though her sister’s arranged marriage worked out quite well) and Lizzie never consider any of her actions against her reputation within society.
Under the anonymity of the masquerade, Hawke and Lizzie meet for the first time and both characters seem to think that kissing a stranger is the best way to spend the night that should have been their first formal introduction. Fortunately the strangers they find are one another; unfortunately it was all downhill from there. The courtship between the characters is no better than a teenage seduction, with Hawke attempting to charm his fiancé with grand gestures and gaudy pieces of jewelry to get under her skirts. And of course Lizzie just eats it up and is completely smitten by his roguish behavior. She even feeds off of his careless attitudes and ignores the sage advice from her mother and sister about the proper way to act as a duchess or build a relationship with her husband. Hawke and Lizzie are enabling one another to continue with their selfish lifestyles and they very rarely shake themselves out of that mindset.
Hawke is the worst offender of the two; since he clings to his selfishness almost to the bitter end and his change of heart about his wife and marriage only occurs after a third party has to explain what a “real” relationship entails. He never wants to work at his life with Lizzie, expecting that she will just abide by his choices and rarely looking at what she might want back from him. While we are told that somewhere in all of that lust and playing the two characters fell in love, I didn’t believe it for one moment. If I wanted to be generous I could believe that they formed a friendship of sorts between them, but any love that they share is completely on the surface with nothing going deeper into their hearts.
I was quite disappointed with Lizzie and Hawke’s story. I enjoyed Charlotte’s story so much and was certain that Ms. Bradford would keep that momentum going through the series. Unfortunately, this story read more like the antithesis of the previous work, feeding any negative feelings I had for the characters until I reached my breaking point. I would only recommend this book if someone is reading the series as a whole as I’m sure Lizzie and Hawke still have their parts to play. I would not recommend When the Duchess Said Yes to anyone wanting their first introduction to Isabella Bradford’s work or for someone looking for a true romance.
The trouble starts almost immediately with the introduction of our hero the Duke of Hawkesworth. Hawke has been living for the last ten years in Naples, completely shirking his duty to his title and avoiding the fulfillment of a marriage contract signed by his father. When we meet Hawke, he has already been in London for two weeks but is still sidestepping his responsibilities to his betrothed even though their meeting was his only reason for returning. He has no desire to marry other than his obligation. However Hawke has a rather limited picture in his mind of his ideal for personal wedded bliss. Believing that his parent’s example of separate lives within the marriage is best, he doesn’t commit himself to remain in England or to truly build a life with his wife as any feelings they share will eventually die.
Our heroine doesn’t fare much better in her initial scenes. Lady Elizabeth Wylder, or Lizzie as she is known to her friends and family, comes across as a bit of a spoiled brat. Joining her older sister in London for the express purpose of meeting her betrothed, Lizzie doesn’t seem very grateful for the opportunities this marriage will offer her. Instead, she frets about making a terrible first impression while wearing an ugly masquerade costume, is upset that she is being forced into marriage at all since she is still so young, with experiences yet to be had (even though her sister’s arranged marriage worked out quite well) and Lizzie never consider any of her actions against her reputation within society.
Under the anonymity of the masquerade, Hawke and Lizzie meet for the first time and both characters seem to think that kissing a stranger is the best way to spend the night that should have been their first formal introduction. Fortunately the strangers they find are one another; unfortunately it was all downhill from there. The courtship between the characters is no better than a teenage seduction, with Hawke attempting to charm his fiancé with grand gestures and gaudy pieces of jewelry to get under her skirts. And of course Lizzie just eats it up and is completely smitten by his roguish behavior. She even feeds off of his careless attitudes and ignores the sage advice from her mother and sister about the proper way to act as a duchess or build a relationship with her husband. Hawke and Lizzie are enabling one another to continue with their selfish lifestyles and they very rarely shake themselves out of that mindset.
