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The Dukes of War #7
The Duke's Accidental Wife
Miss Katherine Ross is a wealthy, eccentric socialite who knows precisely what she wants: No husband. No children. No candlelit tête-à-tête with the insufferably emotionless Duke of Ravenwood. She's convinced his heart is ice — until she touches that chiseled chest for herself. One lapse in judgment is all it takes to turn both their lives topsy-turvy...
The Duke of Ravenwood isn't cold and haughty, but a secret romantic who has always dreamt of marrying for love. Instead, he gets Miss Katherine Ross — a headstrong hoyden intent on unraveling his carefully ordered world. He doesn't know whether to kiss her or throttle her. Can they survive each other's company long enough to turn a compromise into love?
The Duke of Ravenwood isn't cold and haughty, but a secret romantic who has always dreamt of marrying for love. Instead, he gets Miss Katherine Ross — a headstrong hoyden intent on unraveling his carefully ordered world. He doesn't know whether to kiss her or throttle her. Can they survive each other's company long enough to turn a compromise into love?
200 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2016
536 people are currently reading
1155 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
130 books2,196 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
February 24, 2016
3.5 stars. To be honest, Ravenwood spends a good chunk of this book being a stuffy uppity jerk to Katherine because she pretty much tells convention to shove it. My favorite part of this book, however, is his change of heart. It takes him a bit to realize that the normally outspoken Katherine is changing herself to be what she feels is better for him. The story was sweet and Ravenwood does eventually grow on you. Especially when he does little things to let Katherine into his heart. He turns out to be a romantic at heart looking for his one and is actually willing to compromise and try with his new wife. Let me tell you that the ride is a bit bumpy. I enjoyed it, though I will say it felt a bit rushed in pacing.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2016
He was the one who stayed home to take care of things as his friends went off to war. He even offered for the hand of his killed-in-action friend, but to call him outwardly warm and fuzzy would have never described the Duke of Ravenwood. The man was as cold and proper as a shaved ice swan, handsome, but unapproachable. She was a socialite, a wealthy young woman who didn’t need a husband, she has her causes and passions and is a huge success in her own right. Who knew the eccentric Katherine Ross would find herself in an innocent, yet compromising situation that would have tongues wagging among London’s elite?
Forced into a marriage for appearances sake, these two spend months avoiding each other, being prickly and assuming the worst of their mate. Who knew the whirling dervish of a woman would bring the secret romantic to his knees, lost in love? Imagine Katherine’s shock when she discovers the size of the heart this man so cleverly hides or that deep inside he sense of duty and honor are something to cherish?
The Duke’s Accidental Wife by Erica Ridley is the long awaited tale of love for our favorite Duke and is definitely worth the wait! Some characters just grab your interest, fascinate you and give you hours of entertainment, chuckles, sighs and even anger or frustration, and the Duke, the Duchess and her completely adorable great-aunt are ALL my favorites in this tale! Feel the frustration they feel, cringe at the total lack of communication and swoon when two people with more love to give than they know finally realize how wonderful life can be, even trapped in the era of stuffiness and facades!
I received this ARC edition from Intrepid Reads in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: The Dukes of War - Book 7
Publication Date: March 1, 2016
ISBN: 9781939713438 (Paperback)
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 250 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Forced into a marriage for appearances sake, these two spend months avoiding each other, being prickly and assuming the worst of their mate. Who knew the whirling dervish of a woman would bring the secret romantic to his knees, lost in love? Imagine Katherine’s shock when she discovers the size of the heart this man so cleverly hides or that deep inside he sense of duty and honor are something to cherish?
The Duke’s Accidental Wife by Erica Ridley is the long awaited tale of love for our favorite Duke and is definitely worth the wait! Some characters just grab your interest, fascinate you and give you hours of entertainment, chuckles, sighs and even anger or frustration, and the Duke, the Duchess and her completely adorable great-aunt are ALL my favorites in this tale! Feel the frustration they feel, cringe at the total lack of communication and swoon when two people with more love to give than they know finally realize how wonderful life can be, even trapped in the era of stuffiness and facades!
I received this ARC edition from Intrepid Reads in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: The Dukes of War - Book 7
Publication Date: March 1, 2016
ISBN: 9781939713438 (Paperback)
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 250 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 13, 2016
The ongoing saga of these intrepid Dukes of War finally tells the story of the Duke of Ravenwood who didn't go! He wanted to go with them and has felt guilty for not doing so but he had recently been able to take up his role as Duke, being an active member of the House of Lords and ensuring his guardian did not fulfil the role in his stead. He is very keen on maintaining his dignity, decorum and position but actually detests public gatherings and speaking though he is a prominent participant and leading member when anything actually needs getting done in the House of Lords.
He is respected by other members of the aristocracy and if anyone can get him to attend parties, soirées and the the like they immediately become highly popular events. Still, he would much rather be in his secret garden at home than mixing with the ton! When he does attend public events he tends to don an icy facade to protect himself but he secretly dreams of finding love like his late parents shared and now his friends and sister do, too. The portray of this public yet reclusive Duke is superbly orchestrated by the author, helping the reader empathise with him as he endeavours to always do the best for King and country despite his naturally reclusive nature. He has a few close friends -essentially the Dukes or War and their wives!
He hates being manipulated but his sister knows just how to get her own way. When she appeals to his better nature and gets him to agree to support the good cause she is promoting with her friend, Katherine, he agrees reluctantly. When he is caught with that same lady friend in an innocent but compromising position, he agrees to marry her even though their previous encounters were anything but romantic. It is the two striving to come to terms with their new relationship, getting to know each other and learning about each other's wants, needs, foibles and dreams that form the bulk of this engaging historical romance. It is a great addition to the series and one I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys historical romances with a feisty, independent minded female and a handsome, if reticent, member of the aristocracy as the hero.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
He is respected by other members of the aristocracy and if anyone can get him to attend parties, soirées and the the like they immediately become highly popular events. Still, he would much rather be in his secret garden at home than mixing with the ton! When he does attend public events he tends to don an icy facade to protect himself but he secretly dreams of finding love like his late parents shared and now his friends and sister do, too. The portray of this public yet reclusive Duke is superbly orchestrated by the author, helping the reader empathise with him as he endeavours to always do the best for King and country despite his naturally reclusive nature. He has a few close friends -essentially the Dukes or War and their wives!
He hates being manipulated but his sister knows just how to get her own way. When she appeals to his better nature and gets him to agree to support the good cause she is promoting with her friend, Katherine, he agrees reluctantly. When he is caught with that same lady friend in an innocent but compromising position, he agrees to marry her even though their previous encounters were anything but romantic. It is the two striving to come to terms with their new relationship, getting to know each other and learning about each other's wants, needs, foibles and dreams that form the bulk of this engaging historical romance. It is a great addition to the series and one I have no hesitation in highly recommending to anyone who enjoys historical romances with a feisty, independent minded female and a handsome, if reticent, member of the aristocracy as the hero.
Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2017
If you are in need of a silly regency romance with scattered-brained women and tall, dark and broody Dukes, Earls or otherwise entitled menfolk, wearing frocks and waistcoats, look no further than the Dukes of War series.
This one is fairly short, only 200 pages, and the plot is full of the usual romance tropes, with a little tension thrown in at the end. Nothing surprising or unusual, with the required HEA at the end.
I received this free e-copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
This one is fairly short, only 200 pages, and the plot is full of the usual romance tropes, with a little tension thrown in at the end. Nothing surprising or unusual, with the required HEA at the end.
I received this free e-copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
July 10, 2024
⭐
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 45%.
Underwhelming.
Boring.
Not enough interaction/dialog between the main characters.
(They spend too little time together and too much time apart.)
Too little depth.
Annoying main characters that also were somewhat OTT.
Zero chemistry and tension between the main characters.
Stilted and flat plot/story.
Stilted characters.
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 45%.
Underwhelming.
Boring.
Not enough interaction/dialog between the main characters.
(They spend too little time together and too much time apart.)
Too little depth.
Annoying main characters that also were somewhat OTT.
Zero chemistry and tension between the main characters.
Stilted and flat plot/story.
Stilted characters.
December 2, 2019
I was very interested in the premise of the story. Overall, it was an okay read but lacked something!
It can be read as a standalone.
It can be read as a standalone.
July 6, 2018
This is a new to me author.
