Why dukes say i do

Did no one have the good sense to stay in on a day like this? You will do yourself some further injury. She had the sound of one who was accustomed to giving orders and having them followed. But it was clear from her aggrieved tone that the fidgety Liston was not an obedient servant.

Which, as you well know, is not what it might have been in any event. Reaching the listing vehicle, Trevor saw that the axle of the right front wheel was broken. The carriage horses, their heads bowed under the desultory rainfall, whickered at the approach of Trevor and his mount, Beowulf.

Hello, out there! I warn you, do not attempt to harm us. Dismounting, the duke left Bey under the cover of a large elm tree and approached the carriage. There was a long silence in which Trevor imagined the haughty lady and her groom silently argued whether to accept his help. Then as he watched the carriage door opened slowly. Stepping forward, he peered into the carriage and saw a lady huddled against the squabs of the interior, her pelisse and shawl clutched tightly around her.

Her companion was a man of middle years, whose wan face and arm clutched tightly to his chest indicated that he was the injured Liston. Even in the dimness of the interior carriage lamps, her dark hair gleamed mahogany in sharp contrast to her porcelain complexion. Her figure, what he could see of it, was buxom.

Perhaps moreso than fashionable, but he had never been much of one for fashion. He liked a woman with a bit of substance. He was about to go on, explaining that he was the master of the house, when she interjected. My man here is injured as you can plainly see. Trevor bit his lip, fighting the urge to laugh aloud at her cutting remarks. Though he was technically the duke, he took no pleasure in the title.

Clearly, this Lady Isabella was some sort of social climber who had to Nettlefield in search of the new duke to beg some favor of him. He could all but see the steam coming from her ears.

Instead, she looked back at Liston. Trevor felt a pang of conscience at seeing her genuine concern for her servant. Neither of them had ever had anything to do with firearms. Their father had hunted of course. As did their husbands. But it was hardly something that the sisters had been interested in. But Georgie had been matter-of-fact about the weapon.

The pistol was a practical means of ensuring that safety. Fortunately for Perdita, Georgie had come for their meeting with Ormonde today ready to ensure all of their safety. We simply wish for you to perhaps be a bit gentler with her. She scratched my face earlier. Damn her. Needing to make him loosen his grip, she decided to improvise. She risked stepping forward as she watched the revelation sink in. Rather than being transported with joy, Ormonde instead became angry.

Both characters were very likable and have flaws but also demons they had to over come. I also loved seeing them change throughout the story and see them come to trust and believe in each other as they come to know one another better during their acquaintance.

I definitely loved Eleanor and Belinda, sisters of the Duke! They were so sweet and naive at times and so lovable I wanted them as my very own friends! Eleanor, at seventeen is very sweet, gentle, soft spoken and kind girl who want to be a young woman and ready for her debut. While Belinda, at thirteen was wild, out spoken, curious, opinionated and is a playful child who loved the country and never wants to leave. I found it very sweet that he never want them to grow up and when Isabella came into their lives and started dressing Eleanor in dresses proper enough for a seventeen year old girl.

Trevor thew a fit! It was a slow start but everything also seemed to have been forced together for them to be together in a way. And their first kiss scene was…. Though it may have been the right time there was just not enough tension for it to be a great first kiss for the two of them for me. Even if it was well into the book and well past the half point. Sadly I kind of figured who that person was from the gecko. But it was still a great read figuring it out if it was other people that were popping up in the story.

At certain points in the dialogues the names of characters would change and it confuse me like heck! But then, this Blackmore entered the conversation and I was at a lost! Bold and be hold Lucian is Lord Blackmore! I was very annoyed by this I shall say. Many times when Isabella in her own view was in dialogue with Trevor, the Duke of Ormonde, she or Ms. I really did really like this book beside all those problems. And I really adored the friends I found in this book! His book is not next but still!

We got to see a bit of his romantic interest. Manda Collins will have for each of them. Lady Isabella Wharton is a woman who is finally free from her hubby's hate, fists and controlling ways.

