Regina (virgosun) reviewed The Duke's Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Bk 4) on + 888 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I had a wonderful time reading about Hart and Eleanor, a couple who ultimately learned from their mistakes after their love was derailed years earlier. The story begins with their second time around with just enough info sprinkled throughout to explain their history. These two had the hots for each other, which made for some sensual encounters, including the use of Eleanor's interest in capturing Hart's beauty through photography. Hart stepped up the the plate with being the in-charge and powerfully demanding man as only a thoroughly alpha male could be. Although he was intense, he was also inherently good. I kept waiting for the shoe to drop when the author kept mentioning Hart's proclivity for "darker pleasures," but really, that didn't turn out to be so dark; just a little kinky. Eleanor easily took it in stride. Another element that I loved so much about this book was that Ian was prominently featured. He just so happens to be my favorite of the MackKenzie men.
Overall, Hart's story was a satisfying conclusion to the MacKenzie series and a beautiful testament to learning and loving life as we live it. 4.5 stars.
Overall, Hart's story was a satisfying conclusion to the MacKenzie series and a beautiful testament to learning and loving life as we live it. 4.5 stars.
Ruth T. (RegencyBelle) - , reviewed The Duke's Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Bk 4) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
As once sang the great Peggy Lee, "Is that all there is?
The characters in the first three Highland Pleasures books just about leaped off the pages. They appear again in Book 4, but as flat as paint on a wall. I was left with the impression of travel by train, by coach and landau, by boat and by shank's mare while nothing really happened. My fault as the reader perhaps, for there was attempted assassination by gun and by explosives but I was numb by page 174. A very disappointing fourth in a series I had enjoyed at first -- and at second -- reading.
The characters in the first three Highland Pleasures books just about leaped off the pages. They appear again in Book 4, but as flat as paint on a wall. I was left with the impression of travel by train, by coach and landau, by boat and by shank's mare while nothing really happened. My fault as the reader perhaps, for there was attempted assassination by gun and by explosives but I was numb by page 174. A very disappointing fourth in a series I had enjoyed at first -- and at second -- reading.
Helpful Score: 2
A satisfying if not particularly shocking ending to the Mackenzie saga (the series continues with Ainsley's brothers in the lead).
Hart has always been a character who was too overbearing, too angry, too deeply wounded to really get to know him. We've learned over the previous three books how very deeply he loves his brothers and that he has some dark secrets. He's that kind of enigmatic hero that is like catnip to romance enthusaists. But we have also been told that he's been involved in some rather deviant sexual perversions in the past.
The dance of getting Hart and Eleanor back together was a bit slow and the reasons, especially on his side, rang a bit false. On the one hand he wants to protect Eleanor from his inner sexual darkness, on the other hand he explains how it isn't really all that perverted. Furthermore nothing he ever does or says to to Eleanor seems particularly dark. It was difficult to tell if Jennifer Ashley just needed to dance around the subject to satisfy her publisher or if perhaps in her mind having sex while looking in a mirror is very "dangerous" and kinky. Ultimately, resolving Hart's mysterious past wasn't as revelatory or as scandalous as the build-up would have led us to believe.
Having loved this entire series, this was probably the weak spot in the lot, but certainly worth the read. Jennifer Ashley keeps all her characters unique and Hart and Eleanor were an interesting couple. We also spent a lot of time with Ian, Beth, and the other Mackenzies.
Hart has always been a character who was too overbearing, too angry, too deeply wounded to really get to know him. We've learned over the previous three books how very deeply he loves his brothers and that he has some dark secrets. He's that kind of enigmatic hero that is like catnip to romance enthusaists. But we have also been told that he's been involved in some rather deviant sexual perversions in the past.
The dance of getting Hart and Eleanor back together was a bit slow and the reasons, especially on his side, rang a bit false. On the one hand he wants to protect Eleanor from his inner sexual darkness, on the other hand he explains how it isn't really all that perverted. Furthermore nothing he ever does or says to to Eleanor seems particularly dark. It was difficult to tell if Jennifer Ashley just needed to dance around the subject to satisfy her publisher or if perhaps in her mind having sex while looking in a mirror is very "dangerous" and kinky. Ultimately, resolving Hart's mysterious past wasn't as revelatory or as scandalous as the build-up would have led us to believe.
Having loved this entire series, this was probably the weak spot in the lot, but certainly worth the read. Jennifer Ashley keeps all her characters unique and Hart and Eleanor were an interesting couple. We also spent a lot of time with Ian, Beth, and the other Mackenzies.