Great audible read! I enjoyed this story. An unplanned marriage and two people at odds trying to make the best of a bad situation. She's an art lover and he's a secret poet. Although there is certainly sexual tension here, the story is often sweet and definitely more of an emotional journey.
I almost wished for more conflict except that the way these two interacted, both doing their best to make it work for the other, kept me reading and falling in love. There is a precious part where the Duke of Ravenwood writes poetry for his reluctant new wife. I could have read (listened) over that part a half dozen times.
Will be picking up more from Erica Ridley.
Great audible read! I enjoyed this story. An unplanned marriage and two people at odds trying to make the best of a bad situation. She's an art lover and he's a secret poet. Although there is certainly sexual tension here, the story is often sweet and definitely more of an emotional journey.
I almost wished for more conflict except that the way these two interacted, both doing their best to make it work for the other, kept me reading and falling in love. There is a precious part where the Duke of Ravenwood writes poetry for his reluctant new wife. I could have read (listened) over that part a half dozen times.
Will be picking up more from Erica Ridley.
March 5, 2017
Loved it..
So, a ridiculously stuffy duke finds himself compromised with a happy, look-at-everything-with a positive-attitude female he tells himself is not proper at all and doesn’t want to make her his duchess, even though he has to. I absolutely loved Kate’s attitude, and how she thought of Ravenwood and what the truth really was. He was shy, had his own garden and wrote poetry, and loved his friends and family deeply. The more Kate found out about Ravenwood the more she loved him.
There was some sweet desire in this book, plus the fear Kate had to overcome about getting pregnant and either her or her baby dying. It was a long while before they consummated their marriage, since the first night didn’t go so well.
This is my first book by this author, because so many reviewers made me think she wrote G-rated books. Well, she doesn’t! It’s not all that explicit but the sex is just so romantic, at least in this book. The desire may not come until they kiss but it was there. I will definitely be reading more from this author. Oh, and this is the 7th book in the series but I never felt lost for a second, no matter what past characters showed up.
Ravenwood and Kate were a wonderful couple. No angst, no misunderstandings, just a forced marriage that turned into a wonderful love. And I abso-tiv-ly loved Aunt Havens.
As to the narrator: Wonderful! Her voices were awesome but her voice for Aunt Muriel was totally on the mark. She sounded loving, funny and old, just like she should have. Stevie Zimmerman is the reason I’ll listen to Erica Ridley again. The characters really come alive with her narration.
So, a ridiculously stuffy duke finds himself compromised with a happy, look-at-everything-with a positive-attitude female he tells himself is not proper at all and doesn’t want to make her his duchess, even though he has to. I absolutely loved Kate’s attitude, and how she thought of Ravenwood and what the truth really was. He was shy, had his own garden and wrote poetry, and loved his friends and family deeply. The more Kate found out about Ravenwood the more she loved him.
There was some sweet desire in this book, plus the fear Kate had to overcome about getting pregnant and either her or her baby dying. It was a long while before they consummated their marriage, since the first night didn’t go so well.
This is my first book by this author, because so many reviewers made me think she wrote G-rated books. Well, she doesn’t! It’s not all that explicit but the sex is just so romantic, at least in this book. The desire may not come until they kiss but it was there. I will definitely be reading more from this author. Oh, and this is the 7th book in the series but I never felt lost for a second, no matter what past characters showed up.
Ravenwood and Kate were a wonderful couple. No angst, no misunderstandings, just a forced marriage that turned into a wonderful love. And I abso-tiv-ly loved Aunt Havens.
As to the narrator: Wonderful! Her voices were awesome but her voice for Aunt Muriel was totally on the mark. She sounded loving, funny and old, just like she should have. Stevie Zimmerman is the reason I’ll listen to Erica Ridley again. The characters really come alive with her narration.
February 28, 2016
Review of ARC from Netgalley.
I will start off with some of the positives..
The characters are quite likeable and there is an interesting twist on an old trope: it is the heroine who doesn't want to get married and have children. The hero actually wants to marry for love and to have children, not just because it is his duty to have an heir, but because he really wants a family. It is the heroine who has a fear of giving birth. This was quite interesting as it's usually the hero who has this fear.
I liked the secondary plot with Aunt Haven. The interactions between the heroine and her aunt were quite touching.
Onto the the things that didn't quite work for me:
There is simply not enough interaction and dialog between the hero and heroine to make their relationship seem real. They spend a great deal of the book apart, thinking about the other and making assumptions about what the other person is thinking and feeling. Important conversations that reveal things about each of the characters take place with third parties such as the sister of the hero and even the Butler and a footman. Essentially, we are told lots of things but there are not enough interactions and dialog between our hero and heroine to show us.
The heroine's fear is brought to our attention at the beginning of the book and is not really dealt with. By the end, she decides she is able to take the risk because she loves the hero. When someone has carried around such a deep-rooted fear, and were even willing to remain unmarried to avoid having children, it is hard to believe that she would get over it so quickly. She doesn't even discuss her fear with her aunt, who we are told is also her best friend and confidant. Or more importantly, with the hero. She seems to just get over it with little effort.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me overall. Like a dress that looks nice on the hanger but doesn't quite fit you.
I will start off with some of the positives..
The characters are quite likeable and there is an interesting twist on an old trope: it is the heroine who doesn't want to get married and have children. The hero actually wants to marry for love and to have children, not just because it is his duty to have an heir, but because he really wants a family. It is the heroine who has a fear of giving birth. This was quite interesting as it's usually the hero who has this fear.
I liked the secondary plot with Aunt Haven. The interactions between the heroine and her aunt were quite touching.
Onto the the things that didn't quite work for me:
There is simply not enough interaction and dialog between the hero and heroine to make their relationship seem real. They spend a great deal of the book apart, thinking about the other and making assumptions about what the other person is thinking and feeling. Important conversations that reveal things about each of the characters take place with third parties such as the sister of the hero and even the Butler and a footman. Essentially, we are told lots of things but there are not enough interactions and dialog between our hero and heroine to show us.
The heroine's fear is brought to our attention at the beginning of the book and is not really dealt with. By the end, she decides she is able to take the risk because she loves the hero. When someone has carried around such a deep-rooted fear, and were even willing to remain unmarried to avoid having children, it is hard to believe that she would get over it so quickly. She doesn't even discuss her fear with her aunt, who we are told is also her best friend and confidant. Or more importantly, with the hero. She seems to just get over it with little effort.
Unfortunately, this book did not work for me overall. Like a dress that looks nice on the hanger but doesn't quite fit you.
March 9, 2016
"The Duke's Accidental Wife" is Book 7 and the final installment in "The Dukes of War" series. While, each book are stand alones, I would highly recommend reading the entire series.
The reader finally learns the Duke of Ravenwood's story. Ms. Ridley masterfully brings this story full circle. Such an enjoyable read!
Well written with engaging, lovable, albeit it, flawed characters. The storyline is well written, well rounded, with some twists and turns along the way. Masterfully written by a very talented author. Fans of Historical Romance, romance in general and a great read, will enjoy this story. An absolute delight to read! An awesome conclusion to this series. I hated to see it in, in a way. My only consolation, is knowing Ms. Ridley will have another grand adventure, in our future. A must read Historical Romance!
*Personal buy*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
The reader finally learns the Duke of Ravenwood's story. Ms. Ridley masterfully brings this story full circle. Such an enjoyable read!
Well written with engaging, lovable, albeit it, flawed characters. The storyline is well written, well rounded, with some twists and turns along the way. Masterfully written by a very talented author. Fans of Historical Romance, romance in general and a great read, will enjoy this story. An absolute delight to read! An awesome conclusion to this series. I hated to see it in, in a way. My only consolation, is knowing Ms. Ridley will have another grand adventure, in our future. A must read Historical Romance!
*Personal buy*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR
March 1, 2016
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
They were once young and carefree but they lived in turbulant times. Duty beckoned and each answered in his own way, they were The Dukes of War.
One was forced to stay behind and manage his affairs but watched as his friends left boys and came back men with troubles and struggles they have to overcome. One went away a dashing heir and returned and impoverished Earl (The Earl's Defiant Wallflower), One left all daring and dashing and came home lost in his mind with a severe case of PTSD not that anyone knew it by that name at the time (The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress). Two left darlings of the ton, twins, halves of one whole but only one came home (The Major's Faux Fiancee) but just when all hope is lost, the brother thought lost to war comes back.. obviously he's not dead..(The Brigadier’s Runaway Bride). But Erica Ridley realizes that there are more stories to be told. There are others who suffered, struggled and fought to survive (The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway)
Finally we get the story about the friend who stayed behind..