Isabella has endless choices to make now and loves Manda Collins Isabella, Perdita and Georgina were all in the room when Perdita's hubby, the cruel and evil Duke of Ormond, was shot and stabbed to death and, now over a year later, a evil unknown nemesis wants REVENGE for the Duke's untimely death! Isabella has endless choices to make now and loves every minute of it. Her sister, Perdita, is safe to find love and peace or so she thought.

Her Godmama, the Dowager Duchess of Ormond so not the fairy kind , blackmail Isabella, with her sister's hope of loving marriage, if she doesn't go to convince and maybe flirt, not seduce, her grandson, the new Duke of Ormond, into coming to London and be the Duke the Duchess wants him to be. So off to untamed English village of Nettlefield, Isabella goes. Trevor Carey may be the new Duke of Ormond, but he will NEVER pick up the ducal anything, since his father was banished from his family emotional and financial for marrying the woman he love, Trevor's mom.

He sees no reason to go back to the cruel bosom of the family ever. He loves his sisters, Eleanor and Belinda, his tenants, his village of Nettlefield, his home and estate that his father worked with his own hands.

Trevor plans to never leave his responsibilities here for London. What do they say about plans? Exactly, don't have any! On her way to Nettlefield House, Isabella's carriage aka the Dowager's carriage, because if she is going to be blackmailed, she will ride in comfy style breaks down and she and Liston, her servant, are awaiting her coachman for rescue.

Trevor stops to help and overhears her chatting with Liston, in her uppity London way, and he decides to have a little fun and act like a commoner, because he is sick of all the London women looking for a favor, money or worse a hubby. Isabella thinks this man is a flirt, but she needs a ride, and she let's him help her onto his horse. Trevor think this woman is a stiff as a board because she thinks he is below her.

She realizes her mistake, as they travel to his Duke home, and he gives her a speech about how he will NEVER bending to his grandmother! Trevor strikes a deal, if she learns about all his responsibilities, like visiting tenants and being the magistrate, he will consider going to London and to protect her sister budding romance, she agrees.

Belinda and Eleanor are screaming for female guidance and help with their over protective brother and she enjoys doing girlie things and taming Trevor's protectiveness.

As Isabella receives a threaten note, Trevor learn of the carriage's axle sabotage and when Trevor talks about the carriage, she spills about the note and they decide to band together to keep her safe. As Isabella follows Trevor to learn about his responsibilities, she begins to admire this gentle, gooey hearted and down to earth man.

The more time Trevor spends with Isabella his imagination begins to see her in his arms, on his lips and in his bed. With the village busybodies, toe curling kisses, threats aplenty, 2 slightly scheming sisters, more nasty blackmail, unchecked passionate embraces, a creepy man for her past, a shopping trip for his sisters and a best friend for Trevor to get advice from that help these 2 crazy kids realize that maybe LOVE is afoot.

Will Isabella give her heart and control over to him? How will Trevor show her that he will treasure not control her? Can their love save Isabella from the hidden evil? Can Trevor learn to relax and let his sisters be woman? I have read this amazing book before and the 2nd time was even better. Collins spins a good mysterious tale and her hero and heroine were great together.

What Isabella needed, Trevor had and visa versa. Isabella was abuse victim, but she always had an inner strength that protected her spirit and soul. Trevor was a very UNtypical duke and man for his time. He loved every seed, tenants, servant and they were all to be respected and treasured.

Trevor learned this at his Father's and I believe at his mom's example, too. Collins assembled a cast of quirky characters for the village of Nettlefield. She made them so life like that I keep planning ways in my head to embarrass and humbled Mrs.

Palmer permanently. Collins does set up a lot of sexual tension and some steamy scenes, but I wanted more spark worthy episodes. Abusive relationships are a tough subject to write about and Ms. Collins gave Isabella a great support system. I know Isabella is a character from a book, but abuse victims need stories, even fictional, to give them hope and show them that light, however small, is there if they grab it.