Hawke is the worst offender of the two; since he clings to his selfishness almost to the bitter end and his change of heart about his wife and marriage only occurs after a third party has to explain what a “real” relationship entails. He never wants to work at his life with Lizzie, expecting that she will just abide by his choices and rarely looking at what she might want back from him. While we are told that somewhere in all of that lust and playing the two characters fell in love, I didn’t believe it for one moment. If I wanted to be generous I could believe that they formed a friendship of sorts between them, but any love that they share is completely on the surface with nothing going deeper into their hearts.
I was quite disappointed with Lizzie and Hawke’s story. I enjoyed Charlotte’s story so much and was certain that Ms. Bradford would keep that momentum going through the series. Unfortunately, this story read more like the antithesis of the previous work, feeding any negative feelings I had for the characters until I reached my breaking point. I would only recommend this book if someone is reading the series as a whole as I’m sure Lizzie and Hawke still have their parts to play. I would not recommend When the Duchess Said Yes to anyone wanting their first introduction to Isabella Bradford’s work or for someone looking for a true romance.
March 12, 2017
Lizzie and Hawke were fun characters, although Hawke could be a real jerk at times when denying that love can last forever.
August 18, 2012
Lady Elizabeth Wylder's late father contracted for her to marry the Duke of Hawkesworth, great-grandson of the king via one of his mistresses. "Hawke" has spent the last few years enjoying himself at his villa in Naples, where he dallies with the ladies and collects fabulous Italian art. He must marry Lizzie, however, before her nineteenth birthday or else he'll lose all of his wealth and property. He reluctantly returns to England, but because he's self-indulgent and a bit spoiled he keeps putting off his first meeting with his betrothed.
At the opera one night, he spots a beautiful woman and is instantly drawn to her. He can barely believe it when he runs into the same woman at a masquerade at Ranelagh several nights later on. You will not be surprised to learn that the woman is, in fact, Lizzie.
Hawke is delighted with his intended bride -- she's lovely and passionate and shares his interest in art. He decides to enjoy the marriage for as long as the fun part lasts, and until Lizzie produces an heir, whereupon he'll return to his life in Naples -- without his wife. Lizzie, having seen a true loving marriage in the example of her own parents, is ecstatic over her wonderful new husband. She wants to be a good wife, and a good duchess, which in the eyes of society may not amount to the same thing.
This story presents an interesting contrast to the first book in the series, When You Wish Upon a Duke, where Lizzie's older sister marries the Duke of Marchbourne (Hawke's cousin), who is everything a proper duke should be. So proper, in fact, that he hardly knows how to behave when he falls in love with his wife. Here, Hawke cares not at all about being a proper duke; he simply wants to enjoy his wife and his art and forget about everything else.
Hawke and Lizzie are both rather immature and selfish, but Isabella Bradford devises a lovely story showing how they grow and change and come to terms with the roles that life has given them. Unlike the first book, which simply didn't have enough plot to carry an entire novel, there's a bit more angst and drama. Bradford is well-versed on her history, and she makes Georgian England society come alive. But, I'm still left with wanting something . . . more.
Isabella Bradford is a wonderful writer, though, and I'll definitely be reading the next installment, where the youngest Wylder sister finds her duke.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Ballantine for give me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
At the opera one night, he spots a beautiful woman and is instantly drawn to her. He can barely believe it when he runs into the same woman at a masquerade at Ranelagh several nights later on. You will not be surprised to learn that the woman is, in fact, Lizzie.
Hawke is delighted with his intended bride -- she's lovely and passionate and shares his interest in art. He decides to enjoy the marriage for as long as the fun part lasts, and until Lizzie produces an heir, whereupon he'll return to his life in Naples -- without his wife. Lizzie, having seen a true loving marriage in the example of her own parents, is ecstatic over her wonderful new husband. She wants to be a good wife, and a good duchess, which in the eyes of society may not amount to the same thing.