Miss Katherine Ross is witty, vivacious and slightly outrageous. She has a plan to remain single and in control of her wealth. Be a solid voice for her causes but because of the laws of her day, she never plans to marry. No way is she going to loose control of her money, her individuality. But when she suddenly finds herself married to the personification of boring, dull and duty... the chess board tilts.
Lawrence Pembroke, the Duke of Ravenwood is a true and honest friend. Loyal to a fault and committed to duty. He has watched his friends go off to war and return, somewhat battered but each has found his way. He stayed behind and answered the call of duty.. cold, hard duty. He knows he must marry and doesn't even dream of finding a woman he can love like his friends have. He knows he must find a woman of good birth, flawless reputation and impeccable behavior.. instead he gets Miss Katherine Ross..
OK.. here's the thing.. I liked this book. I liked that Lawrence was an introvert and extremely shy but forced himself to deal with life. I liked that he was flawed and we had to learn to like him. BUT.. I already liked him. We knew him from previous books, he was more than a remote caricature and yet in this book, his book, he started out that way. A caricature of himself. We had to meet him all over again and I thought he was lacking something, initially..
I also was missing his connection with his friends. This was a man so devoted to his friends that he was willing to marry the pregnant woman, a friend had left behind. To give up all chance at happiness to ensure her reputation and his (the friend's) was safe. We did not see that man in this book. We didn't see the staunch support of his friends that I expected. It was just missing all that.
Now don't get me wrong. This was a good book. I just wanted MORE for Lawrence. I know he got his HEA and he got the perfect HEA for him but for the first time in this series I was underwhelmed. This would have been a great first book of the series, introducing us to a new character.. but being the 7th in the series, like I said. I wanted more.
I know this was harsh, especially since I LIKED this book but it's how I felt. I still recommend it.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Duke's Accidental Wife, provided by netgalley.
They were once young and carefree but they lived in turbulant times. Duty beckoned and each answered in his own way, they were The Dukes of War.
One was forced to stay behind and manage his affairs but watched as his friends left boys and came back men with troubles and struggles they have to overcome. One went away a dashing heir and returned and impoverished Earl (The Earl's Defiant Wallflower), One left all daring and dashing and came home lost in his mind with a severe case of PTSD not that anyone knew it by that name at the time (The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress). Two left darlings of the ton, twins, halves of one whole but only one came home (The Major's Faux Fiancee) but just when all hope is lost, the brother thought lost to war comes back.. obviously he's not dead..(The Brigadier’s Runaway Bride). But Erica Ridley realizes that there are more stories to be told. There are others who suffered, struggled and fought to survive (The Pirate's Tempting Stowaway)
Finally we get the story about the friend who stayed behind..
Miss Katherine Ross is witty, vivacious and slightly outrageous. She has a plan to remain single and in control of her wealth. Be a solid voice for her causes but because of the laws of her day, she never plans to marry. No way is she going to loose control of her money, her individuality. But when she suddenly finds herself married to the personification of boring, dull and duty... the chess board tilts.
Lawrence Pembroke, the Duke of Ravenwood is a true and honest friend. Loyal to a fault and committed to duty. He has watched his friends go off to war and return, somewhat battered but each has found his way. He stayed behind and answered the call of duty.. cold, hard duty. He knows he must marry and doesn't even dream of finding a woman he can love like his friends have. He knows he must find a woman of good birth, flawless reputation and impeccable behavior.. instead he gets Miss Katherine Ross..
OK.. here's the thing.. I liked this book. I liked that Lawrence was an introvert and extremely shy but forced himself to deal with life. I liked that he was flawed and we had to learn to like him. BUT.. I already liked him. We knew him from previous books, he was more than a remote caricature and yet in this book, his book, he started out that way. A caricature of himself. We had to meet him all over again and I thought he was lacking something, initially..
I also was missing his connection with his friends. This was a man so devoted to his friends that he was willing to marry the pregnant woman, a friend had left behind. To give up all chance at happiness to ensure her reputation and his (the friend's) was safe. We did not see that man in this book. We didn't see the staunch support of his friends that I expected. It was just missing all that.
Now don't get me wrong. This was a good book. I just wanted MORE for Lawrence. I know he got his HEA and he got the perfect HEA for him but for the first time in this series I was underwhelmed. This would have been a great first book of the series, introducing us to a new character.. but being the 7th in the series, like I said. I wanted more.
I know this was harsh, especially since I LIKED this book but it's how I felt. I still recommend it.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Duke's Accidental Wife, provided by netgalley.
March 1, 2016
ARC REVIEW
Ravenwood finally gets his book! The Dukes of War book seven; really seven already, Damn. I loved this series, every book is unique in it's characters and situations and with Ravenwood and his cold outer-shell and the vivacious Katherine you have a delightful story of give and take and finding out that what you need is what you least expect. Erica Ridley has a delightful and easy writing style, I love her attention to detail and she is an excellent storyteller.
Ravenwood gets uncomfortable in social situations his sister has always acted as the go between so he doesn't have to deal with it, but now she is married and he is alone in the house for the exception of the servants. Ravenwood has always done what is best for the Dukedom, his country, his King, and his family name; and as a member of Parliament he does his best to prove he is just a good a Duke as his father before him. When his sister Lady Amelia and his friends talks him into attending an auction be begrudgingly agrees more so because the patroness of the auction is the talked about and vivacious Lady Katherine Ross.
Lady Katherine Ross has vowed never to get married and most of all never have children. She is scared of the child birth, she was raised by her Aunt who attended the midwife and vividly remembers all the times her aunt came home crying because of the loss of the mother or the child and more than often both; it scared Kate. Now as she has grown older and made a place for herself in society she doesn't want to be a mans property she has worked hard to make her own money and her work with artist has made a name for herself. If she can get the elusive Duke of Ravenwood to attend her auction then she can guarantee it's success and the success of her artists. Unfortunately an ill placed bucket of water and the bad timing of one senile aunt, Ravenwood and Kate end up in the middle of a scandal and have to marry.
A wedding was the last thing Kate wanted, she convinced herself that everything she now owned was Ravenwood's, and technically she's right but Ravenwood doesn't want her stuff. The chemistry is there but once Ravenwood discovers she doesn't want to have children puts another wedge between them. Slowly they learn about each other, Kate learns what a romantic her husband is and Ravenwood discovers how hard a worker she is and how much she wants to be a good wife for him. He takes an interest in her work with the artist and supports her. Kate realizes she loves Ravenwood when she realizes she is willing to face her fear and give him the child he wants.
Overall, I love how they work to better their relationship, they worked at trying to make the marriage they were forced into work and it was easy for it to become a love match and not just a convenience.
Ravenwood finally gets his book! The Dukes of War book seven; really seven already, Damn. I loved this series, every book is unique in it's characters and situations and with Ravenwood and his cold outer-shell and the vivacious Katherine you have a delightful story of give and take and finding out that what you need is what you least expect. Erica Ridley has a delightful and easy writing style, I love her attention to detail and she is an excellent storyteller.
Ravenwood gets uncomfortable in social situations his sister has always acted as the go between so he doesn't have to deal with it, but now she is married and he is alone in the house for the exception of the servants. Ravenwood has always done what is best for the Dukedom, his country, his King, and his family name; and as a member of Parliament he does his best to prove he is just a good a Duke as his father before him. When his sister Lady Amelia and his friends talks him into attending an auction be begrudgingly agrees more so because the patroness of the auction is the talked about and vivacious Lady Katherine Ross.
Lady Katherine Ross has vowed never to get married and most of all never have children. She is scared of the child birth, she was raised by her Aunt who attended the midwife and vividly remembers all the times her aunt came home crying because of the loss of the mother or the child and more than often both; it scared Kate. Now as she has grown older and made a place for herself in society she doesn't want to be a mans property she has worked hard to make her own money and her work with artist has made a name for herself. If she can get the elusive Duke of Ravenwood to attend her auction then she can guarantee it's success and the success of her artists. Unfortunately an ill placed bucket of water and the bad timing of one senile aunt, Ravenwood and Kate end up in the middle of a scandal and have to marry.