Robin M. (robinmy) -
Helpful Score: 1
Hart Mackenzie, the Duke of Kilmorgan, is surprised when his former fiancee, Lady Eleanor Ramsay, shows up on his doorstep bearing nude photographs of Hart taken years ago. Eleanor doesn't know who sent them to her, but she is worried they may hurt Hart's political chances as he vies for the post of Prime Minister. Hart sees this as his chance to win Eleanor back and immediately moves her into his home while she investigates the photos. Now Hart must regain the trust he lost long ago and win her back.
This is the fourth book in the Highland Pleasures series. Hart is the oldest of the Mackenzies. He has always protected his brothers from their abusive father, and has shouldered the burdens of keeping the family together. I enjoyed Eleanor's straight forward way of dealing with Hart. She knew him better than he knew himself in many cases. But my favorite character in this book was Ian. I've loved him from the first book in the series. He will do anything to see his brother happy at last. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the fourth book in the Highland Pleasures series. Hart is the oldest of the Mackenzies. He has always protected his brothers from their abusive father, and has shouldered the burdens of keeping the family together. I enjoyed Eleanor's straight forward way of dealing with Hart. She knew him better than he knew himself in many cases. But my favorite character in this book was Ian. I've loved him from the first book in the series. He will do anything to see his brother happy at last. My rating: 4 Stars.
Susan W. (WriterOne) -
Helpful Score: 1
I was actually disappointed with this final installment. The others were just so stellar but this one dragged on and on in some parts. The end was also anticlimatic.
I think much of my disappointment was Ashley's writing. She did a lot more "telling" instead of "showing" so it was hard to feel part of the emotional moments.
This is no reflection on the characters. I loved Hart and Eleanor -- I'm invested in the entire Mackenzie clan. I loved the fact that Hart finally realized what was important in life and didn't let it slip away at the end.
I do wish that she would have told Daniel's story. I think that would have made for a much more completed conclusion.
I have littled understanding as to why she picked Ainsley's brothers to pursue. They didn't seem particularly remarkable to me. I would much more rather have heard about Inspector Fellowes and with that hijack towards the end, I've little doubt we'll see something come of "that" relationship.
I think much of my disappointment was Ashley's writing. She did a lot more "telling" instead of "showing" so it was hard to feel part of the emotional moments.
This is no reflection on the characters. I loved Hart and Eleanor -- I'm invested in the entire Mackenzie clan. I loved the fact that Hart finally realized what was important in life and didn't let it slip away at the end.
I do wish that she would have told Daniel's story. I think that would have made for a much more completed conclusion.
I have littled understanding as to why she picked Ainsley's brothers to pursue. They didn't seem particularly remarkable to me. I would much more rather have heard about Inspector Fellowes and with that hijack towards the end, I've little doubt we'll see something come of "that" relationship.
Helpful Score: 1
I have been looking forward to Hart and Eleanor's story for a long time. I didn't know if I would like Eleanor in the beginning but she grew on me. I think Hart needed someone who knew how to play the game like Eleanor because he is so tricky himself.
I love revisiting everyone from the previous books and I hoped Fellowes eventually get his own book (although I believe Ashley plans the next book to be Ainsley's brother?). I especially love Ian so it was great to have so much of him.
The decisions Hart made in the end kind of suprised me. For some reason, I didn't think it would go that way. And I kept thinking his "dark secret desire" was something way kinkier (like hardcore S&M or something) but it wasn't. It was very tame but I guess back then it wouldn't have been.
I think as the books progressed in the series, you can actually see Eleanor being more forgiven towards Hart. I especially loved the lecture she gave Hart when they broke up because it showed she had more of an understanding of who he was more than he did. It made sense that Hart would confide in her even though she hated him.
That being said, although you don't have to read the other books prior you should. It will make you love this one so much more. Good, fun read but I agree that this was the weaker one in the series.
I love revisiting everyone from the previous books and I hoped Fellowes eventually get his own book (although I believe Ashley plans the next book to be Ainsley's brother?). I especially love Ian so it was great to have so much of him.
The decisions Hart made in the end kind of suprised me. For some reason, I didn't think it would go that way. And I kept thinking his "dark secret desire" was something way kinkier (like hardcore S&M or something) but it wasn't. It was very tame but I guess back then it wouldn't have been.
I think as the books progressed in the series, you can actually see Eleanor being more forgiven towards Hart. I especially loved the lecture she gave Hart when they broke up because it showed she had more of an understanding of who he was more than he did. It made sense that Hart would confide in her even though she hated him.