This story presents an interesting contrast to the first book in the series, When You Wish Upon a Duke, where Lizzie's older sister marries the Duke of Marchbourne (Hawke's cousin), who is everything a proper duke should be. So proper, in fact, that he hardly knows how to behave when he falls in love with his wife. Here, Hawke cares not at all about being a proper duke; he simply wants to enjoy his wife and his art and forget about everything else.
Hawke and Lizzie are both rather immature and selfish, but Isabella Bradford devises a lovely story showing how they grow and change and come to terms with the roles that life has given them. Unlike the first book, which simply didn't have enough plot to carry an entire novel, there's a bit more angst and drama. Bradford is well-versed on her history, and she makes Georgian England society come alive. But, I'm still left with wanting something . . . more.
Isabella Bradford is a wonderful writer, though, and I'll definitely be reading the next installment, where the youngest Wylder sister finds her duke.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Ballantine for give me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book.
March 21, 2013
So I read the first book in this series a while ago and while it was ok, I had a problem with the sexytimes not being sexy in When You Wish Upon A Duke. This time was different.
Elizabeth, or Lizzie, is a loving, somewhat free spirited girl. As in When You Wish Upon a Duke, she is a pretty young heroine as far as historical romances go, she's 18.
Hawk recently returned to England and doesn't really feel like marrying, other than that he wants to keep his estate and he will lose everything if he doesn't go through with the arranged marriage.
Of course it's love at first sight.
I had several issues with this novel. I did like that they had this instant attraction and thought it was pretty ironic that they're both mad at each other for kissing the other because they were engaged before realising it was TO EACH OTHER. I mean, yeah... it was kinda bad, but also funny.
I also liked that they had great chemistry and genuinely liked each other and while Lizzie experienced doubts because of her meddling family, I could see how that would happen because she's pretty young.
I was annoyed though by Hawk. He was seriously an ass a lot of the time. It's not accepted in polite society for women to wear their hair down and he pretty much throws a hissy fit when Lizzie doesn't wear it down. He kidnaps her to be alone with her and compromises her in front of the staff. He then thinks it ok to leave Lizzie when he's gotten an heir from her and go back to his beloved villa. And he doesn't see ANYTHING wrong with this.
I mean, SERIOUSLY???
And then he discusses this with other people at a party and gets all annoyed when Lizzie doesn't understand and is hurt by it. I mean, ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? And really, I thought together they were pretty good, but I just didn't get how he thought this would be ok. I was also annoyed by Lizzie's family, they're really not helping this young couple by constantly critisizing Hawk to Lizzie and generally being unfair.
But they did have their sweet times together and there was the wonderful heartbreak and I definitely felt that. I just would have liked to fall in love with Hawk as well and while I was annoyed by all the criticism of Lizzie's and Hawk's family, I kinda thought he was being a real douche at times as well.
I'm hoping the final book in this series will be better!
My rating: 2,5 stars
Elizabeth, or Lizzie, is a loving, somewhat free spirited girl. As in When You Wish Upon a Duke, she is a pretty young heroine as far as historical romances go, she's 18.
Hawk recently returned to England and doesn't really feel like marrying, other than that he wants to keep his estate and he will lose everything if he doesn't go through with the arranged marriage.
Of course it's love at first sight.
I had several issues with this novel. I did like that they had this instant attraction and thought it was pretty ironic that they're both mad at each other for kissing the other because they were engaged before realising it was TO EACH OTHER. I mean, yeah... it was kinda bad, but also funny.
I also liked that they had great chemistry and genuinely liked each other and while Lizzie experienced doubts because of her meddling family, I could see how that would happen because she's pretty young.
I was annoyed though by Hawk. He was seriously an ass a lot of the time. It's not accepted in polite society for women to wear their hair down and he pretty much throws a hissy fit when Lizzie doesn't wear it down. He kidnaps her to be alone with her and compromises her in front of the staff. He then thinks it ok to leave Lizzie when he's gotten an heir from her and go back to his beloved villa. And he doesn't see ANYTHING wrong with this.