A wedding was the last thing Kate wanted, she convinced herself that everything she now owned was Ravenwood's, and technically she's right but Ravenwood doesn't want her stuff. The chemistry is there but once Ravenwood discovers she doesn't want to have children puts another wedge between them. Slowly they learn about each other, Kate learns what a romantic her husband is and Ravenwood discovers how hard a worker she is and how much she wants to be a good wife for him. He takes an interest in her work with the artist and supports her. Kate realizes she loves Ravenwood when she realizes she is willing to face her fear and give him the child he wants.
Overall, I love how they work to better their relationship, they worked at trying to make the marriage they were forced into work and it was easy for it to become a love match and not just a convenience.
January 19, 2018
Boring to the 9th degree!! And To Expensive for a story that is so short you can read it in a one setting.
I didn't care a wit about the H/H Lawrence Pembroke The Duke of Ravenwood. Whom in my opinion needed to get a Spine. I love kind and gentle men. But he just let his new wife Miss Katherine Ross do as she will. It was almost at the end of the story before the consummated the marriage. It was her who caused them to be caught in in Compromising situation. They marry. Blah Blah Blah!! How many times have we seen this storyline play out. This story was Not Written Well. No depth and no backstory. The best part was Katherine's Aunt Havens and she was suffering from Dementia.
The story is not worth the price $3.99.
I didn't care a wit about the H/H Lawrence Pembroke The Duke of Ravenwood. Whom in my opinion needed to get a Spine. I love kind and gentle men. But he just let his new wife Miss Katherine Ross do as she will. It was almost at the end of the story before the consummated the marriage. It was her who caused them to be caught in in Compromising situation. They marry. Blah Blah Blah!! How many times have we seen this storyline play out. This story was Not Written Well. No depth and no backstory. The best part was Katherine's Aunt Havens and she was suffering from Dementia.
The story is not worth the price $3.99.
December 19, 2016
This review was originally posted on (un)Conventional Bookviews
The Duke's Accidental Wife had a lot of sweetness inside, even if there was quite a bit of sadness as well, because the protagonists didn't really understand each other at first.
The Dukes of War series is a really good one, and I loved getting to know Ravenwood better! He has been quite present in the prior books in the series, and I thought he was a stuck-up bore. Alas, I was wrong, he really proved that he has a big heart and a lot of sensibility in The Duke's Accidental Wife. He wasn't only honourable and firm, he was also very loving - and lovable - as he took on Catherine. Whom he thought was a scandalous airhead he didn't have a single thing in common with. And of course, they were absolutely delicious together once they let go of their pre-conceptions.
I think the part I love the most about historical romances is that newly married couples actually have to find out after the fact whether or not they are compatible. The Duke's Accidental Wife brought that point home in a great way, as both Catherine and Ravenwood had very definite thoughts about the other - without having ever spoken to each other. And while both of them were kind of victims of gossip, they had both felt how hard it was to cope with people thinking of them in a certain way, they also didn't seem to think that applied to the other. Catherine had made up her mind about him being stuck-up and very strict, and he really thought she was just a frivolous young thing he would never have anything in common with. Seeing them proved wrong was delightful!
There was a lot of longing in The Duke's Accidental Wife, and it was very sweet to see the two protagonists longing for love, devotion, acceptance and understanding - while not being fully prepared to give those same things to the other. Once they opened up a little, they realized that they had both found a hidden treasure, and it was great to be along for the ride. Written in third person point of view, past tense, the omniscient narrator let the readers in just enough to keep some mystery, but also so we get to know the characters well enough to care about them. The many dialogues make the story better, and the hidden beauty of Ravenwood and Catherine is worth finding.
He had always maintained a silent, retiring nature, but without his sister about to put her nose where it didn't belong, the only words spoken to him at home these days were Yes, Your Grace or Perhaps the blue waistcoat today.
If she were a man, perhaps her motley friends wouldn't have mattered. Lord Byron managed to be a poet and a baron. Brummell managed to be both a dandy and a debtor. For women, it was different. If one were an actress, the assumption was that she was also a whore.
This marriage might have been an accident, but it wasn't a mistake. Not if they worked at it.
The Duke's Accidental Wife had a lot of sweetness inside, even if there was quite a bit of sadness as well, because the protagonists didn't really understand each other at first.
The Dukes of War series is a really good one, and I loved getting to know Ravenwood better! He has been quite present in the prior books in the series, and I thought he was a stuck-up bore. Alas, I was wrong, he really proved that he has a big heart and a lot of sensibility in The Duke's Accidental Wife. He wasn't only honourable and firm, he was also very loving - and lovable - as he took on Catherine. Whom he thought was a scandalous airhead he didn't have a single thing in common with. And of course, they were absolutely delicious together once they let go of their pre-conceptions.
I think the part I love the most about historical romances is that newly married couples actually have to find out after the fact whether or not they are compatible. The Duke's Accidental Wife brought that point home in a great way, as both Catherine and Ravenwood had very definite thoughts about the other - without having ever spoken to each other. And while both of them were kind of victims of gossip, they had both felt how hard it was to cope with people thinking of them in a certain way, they also didn't seem to think that applied to the other. Catherine had made up her mind about him being stuck-up and very strict, and he really thought she was just a frivolous young thing he would never have anything in common with. Seeing them proved wrong was delightful!
There was a lot of longing in The Duke's Accidental Wife, and it was very sweet to see the two protagonists longing for love, devotion, acceptance and understanding - while not being fully prepared to give those same things to the other. Once they opened up a little, they realized that they had both found a hidden treasure, and it was great to be along for the ride. Written in third person point of view, past tense, the omniscient narrator let the readers in just enough to keep some mystery, but also so we get to know the characters well enough to care about them. The many dialogues make the story better, and the hidden beauty of Ravenwood and Catherine is worth finding.
He had always maintained a silent, retiring nature, but without his sister about to put her nose where it didn't belong, the only words spoken to him at home these days were Yes, Your Grace or Perhaps the blue waistcoat today.
If she were a man, perhaps her motley friends wouldn't have mattered. Lord Byron managed to be a poet and a baron. Brummell managed to be both a dandy and a debtor. For women, it was different. If one were an actress, the assumption was that she was also a whore.
This marriage might have been an accident, but it wasn't a mistake. Not if they worked at it.
February 23, 2017
4.25/5. The first third of the book was brilliant, introducing 2 interesting protagonists who are polar opposites and rather overt in their dislike of one another. Katherine Ross, cousin of a Duke herself, is an independent woman with her own home, her own living, her own interests and she likes to keep it that way. She does not deliberately set out to be a social rebel but due to her arty associations, she is deemed somewhat scandalous and flighty. Orphaned in early childhood, her extroversion masks a loneliness. She desperately tries to protect her elderly aunt and confidante, who suffers onset of dementia, and in doing so endears herself to the reader and lends her much greater depth.
The Duke of Ravenwood is also a walking contradiction. He too was orphaned at a young age, which impacted greatly on the man he has become. Outwardly in command, stern and icy, as he believes a Duke ought to be. In reality, he is a sociaphobe, a closet poet and gardener, a sentimentalist, a....gasp....romantic!
Compromised, without not so much as a kiss, they nevertheless are forced to wed.
Miss Ross didn’t look delighted at her unexpected new fortune. She looked like she was going to cry. Devil take it. Ravenwood’s spine snapped into its habitual commanding posture. A sudden betrothal was the last thing either of them had planned, but becoming the new Duchess of Ravenwood was hardly the end of the world. For someone like her, ’twould be a giant step forward. “Miss Ross.”
He forced himself to voice the dreaded words that had now become inevitable. “Would you do me the great honor—”
“It’s no honor,” she muttered back, glaring at his wet shoes. “This is a nightmare for both of us.” Well. At least she acknowledged the truth. Ravenwood grabbed her hand and turned toward the jostling spectators. “She said yes!”
She dug her fingernails into his skin. “I didn’t say yes. You didn’t finish your sentence.”
“Do you want this to become even more of a farce than it already is?” he asked through clenched teeth, forcing himself not to grab her. “If that bucket hadn’t been there—”
“If you hadn’t followed me somewhere you certainly didn’t belong—”
“If you hadn’t forced me into attending this ridiculous gala—”
“If you didn’t have such a large stick up your arse—”
“If you could act like a lady for just once in your flighty, spoiled little life—”
“Congratulations,” Lambley boomed. He yanked Miss Ross to safety before Ravenwood could throttle her for making a horrible situation even worse. “You may call upon us tomorrow to work out the details.”