That being said, although you don't have to read the other books prior you should. It will make you love this one so much more. Good, fun read but I agree that this was the weaker one in the series.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Duke's Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Bk 4) on + 1728 more book reviews
I completely enjoy reading Jennifer Ashley's books. They grab you from the beginning and keep you turning the pages late into the night till the very end. Engaging, funny, lots of twists, tension and sexy! Great strong women who love strong highland men. Doesn't get any better. Great read.
Nina S. (morebooks2read) -
I've always loved the Mackenzie family and I'm hoping this won't be the last. In this particular book, we experience the love between Eleanor and Hart. I was so touched about the way Hart showed El how much he was thinking of her with the secret things he does. I think with them being more matured made the story much better.Perfect wife, perfect husband for each other. Perfect all the way
Rachel A. (ra7) reviewed The Duke's Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Bk 4) on + 1029 more book reviews
Eleanor and Hart have a history. They were engaged when both were younger (it's been about 10 years since their breakup). Hart was an arrogant man and expects people to obey him. They reconnect after Eleanor receives a naked picture of Hart.
This was a nice second chance story. Both Hart and Eleanor are more mature and know what they want. They compliment each other well. There are some slight suspense moments as this deals with the Irish wanting home rule and has violence associated with that. Nice mystery as to who was behind the pictures (it makes sense). Other members of the MacKenzie appear in this one, Ian has a strong rule in this one.
This was a nice second chance story. Both Hart and Eleanor are more mature and know what they want. They compliment each other well. There are some slight suspense moments as this deals with the Irish wanting home rule and has violence associated with that. Nice mystery as to who was behind the pictures (it makes sense). Other members of the MacKenzie appear in this one, Ian has a strong rule in this one.
Pua T. (hawaiianwahine00) reviewed The Duke's Perfect Wife (Highland Pleasures, Bk 4) on + 27 more book reviews
I love this story! A great way to round out the brothers with the oldest being last to get married and to his ex-fiance. Was happy how it played out with Hart and Eleanor romance past and present. Wonderful read just like the other first 3 books and I can't wait to read The seduction of Elliot McBride and also Daniel Mackenzie's stories.
This story lacked the magic of the preceding three novels. Hart is a minor character, though a major presence in English politics, in the previous books. Hart carries a lot of baggage; he was engaged and jilted by Eleanor Ramsay; married Sarah but she and their son died in childbirth; had a long-term mistress who owned a brothel house for many years. On her death, the house was willed to Hart.
Now, Eleanor Ramsay has come back into Hart's life with a nude photograph of Hart, that might end his political career if it comes to light. Eleanor wants to investigate the photograph and Hart hires her to do so. What Hart really wants is another chance at convincing Eleanor that they could be happy together.
To me, the strength of this series is the fact that all four of the brothers are part of each story. Ian is my favorite and he makes amazing progress through the course of the books. However, Hart and Eleanor's story didn't seem realistic. I could not imagine a Victorian lady bringing a nude photo of a former fiancee to him so she could get permission to investigate.
Mackenzies / Highland Pleasures
1. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie (2009)
2. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (2010)
3. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (2011)
** 4. The Duke's Perfect Wife (2012)
4.5. Mackenzie Family Christmas (2012)
5. The Seduction of Elliot McBride (2012)
5.5. The Untamed Mackenzie (2013)
6. The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (2013)
6.5. Scandal and the Duchess (2014)
7. Rules for a Proper Governess (2014)
7.5. The Mackenzie Clan Gathering (2015)
8. The Stolen Mackenzie Bride (2015)
9. Alec Mackenzie's Art of Seduction (2017)
Now, Eleanor Ramsay has come back into Hart's life with a nude photograph of Hart, that might end his political career if it comes to light. Eleanor wants to investigate the photograph and Hart hires her to do so. What Hart really wants is another chance at convincing Eleanor that they could be happy together.
To me, the strength of this series is the fact that all four of the brothers are part of each story. Ian is my favorite and he makes amazing progress through the course of the books. However, Hart and Eleanor's story didn't seem realistic. I could not imagine a Victorian lady bringing a nude photo of a former fiancee to him so she could get permission to investigate.
Mackenzies / Highland Pleasures
1. The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie (2009)
2. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage (2010)
3. The Many Sins of Lord Cameron (2011)
** 4. The Duke's Perfect Wife (2012)
4.5. Mackenzie Family Christmas (2012)
5. The Seduction of Elliot McBride (2012)
5.5. The Untamed Mackenzie (2013)
6. The Wicked Deeds of Daniel Mackenzie (2013)
6.5. Scandal and the Duchess (2014)
7. Rules for a Proper Governess (2014)
7.5. The Mackenzie Clan Gathering (2015)
8. The Stolen Mackenzie Bride (2015)
9. Alec Mackenzie's Art of Seduction (2017)