I mean, SERIOUSLY???
And then he discusses this with other people at a party and gets all annoyed when Lizzie doesn't understand and is hurt by it. I mean, ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? And really, I thought together they were pretty good, but I just didn't get how he thought this would be ok. I was also annoyed by Lizzie's family, they're really not helping this young couple by constantly critisizing Hawk to Lizzie and generally being unfair.
But they did have their sweet times together and there was the wonderful heartbreak and I definitely felt that. I just would have liked to fall in love with Hawk as well and while I was annoyed by all the criticism of Lizzie's and Hawk's family, I kinda thought he was being a real douche at times as well.
I'm hoping the final book in this series will be better!
My rating: 2,5 stars
September 12, 2012
Lizzie Wylder finds out that her father also arranged a marriage for her prior to his death. She's betrothed to the Duke of Hawkesworth, called Hawke, who must marry her before she turns 19 years of age or he will lose his fortune in accordance with his deceased father's directive. Hawke is doing some very serious foot dragging as he has no interest in the English lifestyle and plans to return to his beloved Naples, Italy once he's married and produced an heir. That is until he is dazzled by the free-spirited Lizzie.
I really liked the first book in this series and loved this one. Lizzie is much more daring than her sister Charlotte, who has transformed into the perfect Duchess, conforming to the traditions of English society. Lizzie, being the middle child, doesn't feel the pressure of the need to conform and finds herself succumbing to Hawke's scandalous behaviors. Though he rudely avoided meeting Lizzie for the first time, Hawke quickly changed his tune when he realized she was the young woman he had encountered at the opera and who mesmerized him. The two of them proceed on a pretty risky path before they finally make it to the altar. Their relationship is passionate and delightful, both of them being really interesting characters.
I wondered for a time where the conflict would rise and it does indeed come from Hawke whose only frame of reference for marriage is his parents' union, which was fairly dismal. Hawke still has the notion that in time, his passion and love for Lizzie will fade and he'll eventually set up a separate household for himself in Naples, complete with a mistress. Lizzie's realization of her husband's views is heartbreaking and Hawke's transformation was painful. This aspect of the story was gripping and I felt the anguish of both.
This was a really good story and surpassed the first book in this series. The pace is perfect and the characters are very nicely developed. I am really enjoying the Wylder sisters.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
I really liked the first book in this series and loved this one. Lizzie is much more daring than her sister Charlotte, who has transformed into the perfect Duchess, conforming to the traditions of English society. Lizzie, being the middle child, doesn't feel the pressure of the need to conform and finds herself succumbing to Hawke's scandalous behaviors. Though he rudely avoided meeting Lizzie for the first time, Hawke quickly changed his tune when he realized she was the young woman he had encountered at the opera and who mesmerized him. The two of them proceed on a pretty risky path before they finally make it to the altar. Their relationship is passionate and delightful, both of them being really interesting characters.
I wondered for a time where the conflict would rise and it does indeed come from Hawke whose only frame of reference for marriage is his parents' union, which was fairly dismal. Hawke still has the notion that in time, his passion and love for Lizzie will fade and he'll eventually set up a separate household for himself in Naples, complete with a mistress. Lizzie's realization of her husband's views is heartbreaking and Hawke's transformation was painful. This aspect of the story was gripping and I felt the anguish of both.
This was a really good story and surpassed the first book in this series. The pace is perfect and the characters are very nicely developed. I am really enjoying the Wylder sisters.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
November 15, 2012
Lady Elizabeth Wylder is waiting anxiously to meet her betrothed, the Duke of Hawkesworth, but he is a no-show. They have been betrothed since Lizzie (as she prefers to be called) was a little girl, but she has never met Hawke. Hawke has been living in Italy for the past decade and the only reason he has returned to England, is to marry, beget an heir and then he will return to Naples...alone. BUT...he never thought he'd fall in love with Lizzie. She was everything he wanted in a wife; beautiful, spirited and above all she understood his love of art. And she was in love with Hawke, too.