It is after this wedding, that Kate loses her spirit a bit, adapting too fast to become a conventional good wife, a Duchess she imagines Ravenswood wants and needs. What happened to her pride and fierce independence displayed in the beginning? There are no more heated verbal banter, even though he has done little to earn her affections early on in the marriage. Ravenwood stays more true to character, as he very so slowly thaws to her warmth. Aunt Havans is just gorgeous, a little bit befuddled many a times, but warm and genuine and wonderfully portrayed. A great read.
This is a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
The Duke of Ravenwood is also a walking contradiction. He too was orphaned at a young age, which impacted greatly on the man he has become. Outwardly in command, stern and icy, as he believes a Duke ought to be. In reality, he is a sociaphobe, a closet poet and gardener, a sentimentalist, a....gasp....romantic!
Compromised, without not so much as a kiss, they nevertheless are forced to wed.
Miss Ross didn’t look delighted at her unexpected new fortune. She looked like she was going to cry. Devil take it. Ravenwood’s spine snapped into its habitual commanding posture. A sudden betrothal was the last thing either of them had planned, but becoming the new Duchess of Ravenwood was hardly the end of the world. For someone like her, ’twould be a giant step forward. “Miss Ross.”
He forced himself to voice the dreaded words that had now become inevitable. “Would you do me the great honor—”
“It’s no honor,” she muttered back, glaring at his wet shoes. “This is a nightmare for both of us.” Well. At least she acknowledged the truth. Ravenwood grabbed her hand and turned toward the jostling spectators. “She said yes!”
She dug her fingernails into his skin. “I didn’t say yes. You didn’t finish your sentence.”
“Do you want this to become even more of a farce than it already is?” he asked through clenched teeth, forcing himself not to grab her. “If that bucket hadn’t been there—”
“If you hadn’t followed me somewhere you certainly didn’t belong—”
“If you hadn’t forced me into attending this ridiculous gala—”
“If you didn’t have such a large stick up your arse—”
“If you could act like a lady for just once in your flighty, spoiled little life—”
“Congratulations,” Lambley boomed. He yanked Miss Ross to safety before Ravenwood could throttle her for making a horrible situation even worse. “You may call upon us tomorrow to work out the details.”
It is after this wedding, that Kate loses her spirit a bit, adapting too fast to become a conventional good wife, a Duchess she imagines Ravenswood wants and needs. What happened to her pride and fierce independence displayed in the beginning? There are no more heated verbal banter, even though he has done little to earn her affections early on in the marriage. Ravenwood stays more true to character, as he very so slowly thaws to her warmth. Aunt Havans is just gorgeous, a little bit befuddled many a times, but warm and genuine and wonderfully portrayed. A great read.
This is a free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 4, 2016
***copy provided by publisher through NetGalley***
The Duke of Ravenwood is all about duty. Duty to the title, duty to the peerage, duty to country. And it's duty that dictates he marries Miss Katherine Ross after having been discovered together, unchaperoned, in a storage closet in her museum. It's duty that prevents him from seeking out his dream and marry for love, have the family he always wanted...
Miss Katherine Ross wants nothing to do with the Duke of Ravenwood, duty or not, respectability or not. But she has no choice in marrying the haughty, cold peer...
Until masks are slowly peeled away and each discover unexpected and not unwelcome facets of the other's personality. Sometimes doing one's duty isn't so bad after all.
A lovely ending to The Dukes of War series, with the Duke of Ravenwood's story tying up a lovely bow.
The characters were once more the best feature of the story. The duke with his haughty mask, hiding a romantic soul, and Katherine with her enthusiasm and exuberance that pulled him out of his shell, and taught her a lesson in not judging the book by its cover in the process.
Their story was organic, they both changed through the course of the story, grew up; their relationship progressing gradually and realistically, giving the reader an insight into what the ton marriages probably looked like back in the day, when people got married for reasons far removed from love, without even knowing the spouse. Katerine and Ravenwood's story probably ended up unlike most marriages, because they got to know each other, liked each other, became friends (of sort), and ended up in love, vanquishing all demons.
It's fiction and it's a romance, it could not have ended differently. It's stories like this (fictional romances) that keep us dreaming and hoping that maybe there is a chance for a true happily-ever-after in the world.
Characters, story, relationship development, writing, pacing, voice...Everything worked wonderfully, truly putting that little cherry on the cake.
The Duke of Ravenwood is all about duty. Duty to the title, duty to the peerage, duty to country. And it's duty that dictates he marries Miss Katherine Ross after having been discovered together, unchaperoned, in a storage closet in her museum. It's duty that prevents him from seeking out his dream and marry for love, have the family he always wanted...
Miss Katherine Ross wants nothing to do with the Duke of Ravenwood, duty or not, respectability or not. But she has no choice in marrying the haughty, cold peer...
Until masks are slowly peeled away and each discover unexpected and not unwelcome facets of the other's personality. Sometimes doing one's duty isn't so bad after all.
A lovely ending to The Dukes of War series, with the Duke of Ravenwood's story tying up a lovely bow.
The characters were once more the best feature of the story. The duke with his haughty mask, hiding a romantic soul, and Katherine with her enthusiasm and exuberance that pulled him out of his shell, and taught her a lesson in not judging the book by its cover in the process.
Their story was organic, they both changed through the course of the story, grew up; their relationship progressing gradually and realistically, giving the reader an insight into what the ton marriages probably looked like back in the day, when people got married for reasons far removed from love, without even knowing the spouse. Katerine and Ravenwood's story probably ended up unlike most marriages, because they got to know each other, liked each other, became friends (of sort), and ended up in love, vanquishing all demons.
It's fiction and it's a romance, it could not have ended differently. It's stories like this (fictional romances) that keep us dreaming and hoping that maybe there is a chance for a true happily-ever-after in the world.
Characters, story, relationship development, writing, pacing, voice...Everything worked wonderfully, truly putting that little cherry on the cake.
March 4, 2016
Last book in the Series Dukes of War . Heroine is Katharine Rose . Hero is Ravenwood
Ravenwood is going to his (Amelia) sisters house for dinner . Amelia story is the first one in the series . He likes spending time with his sister . Ravenwood doesn't have to put a stone cold face on . He also gets away and is himself with poetry and one other thing . He can be himself at his sisters place . . Boy was he suprised. Once he gets to Amelia house Ravenwood realizes that it's not just him and his sister . He goes in to dinner and meets Katharine sitting beside him . Ravenwood looks at Amelia to find out what is going on . That is when Amelia and Daphane come up with a plan of how to raise money for a cause . Katharine is going to have it at her museum. All 3 ladies tell the Duke that he has to come to the event to get the other ton members there and to open their purse strings . Ravenwood doesn't like Katharine attitude. He things she is wild with no scruples. And Katharine does what she wants . Even though there is a Duke in her family
Katharine is a person that believes in the arts . That every painter person that does poetry writes poems has a place and every Ton member should support them .
Ravenwood does show up at the Gala . He takes one look and tries to leave . Katharine sees him and goes after him . They start to talk and before you know it they are at a supply room . An accident happens in the supply room and they are found out . Before the scandal goes all over London they get Married. Two different people with different outlooks in live have to make a go of it . Katharine has a hang up no children. She heard about what happens to mothers and the babies. Ravenwood because he is a Duke needs a heir . So Ravenwood gives her a condition.
Do they bend and learn for each other . Or ????
Ravenwood is going to his (Amelia) sisters house for dinner . Amelia story is the first one in the series . He likes spending time with his sister . Ravenwood doesn't have to put a stone cold face on . He also gets away and is himself with poetry and one other thing . He can be himself at his sisters place . . Boy was he suprised. Once he gets to Amelia house Ravenwood realizes that it's not just him and his sister . He goes in to dinner and meets Katharine sitting beside him . Ravenwood looks at Amelia to find out what is going on . That is when Amelia and Daphane come up with a plan of how to raise money for a cause . Katharine is going to have it at her museum. All 3 ladies tell the Duke that he has to come to the event to get the other ton members there and to open their purse strings . Ravenwood doesn't like Katharine attitude. He things she is wild with no scruples. And Katharine does what she wants . Even though there is a Duke in her family
Katharine is a person that believes in the arts . That every painter person that does poetry writes poems has a place and every Ton member should support them .
Ravenwood does show up at the Gala . He takes one look and tries to leave . Katharine sees him and goes after him . They start to talk and before you know it they are at a supply room . An accident happens in the supply room and they are found out . Before the scandal goes all over London they get Married. Two different people with different outlooks in live have to make a go of it . Katharine has a hang up no children. She heard about what happens to mothers and the babies. Ravenwood because he is a Duke needs a heir . So Ravenwood gives her a condition.
Do they bend and learn for each other . Or ????
February 29, 2016
Katherine is set in her decision not to take a husband, and loves her life where she lives for art. She never thought fate would mess this up. When she finds herself in a compromising situation, without having done anything, the Duke of Ravenwood steps up and soon she´s with a husband after all.
Could they bridge their differences and make a life together?
Historical romance, emotions and smutty fluff in a great combo. Love this series!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Could they bridge their differences and make a life together?
Historical romance, emotions and smutty fluff in a great combo. Love this series!
Disclaimer; I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2016
People may think Ravenwood is a cold-hearted b******, but in all honesty he can be quite sweet, "he inclined his head. “I didn’t want you to feel forced into physical intimacy. I am your husband, but you are my wife. Your desires matter as much as my own.” I loved how caring he could be, it seems the more Ravenwood got to know his woman the mushy he became, and I liked that, "she was tired, he told himself. Carrying her was practical. Snuggling her close so he could press frequent kisses to her hair, her nose, her forehead…" I really enjoyed this book I loved Ravenwood.
February 24, 2016
The book started promising, who doesn't love a cold/reserved duke and an feisty heroine to torture him? Unfortunately, once the wedding happened the heroine suffered from a worst case of insta-love, the duke turned out to be a gardener AND a poet and it all went downhill from there.
November 15, 2018
"
Ravenwood stava stringendo la mascella al punto che temeva di polverizzarsi i denti. La sua ‘immagine di santo’ era tra le cose più preziose che aveva. Un conseguimento del quale aveva ogni diritto di essere orgoglioso. Nei suoi ventotto anni di vita, non aveva mai dato alla società una sola ragione per guardare al suo modo di fare e al suo portamento con qualcosa che non fosse assoluto rispetto. In meno di un quarto d’ora, era riuscito a macchiare due reputazioni. Tutto perché si era andato a nascondere in una stanza tranquilla per avere un po’ di sollievo da quella stessa folla.
Si voltò lentamente verso la signorina Ross, aspettandosi di trovarla prostrata per la mortificazione. O magari che sorrideva soddisfatta, se i pettegoli avevano ragione a sostenere che ogni donna desiderasse in segreto diventare duchessa. La signorina Ross non pareva felice del colpo di fortuna che le era capitato inaspettatamente. Sembrava sul punto di mettersi a piangere. Al diavolo. La spina dorsale di Ravenwood scattò nella sua abituale posizione autoritaria. Un improvviso fidanzamento era l’ultima cosa che entrambi avessero avuto in mente, ma diventare la nuova duchessa di Ravenwood non era certo la fine del mondo. Per una persona come la signorina Ross, si sarebbe trattato di un gigantesco passo in avanti."
.
Con Il Duca sbagliato siamo giunti alla fine di questa serie, che ha visto portarsi a compimento il destino di cinque uomini, legati da una grande amicizia. Quattro di loro si sono arruolati e sono andati in guerra, tornando feriti e con l’animo devastato. Uno è stato anche creduto morto per molto tempo. Solo Ravenwood non è potuto andare con loro, il suo titolo di Duca e la mancanza di un suo erede diretto gli hanno imposto di fare il suo dovere in parlamento e lasciare partire gli amici senza di lui. Si è sempre rammaricato di questo, e spesso ha pensato che se fosse stato presente, forse le cose sarebbero andate diversamente, ma nonostante questo ha sempre tentato di rendersi utile e aiutare i suoi compagni. Ha pensato anche di rinunciare alla sua libertà sposando la fidanzata dell’amico, creduto morto, impedendo che suo figlio fosse bollato come un bastardo.
Ravenwood è un uomo pieno di qualità, ma esternamente da l’idea di un uomo freddo e sin troppo controllato, anche se questo suo atteggiamento serve come difesa di un animo sensibile. La sua infanzia, infatti, è stata terribile. Alla morte degli amati genitori lo zio paterno è diventato il suo tutore, e non ha mai perso occasione per far sapere al ragazzino che in caso della sua dipartita, sarebbe diventato un Duca ben più meritevole di lui.
Ora che l’amata sorella è sposata, Ravenwood è ancora più solo, il suo titolo e il suo potere lo isolano, e nessuno sembra rendersi conto di quanto amore in realtà lui abbia da dare.
Quando la sorella Amelia chiede il suo aiuto, per patrocinare una delle tante opere caritatevoli di Daphne, moglie del suo amico Blackpool, Ravenwood si trova costretto a presenziare ad una festa data nel museo di Katherine Ross, una dama alquanto originale, che il giovane Duca tenta sempre di ignorare. Non può esimersi infatti dal trovarla bellissima, ma lei è una donna molto lontana dal suo modello di decoro e rispettabilità. Katherine, infatti, è solita dare scandalo grazie ai suoi amici, artisti che lei tenta di rappresentare e che frequenta con grande sconcerto del ton. Ogni volta che si incontrano non possono fare a meno di punzecchiarsi. Eppure basta che vengano trovati soli in un magazzino, dove Ravenwood si era rifugiato in cerca di un attimo di solitudine, perché siano costretti a sposarsi.
Se Ravenwood in un attimo vede sfumare il suo sogno più segreto, sposarsi per amore e ritrovare la famiglia della sua infanzia, Katherine pensa di aver perso la cosa a cui tiene di più, la sua libertà. Le nozze affrettate non portano a nessuno dei due la felicità, e la prima notte è da dimenticare. Tutto sembra cospirare contro di loro, ma ben presto, Katherine si accorge che quell’uomo che sembra compassato e gelido, ha solo bisogno di avere spazio per se stesso. Tempo per coltivare le sue passioni segrete e quel suo meraviglioso giardino, che tiene sempre chiuso e che pochi hanno visto. E mentre lei tenta di creargli attorno una bolla protettiva che gli permetta di togliersi per qualche tempo la maschera che porta, lui ogni giorno di più, si rende conto che quella donna così appassionata in tutto ciò che fa, si sta rivelando la Duchessa che ha sempre voluto al suo fianco.
Romantico, dolce è ben scritto “Il Duca Sbagliato” è un bel finale per una serie che è stata molto discontinua. Se all’apparenza i personaggi dell’autrice avevano tutti buone potenzialità, spesso le trame poco avvincenti non li hanno aiutati. Su otto libri solo due o tre mi sono rimasti impressi e questo si è rivelato uno di essi. Un matrimonio imposto e due personaggi che imparano a conoscersi, rivelandosi ben diversi da quello che appaiono esternamente. Un uomo che nasconde il suo bisogno di essere amato, tutto dedito a dare un’immagine di rispettabilità e decoro, per essere degno di quel titolo, che il suo tutore gli ha fatto credere di non meritare. E una ragazza che ha sempre pensato di non sposarsi, perché terrorizzata da paure legate all’infanzia e che non riesce a superare, riescono a ravvivare una trama letta più volte.
Molto carino e sicuramente uno dei migliori di questa serie, che conta un’ulteriore piccola novella che al momento non è ancora stata tradotta in italiano.
.
Lucia63 - per RFS
Ravenwood stava stringendo la mascella al punto che temeva di polverizzarsi i denti. La sua ‘immagine di santo’ era tra le cose più preziose che aveva. Un conseguimento del quale aveva ogni diritto di essere orgoglioso. Nei suoi ventotto anni di vita, non aveva mai dato alla società una sola ragione per guardare al suo modo di fare e al suo portamento con qualcosa che non fosse assoluto rispetto. In meno di un quarto d’ora, era riuscito a macchiare due reputazioni. Tutto perché si era andato a nascondere in una stanza tranquilla per avere un po’ di sollievo da quella stessa folla.
Si voltò lentamente verso la signorina Ross, aspettandosi di trovarla prostrata per la mortificazione. O magari che sorrideva soddisfatta, se i pettegoli avevano ragione a sostenere che ogni donna desiderasse in segreto diventare duchessa. La signorina Ross non pareva felice del colpo di fortuna che le era capitato inaspettatamente. Sembrava sul punto di mettersi a piangere. Al diavolo. La spina dorsale di Ravenwood scattò nella sua abituale posizione autoritaria. Un improvviso fidanzamento era l’ultima cosa che entrambi avessero avuto in mente, ma diventare la nuova duchessa di Ravenwood non era certo la fine del mondo. Per una persona come la signorina Ross, si sarebbe trattato di un gigantesco passo in avanti."