After getting off to a bit of a rocky start (he tried to seduce her thinking she was a 'light-skirt) they married and spent a fortnight secluded from the world at his London home. Then the world intruded -- in the forms of Hawke's mother; Lizzie's mother and aunt and Hawke's cousin, the Duke of Breconridge. Each telling them they could not remain away from society that it was improper. They attend a gathering and while Lizzie is arranging for some of her new friends to view Hawke's little gallery of paintings; he is informing people that he will be returning to Italy soon -- without his bride. When Lizzie hears of this, all hell breaks loose. Hawke decides to 'teach her a lesson' by staying away for a week and Lizzie runs away to another of his homes to lick her wounds and teach HIM a lesson.
I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is I never heard the Duke called by his Christian name. He was always called 'Hawke' or 'Duke' or 'Your Grace'. Other than that, this is a wonderful book. And I can not wait to read the next in the series.
After getting off to a bit of a rocky start (he tried to seduce her thinking she was a 'light-skirt) they married and spent a fortnight secluded from the world at his London home. Then the world intruded -- in the forms of Hawke's mother; Lizzie's mother and aunt and Hawke's cousin, the Duke of Breconridge. Each telling them they could not remain away from society that it was improper. They attend a gathering and while Lizzie is arranging for some of her new friends to view Hawke's little gallery of paintings; he is informing people that he will be returning to Italy soon -- without his bride. When Lizzie hears of this, all hell breaks loose. Hawke decides to 'teach her a lesson' by staying away for a week and Lizzie runs away to another of his homes to lick her wounds and teach HIM a lesson.
I really enjoyed this book. My only complaint is I never heard the Duke called by his Christian name. He was always called 'Hawke' or 'Duke' or 'Your Grace'. Other than that, this is a wonderful book. And I can not wait to read the next in the series.
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November 4, 2012Authors have to be very careful when they create selfish or immature characters. Readers are expected to empathize with the men and women in a story, yet when they push the limits of a person’s tolerance for childish acts then all chance of redemption or compassion is lost. This was how I felt while reading through Isabella Bradford’s When the Duchess Said Yes, book two of the Wylder Sisters series. Both main characters severely tested my patience for juvenile and self-centered acts, so much so that once I was finished I was angry at their resolution more than I was happy to see them together.
The trouble starts almost immediately with the introduction of our hero the Duke of Hawkesworth. Hawke has been living for the last ten years in Naples, completely shirking his duty to his title and avoiding the fulfillment of a marriage contract signed by his father. When we meet Hawke, he has already been in London for two weeks but is still sidestepping his responsibilities to his betrothed even though their meeting was his only reason for returning. He has no desire to marry other than his obligation. However Hawke has a rather limited picture in his mind of his ideal for personal wedded bliss. Believing that his parent’s example of separate lives within the marriage is best, he doesn’t commit himself to remain in England or to truly build a life with his wife as any feelings they share will eventually die.
For the full review, please go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
The trouble starts almost immediately with the introduction of our hero the Duke of Hawkesworth. Hawke has been living for the last ten years in Naples, completely shirking his duty to his title and avoiding the fulfillment of a marriage contract signed by his father. When we meet Hawke, he has already been in London for two weeks but is still sidestepping his responsibilities to his betrothed even though their meeting was his only reason for returning. He has no desire to marry other than his obligation. However Hawke has a rather limited picture in his mind of his ideal for personal wedded bliss. Believing that his parent’s example of separate lives within the marriage is best, he doesn’t commit himself to remain in England or to truly build a life with his wife as any feelings they share will eventually die.
For the full review, please go to http://thewindowseat13.blogspot.com/2...