.
Con Il Duca sbagliato siamo giunti alla fine di questa serie, che ha visto portarsi a compimento il destino di cinque uomini, legati da una grande amicizia. Quattro di loro si sono arruolati e sono andati in guerra, tornando feriti e con l’animo devastato. Uno è stato anche creduto morto per molto tempo. Solo Ravenwood non è potuto andare con loro, il suo titolo di Duca e la mancanza di un suo erede diretto gli hanno imposto di fare il suo dovere in parlamento e lasciare partire gli amici senza di lui. Si è sempre rammaricato di questo, e spesso ha pensato che se fosse stato presente, forse le cose sarebbero andate diversamente, ma nonostante questo ha sempre tentato di rendersi utile e aiutare i suoi compagni. Ha pensato anche di rinunciare alla sua libertà sposando la fidanzata dell’amico, creduto morto, impedendo che suo figlio fosse bollato come un bastardo.
Ravenwood è un uomo pieno di qualità, ma esternamente da l’idea di un uomo freddo e sin troppo controllato, anche se questo suo atteggiamento serve come difesa di un animo sensibile. La sua infanzia, infatti, è stata terribile. Alla morte degli amati genitori lo zio paterno è diventato il suo tutore, e non ha mai perso occasione per far sapere al ragazzino che in caso della sua dipartita, sarebbe diventato un Duca ben più meritevole di lui.
Ora che l’amata sorella è sposata, Ravenwood è ancora più solo, il suo titolo e il suo potere lo isolano, e nessuno sembra rendersi conto di quanto amore in realtà lui abbia da dare.
Quando la sorella Amelia chiede il suo aiuto, per patrocinare una delle tante opere caritatevoli di Daphne, moglie del suo amico Blackpool, Ravenwood si trova costretto a presenziare ad una festa data nel museo di Katherine Ross, una dama alquanto originale, che il giovane Duca tenta sempre di ignorare. Non può esimersi infatti dal trovarla bellissima, ma lei è una donna molto lontana dal suo modello di decoro e rispettabilità. Katherine, infatti, è solita dare scandalo grazie ai suoi amici, artisti che lei tenta di rappresentare e che frequenta con grande sconcerto del ton. Ogni volta che si incontrano non possono fare a meno di punzecchiarsi. Eppure basta che vengano trovati soli in un magazzino, dove Ravenwood si era rifugiato in cerca di un attimo di solitudine, perché siano costretti a sposarsi.
Se Ravenwood in un attimo vede sfumare il suo sogno più segreto, sposarsi per amore e ritrovare la famiglia della sua infanzia, Katherine pensa di aver perso la cosa a cui tiene di più, la sua libertà. Le nozze affrettate non portano a nessuno dei due la felicità, e la prima notte è da dimenticare. Tutto sembra cospirare contro di loro, ma ben presto, Katherine si accorge che quell’uomo che sembra compassato e gelido, ha solo bisogno di avere spazio per se stesso. Tempo per coltivare le sue passioni segrete e quel suo meraviglioso giardino, che tiene sempre chiuso e che pochi hanno visto. E mentre lei tenta di creargli attorno una bolla protettiva che gli permetta di togliersi per qualche tempo la maschera che porta, lui ogni giorno di più, si rende conto che quella donna così appassionata in tutto ciò che fa, si sta rivelando la Duchessa che ha sempre voluto al suo fianco.
Romantico, dolce è ben scritto “Il Duca Sbagliato” è un bel finale per una serie che è stata molto discontinua. Se all’apparenza i personaggi dell’autrice avevano tutti buone potenzialità, spesso le trame poco avvincenti non li hanno aiutati. Su otto libri solo due o tre mi sono rimasti impressi e questo si è rivelato uno di essi. Un matrimonio imposto e due personaggi che imparano a conoscersi, rivelandosi ben diversi da quello che appaiono esternamente. Un uomo che nasconde il suo bisogno di essere amato, tutto dedito a dare un’immagine di rispettabilità e decoro, per essere degno di quel titolo, che il suo tutore gli ha fatto credere di non meritare. E una ragazza che ha sempre pensato di non sposarsi, perché terrorizzata da paure legate all’infanzia e che non riesce a superare, riescono a ravvivare una trama letta più volte.
Molto carino e sicuramente uno dei migliori di questa serie, che conta un’ulteriore piccola novella che al momento non è ancora stata tradotta in italiano.
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Lucia63 - per RFS
June 26, 2018
What an amazing historical romantic read! Erica Ridley really lived up to her name and the high praise for this book was very well deserved.
When I got this book, I was kind of hesitant to read it because I didn't want a doormat heroine and stereotypical alpha male. Instead, I got the complete opposite in the best way possible. Katherine Ross is such a spitfire and awesome heroine. I love how she is so unlike the traditional historical romance heroines. She isn't dependent on a man. She craves for the arts. But, she is also funny and witty. Yes, she is opinionated and judgemental. But her qualities make up for her flaws.
Wiliam Ravenwood is truly a one-of-a-kind hero. I love how beneath his hard and cold exterior lies a poet and loving man. I'm truly a sucker for heroes who have more than that meets the eye. I love how he starts to like Katherine for who she is. He wants her to be independent and be herself. Most historical romance heroes, from the few I've read, are just waaaay to alpha and muscle. They are just way to perfect. Ravenwood is real. And he is a poet which makes me a big sucker for him.
The romance in this novel is plain amazing. I really loved the entire pacing. I like how it was a slow burn. The characters spent a realistic amount of time together before they confessed their love. Also, the chemistry between them was there, but always knowing the person and love triumphed. There was the perfect blend of steam and sweetness. But just to keep in mind, that this book isn't too steamy. There is little to none sex, but tons of kissing.
I also loved how there was a lot of secondary characters in the novel. The Havenwoods are really evil. But, they were an awesome addition. I also liked Katherine's aunt. The way Katherine looks over her aunt is really awesome.
Overall, this is an amazing historical romance. I'm always a sucker for sweet heroines, who dote on their heroines. This won't be my last read by Ridley.
When I got this book, I was kind of hesitant to read it because I didn't want a doormat heroine and stereotypical alpha male. Instead, I got the complete opposite in the best way possible. Katherine Ross is such a spitfire and awesome heroine. I love how she is so unlike the traditional historical romance heroines. She isn't dependent on a man. She craves for the arts. But, she is also funny and witty. Yes, she is opinionated and judgemental. But her qualities make up for her flaws.
Wiliam Ravenwood is truly a one-of-a-kind hero. I love how beneath his hard and cold exterior lies a poet and loving man. I'm truly a sucker for heroes who have more than that meets the eye. I love how he starts to like Katherine for who she is. He wants her to be independent and be herself. Most historical romance heroes, from the few I've read, are just waaaay to alpha and muscle. They are just way to perfect. Ravenwood is real. And he is a poet which makes me a big sucker for him.
The romance in this novel is plain amazing. I really loved the entire pacing. I like how it was a slow burn. The characters spent a realistic amount of time together before they confessed their love. Also, the chemistry between them was there, but always knowing the person and love triumphed. There was the perfect blend of steam and sweetness. But just to keep in mind, that this book isn't too steamy. There is little to none sex, but tons of kissing.
I also loved how there was a lot of secondary characters in the novel. The Havenwoods are really evil. But, they were an awesome addition. I also liked Katherine's aunt. The way Katherine looks over her aunt is really awesome.
Overall, this is an amazing historical romance. I'm always a sucker for sweet heroines, who dote on their heroines. This won't be my last read by Ridley.
December 22, 2017
4.5 stars....This was actually a very interesting read for me because of the Duke's social anxiety issues and also the wife being a social butterfly but both of them really lonely characters. I also loved how they both went out of their way to make the marriage work despite the circumstances and challenges they faced. I enjoyed the heroine's mature approach in trying to understand her husband and her perceptive ways of dealing with his needs and wants. It was really quick but satisfying read. Definitely recommend it.
June 8, 2018
The Duke's Accidental Wife: A Historical Recency Romance Novel (,Duke of War Book 7)
The love story of Lawrence (The Duke of Ravenswood) and Katherine. Katherine is a woman who love to entertain and have fun. Lawrence is a duke who hate to entertain and put duty before everything. When his sister talk him into go to a charity auction given by Katherine, everything go wrong. They have to marry because they are found in a room along in each out arm. Can love be found ? Great story.