November 13, 2012
Lovely Lizzie is waiting for her betrothed, another Duke, who left England for Naples 10 years before and would never have returned if his father hadn't threatened in his will to cut Hawke, the duke in question, off without a penny if he didn't marry the young woman arranged for him. This duke is unlike the first, and unlike his father. His father was a political powerhouse who kept a mistress while remaining amicable, if estranged, from his wife. Hawke, however, loves art, specifically luminous paintings of any style or age, as long as they provide more joy than the nasty daubs popular in England. He loves his Titian and his Tintoretto as much as he loves Naples, and he plans to return to Naples with them as soon as he's done his duty and sired an heir. Unfortunately, though he and his wife fall in love, it takes him a while to realize that, perhaps, leaving her for Naples isn't really what he wants to do anymore.
Another lovely book by Bradford. This one is equally charming and possibly even more poignant. I found myself liking this hero even more than the last. What I like best about these books is that the characters are all themselves, and unique. I'm quite impressed that Bradford could make me love Charlotte and March, the protagonists of the first book, and now make me love Lizzie and Hawke, and their relationship, in this second book even more.
Another lovely book by Bradford. This one is equally charming and possibly even more poignant. I found myself liking this hero even more than the last. What I like best about these books is that the characters are all themselves, and unique. I'm quite impressed that Bradford could make me love Charlotte and March, the protagonists of the first book, and now make me love Lizzie and Hawke, and their relationship, in this second book even more.
December 5, 2015
Another awesome read!
In this next installment to the Wylder Sisters, Lizzie has an arranged marriage too by her father when she was very young to the Duke of Hawkesworth. Since she is the "wyldest" of the sisters and the most passionate, her mother is afraid that this will consume her marriage fast and make her unhappy.
Hawke has come from Italy for the sole purpose of marring Lady Elizabeth Wylder before her 19th birthday for not doing so means loosing his money. What he hadn't count on was that his young vivacious wife was not tainted by London society and that she would share his interest in art and meet his passion with her own.
Once they see beyond what is expected of them by society and from each other they'll see that their love is stronger that they think and that you can never be someone you're not. You can have and example with which to guide you but you can expect it to be exact.
I love the playfulness in Hawke and that he didn't care (well mostly didn't care) what society had to say about obligations and decorum and that Lizzie only wanted to please her husband but that in no way made less a woman.
I can't wait to read the next story as it contains roguish Duke of Sheffield and we get a small glimpse of him at the end of this book!!
In this next installment to the Wylder Sisters, Lizzie has an arranged marriage too by her father when she was very young to the Duke of Hawkesworth. Since she is the "wyldest" of the sisters and the most passionate, her mother is afraid that this will consume her marriage fast and make her unhappy.
Hawke has come from Italy for the sole purpose of marring Lady Elizabeth Wylder before her 19th birthday for not doing so means loosing his money. What he hadn't count on was that his young vivacious wife was not tainted by London society and that she would share his interest in art and meet his passion with her own.
Once they see beyond what is expected of them by society and from each other they'll see that their love is stronger that they think and that you can never be someone you're not. You can have and example with which to guide you but you can expect it to be exact.
I love the playfulness in Hawke and that he didn't care (well mostly didn't care) what society had to say about obligations and decorum and that Lizzie only wanted to please her husband but that in no way made less a woman.
I can't wait to read the next story as it contains roguish Duke of Sheffield and we get a small glimpse of him at the end of this book!!
September 7, 2012
The second in Isabella Bradford's Wylder sisters series is refreshing in its approach. While the majority of romance novels deal with the trials and conflicts thwarting the main characters’ relationship, this novel deals with the after-marriage maturing and learning to live as a married couple. Both Lizzie and Hawke have unfortunate role models from whom they’ve learned what marriage should be like, and in Hawke’s case, he’s so determined not be the boringly uber-responsible, passionless man his father was that he thwarts his own happiness. Instead of seeing his love of art in terms of something he can use to benefit the world, he sees it as an escape, even an escape from the love he is convinced will fade and die as it has in every relationship he’s aware of. His short sightedness makes for the majority of the conflict in the novel. Both Lizzie and Hawke are delightful, fun characters with no looming and dismal burdens on them. Their relationship is surprisingly loving and satisfying for both of them, and if it were not for their fear of future failure, things would be perfect. Bradford’s style is light and very readable and her resolution satisfying.
December 1, 2012
WHEN THE DUCHESS SAID YES by Isabella Bradford is an exciting Regency historical romance. #2 in the "Wylder Sisters" series,but can be read as a stand alone. See,"When You Wish Upon A Duke". Another scandalous Wylder sister, Lady Elizabeth Wylder, with another arranged marriage, sight unseen to the Duke of Hawkesworth. Arranged by their fathers when Lady Elizabeth was born and young Hawke was only babe himself. Can wild,free-spirited Lady Elizabeth tame her wayward,rakish,Duke? What a merry chase these two have as Lady Elizabeth is the wildest of the siblings and determined to land her Duke. Hawke is the cousin to our previous Wylder sister's groom and what a scandalous lineage these gentlemen have. Filled with wit,passion,scandal, secrets,romance and love. You want to miss this exciting continence of the "Wylder Sisters". A vastly entertaining read! Received for a honest review from the publisher and Net Galley. For more information visit Ballantine Books, Random House Publishers and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
December 31, 2012
2.0 out of 5 stars I DIDN'T LIKE HAWKE THE DUKE!!!!, December 30, 2012
This review is from: When the Duchess Said Yes (Wylder Sisters) (Kindle Edition)
Book two "When The Duchess Said Yes" didn't enchant me. It made me angry with Hawke the Duke of Hawkethorne. He was irresponsible and childish through out the entire story. Elizabeth Wyder is the second sister who's deceased father has betroth her to a Duke of Royal lineage. I felt sorry for her she has the worst sort of fiancee in Hawke. Hawke had abandon the Dukedom to live in Italy until he finds out he mush marry Elizabeth "Lizzie" before her 19th birthday or he loses all of his fortune and properties, he will only have his title. Hawke resents this and treats Lizzie horrible much of the time, until he accidentally sees her at the opera not knowing she is his intended wife. Hawke was very immature to me which I just didn't like. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and did absolutely nothing with it. However it does end OK.
September 8, 2014
4 STARS
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Lady Elizabeth Wylder like her older sister has had her marriage arranged by her father to a future Duke. Lizzie, as Lady Elizabeth prefers to be called, is free-spirited and sees her name in the paper due to her antics. Duke Hawkesworth has been living in Italy and preferred this life to that in London. To keep this life he must marry the woman his late father chose for him.
At a ball where they were to be formally introduced they instead meet each other alone and share a passionate kiss. Once they come to face to face they are pleasantly surprised that the one they desired was the one they were to marry. Lizzie is grateful for this until she realizes that passion and love are not the same thing.
Bradford's latest novel is sweet and enjoyable as her first book. She writes each character with such care that they can't help but leap from the pages and have you feeling something for them. The plot is simple but entertaining and leave you waiting eagerly for the the third book.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Lady Elizabeth Wylder like her older sister has had her marriage arranged by her father to a future Duke. Lizzie, as Lady Elizabeth prefers to be called, is free-spirited and sees her name in the paper due to her antics. Duke Hawkesworth has been living in Italy and preferred this life to that in London. To keep this life he must marry the woman his late father chose for him.
At a ball where they were to be formally introduced they instead meet each other alone and share a passionate kiss. Once they come to face to face they are pleasantly surprised that the one they desired was the one they were to marry. Lizzie is grateful for this until she realizes that passion and love are not the same thing.
Bradford's latest novel is sweet and enjoyable as her first book. She writes each character with such care that they can't help but leap from the pages and have you feeling something for them. The plot is simple but entertaining and leave you waiting eagerly for the the third book.
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