The love story of Lawrence (The Duke of Ravenswood) and Katherine. Katherine is a woman who love to entertain and have fun. Lawrence is a duke who hate to entertain and put duty before everything. When his sister talk him into go to a charity auction given by Katherine, everything go wrong. They have to marry because they are found in a room along in each out arm. Can love be found ? Great story.
May 12, 2021
A very good historical
This is a very good historical with a great HEA ending that I was very happy with. I really liked the plot of this story and I think you will enjoy it as well.
This is a very good historical with a great HEA ending that I was very happy with. I really liked the plot of this story and I think you will enjoy it as well.
March 11, 2019
Tre stelline e mezzo
January 8, 2020
all tell, no show
February 21, 2017
I'm disappointed. Noooooo, not with this story, but because I've finished ALL the novels in the Author's Dukes of War collection and there aren't any more! This one happens to be my personal favorite. In the tradition of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, we've all known personalities like the ones that grace the pages of this most personal and intimate of stories. First, there's Katherine Ross, a hoyden of the first rank and a classic sanguine personality. Exuding life, happiness, and enthusiasm, "Kate" is full of charisma, dreams, and thumbs her nose at the nobility as she tends to her museum of antiquities with savvy competence. Then, there is the Duke of Ravenwood with a melancholy personality, who had the Dukedome thrust on him at an early age and who takes on his responsibilities to the crown and his standing in society much too seriously. Polar opposites, neither wants anything to do with the other. However, Kate is compromised innocently by the Duke at one of her soirees and they are forced into an unwanted marriage. Thus begins what appears to be a hopeless and loveless relationship. Each of the marriage partners bends over backward trying to satisfy and appease the other, but all efforts fail. The Duke needs an heir but Kate is terrified by pregnancy and childbirth. Meanwhile, the Duke gives Kate everything but what she desires most - himself, as he spends every waking moment in parliament doing his duty to the crown. Moving in with the hapless couple is Kate's guardian, Aunt Havens, who is one of the sweetest, most lovable characters in this entire collection. Poor Aunt Havens is suffering from bouts of dementia and her escapades in the Duke's palatial mansion are both hilarious and heart-warming. The author manages to make this seemingly quiet romance somehow full of harrowing situations and had this reviewer turning the pages in breathless anticipation to see what would happen next. What a lovely story as Kate and the Duke slowly discover that each of them may be exactly what the other is truly looking for. Although part of an interwoven collection, this can be read as a stand-alone and even if you don't read the others, this one should not be overlooked.
May 24, 2017
In the Duke’s Accidental Wife by Erica Ridley we revisit The Duke of Ravenwood, Lawrence Pembroke from The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation, Lady Amelia Sheffield’s brother, the extremely shy Duke who avoids large crowds like the plague.
Miss Katherine Ross is the complete opposite of Duke Ravenwood, very outgoing, knows everyone and loves large events.
What happens when these two complete opposites become compromised at one of Katherine’s events? Why they have to get married of course.
Throw in Katherine’s sometimes loses reality elderly Aunt Havens and you have got the makings of an adventure you won’t want to miss! You have adventure, sadness and joy, plus add (of course, what romance novel would be without it?) romance.
I love Erica Ridley books because you are transported to another time and always have fun there! And this is another no miss book!!!
Miss Katherine Ross is the complete opposite of Duke Ravenwood, very outgoing, knows everyone and loves large events.
What happens when these two complete opposites become compromised at one of Katherine’s events? Why they have to get married of course.
Throw in Katherine’s sometimes loses reality elderly Aunt Havens and you have got the makings of an adventure you won’t want to miss! You have adventure, sadness and joy, plus add (of course, what romance novel would be without it?) romance.
I love Erica Ridley books because you are transported to another time and always have fun there! And this is another no miss book!!!
March 6, 2016
This book is about Lawrence Pembroke, Duke of Ravenwood. I have read a few of the books in this series, but each book is still enjoyable as a stand alone.
Ravenwood inherited the Dukedom very early in life, therefore, he wasn't able to go to war and fight along side his friends. He feels a sense of guilt for this. He is a reserved and quiet man who finds socializing challenging, at best. He has become used to his solitude. But there is more to Ravenwood than others know. People assume that his cold exterior is who he is but they would be wrong.
Kate Ross, is an orphan who was raised by Aunt and Uncle Havens. Her Aunt is all the family she has left. Mrs. Ross, enjoys the arts and social gatherings that bring all the important people to her parties.
Ravenwood's sister, Amelia, invites him to dinner, after parliament, and there he connects with Mrs. Ross. As most others in the Ton, he is unimpressed with her. Mrs. Ross is a carefree person who doesn't let society hold her back. She owns her own business and town home that she decorates how she wants. She is successful and very independent.
While both are in attendance at an art function, put on my Kate, they sneak into the back room to talk and are caught alone and in close quarters. Another Duke and cousin, demand marriage. As duty takes over for Ravenwood, Kate fights with herself on what to do next and how to deal with her new life.
I enjoyed this book. i was able to read it in 4 hours or a bit longer. The book is easy to follow.
Mrs Ross has a cousin who is a Duke and peer to Ravenwood but I'm not quite sure how they are related and this book never answers that question. I assume Mrs. Ross is in other books in the series and her history is explained a bit better because there was little to go on of her past in this book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I found it to be a quick read. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the story line. The author knows how to add and use tension between the characters. I was concerned about Aunt and I wanted to know how the two make things work. I would recommend this book to romance readers. I think that Ms. Ridleys a nice romance writer.
The Dukes of War romance books in Series Order:
#1 The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation Nov. 2014
#2 The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower Dec. 2014
#3 The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress Mar. 2015
#4 The Major’s Faux Fiancée Jun. 2015
#5 The Brigadier’s Runaway Bride Sept. 2015
#6 The Pirate’s Tempting Stowaway Dec. 2015
#7 The Duke’s Accidental Wife Mar. 2016
All quotes taken from an Advanced Copy and subject to change.
"Ravenwood took pride in his lineage, his title, his comportment. In being an exemplary peer of honor and good breeding. Miss Ross, on the other hand, had no such compunctions about...anything at all. If the recent scandal sheets were any indication, she had no respect for her time, her reputation, or her standing in society. She delighted in disrupting the status quo."
Ravenwood inherited the Dukedom very early in life, therefore, he wasn't able to go to war and fight along side his friends. He feels a sense of guilt for this. He is a reserved and quiet man who finds socializing challenging, at best. He has become used to his solitude. But there is more to Ravenwood than others know. People assume that his cold exterior is who he is but they would be wrong.
Kate Ross, is an orphan who was raised by Aunt and Uncle Havens. Her Aunt is all the family she has left. Mrs. Ross, enjoys the arts and social gatherings that bring all the important people to her parties.
Ravenwood's sister, Amelia, invites him to dinner, after parliament, and there he connects with Mrs. Ross. As most others in the Ton, he is unimpressed with her. Mrs. Ross is a carefree person who doesn't let society hold her back. She owns her own business and town home that she decorates how she wants. She is successful and very independent.
While both are in attendance at an art function, put on my Kate, they sneak into the back room to talk and are caught alone and in close quarters. Another Duke and cousin, demand marriage. As duty takes over for Ravenwood, Kate fights with herself on what to do next and how to deal with her new life.
I enjoyed this book. i was able to read it in 4 hours or a bit longer. The book is easy to follow.
Mrs Ross has a cousin who is a Duke and peer to Ravenwood but I'm not quite sure how they are related and this book never answers that question. I assume Mrs. Ross is in other books in the series and her history is explained a bit better because there was little to go on of her past in this book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I found it to be a quick read. I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the story line. The author knows how to add and use tension between the characters. I was concerned about Aunt and I wanted to know how the two make things work. I would recommend this book to romance readers. I think that Ms. Ridleys a nice romance writer.
The Dukes of War romance books in Series Order:#1 The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation Nov. 2014
#2 The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower Dec. 2014
#3 The Captain’s Bluestocking Mistress Mar. 2015
#4 The Major’s Faux Fiancée Jun. 2015
#5 The Brigadier’s Runaway Bride Sept. 2015
#6 The Pirate’s Tempting Stowaway Dec. 2015
#7 The Duke’s Accidental Wife Mar. 2016
All quotes taken from an Advanced Copy and subject to change.
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