Collins for writing this story and giving HOPE to us all. OK, nothing with the serious stuff! Collins made me lose a few calories with this tale by having me scream at Mrs. Palmer, stabbing at a nasty meanie don't tell my librarian please I might get a fine , making tears linked from the sisterly love flowing and I had to actually turn pages because it was in paperback, so I got to eat my pasta with no guilt.

This 1st book in Ms. Jun 27, SidneyKay rated it liked it Shelves: romance-regency. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Farm livin' is the life for me. Land spreadin' out so far and wide. Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside. New York is where I'd rather stay. I get allergic smelling hay. I just adore a penthouse view.

Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue. The chores. The stores. Fresh air. Times Square You are my wife. Good bye, city life. Green Acres we are there. I also suspect that the killing we are witness to in the first chapter is to be what connects this series. Our heroine is Lady Isabella Wharton, a widow and an escapee from an abusive marriage. She is also the god-daughter to a conniving woman, the Dowager Duchess of Ormonde, who isn't above blackmail to get what she wants.

What she wants in this case is for Isabella to traipse out to the country, and drag the dowagers recalculate grandson, Trevor, the current Duke, to London. When Trevor and Isabella meet it is two worlds clashing. Isabella is a city girl who thinks Trevor is a county bumpkin. Trevor is a hard-working country gentleman who thinks Isabella is a town fribble. The both hate each other's worlds immensely. Entering into Trevor's hatred of the city is also his blindness to the fact that his sisters are growing up.

One especially is a seventeen-year-old who he has isolated from the big bad London world. Although, I though while reading this book that there had to have been thousands of young ladies what never made it to London and probably lived full and productive lives.

The story was an interesting study of two opposites who learn to respect each other and eventually grow to love each other. Because I was enjoying how well this couple was working together I was a little thrown by a silly misunderstanding that happens after they are married.

The misunderstanding went totally against the trust that Trevor and Isabella had built and in my opinion was a distraction to the storyline. Also a bit of a distraction were the mysterious threatening notes that Isabella was receiving.

I think the story could have been a strong story without the outside interference. And by the way, I knew who it was right away and when the big reveal happened it was a bit over dramatic for my taste.

For the most part, I enjoyed the romance between Trevor and Isabella - their budding relationship was a treat to watch. That part of the book had a smooth, gentle flow. When the mystery appeared that flow became a frenzy. I would encourage Ms. Collins to leave some of these peripheral elements out of her stories because I believe she could have a strong voice amongst authors who can write about relationships, such as Mary Balogh or Lisa Kleypas.

I for one would enjoy her story without the mystery. Authors, be careful what names you give to your characters - choosing to name a character Moneypenny will only throw a reader out of a story and may make them start singing "Goldfinger, he's the man Jun 09, H rated it really liked it Shelves: family , historical-romance , friendship , secrets.

The chilling prologue of Why Dukes Say I Do portends already that there will be accidents along the way for the three main characters of the Wicked Widows trilogy: sisters Isabelle and Perdita, and their good friend Georgina. I thought it would be just some big secret, a case of blackmail, but things take a turn for the sinister throughout the book.

There were some really sick scenes. However, the main culprit behind all these threats are still bei 4. However, the main culprit behind all these threats are still being teased out to us by Manda - and I for one am looking forward to He's very honest, a gentleman, he's good with kids, passionate, and loyal, not to mention quite hot.

He's also very protective of his sisters, and of course of Isabella. Gosh, I want him. Do these guys still even exist? He grew up in the country and has quite unfavorable views of the city London.

The female protagonist, Isabella Wharton, is very admirable. I like how strong she is, and how compassionate she is towards others. She, on the other hand, loves her city and has skewed views of the countryside. But that's to be expected, especially since she doesn't really venture that far out. She has been severely maltreated by her late husband, and so she values her independence and freedom. I'm glad that Manda Collins provided some basis for their falling in love with each other.

This wasn't a case of insta-love. It was quite apparent that they were falling in love with each other for their personalities not to mention their rocking bods all throughout the books. And thank you, Manda, for giving a great, curvy female protagonist!

I also liked that from the first page of the book, I felt like I was whisked to the scene immediately. This is not something that is so easy to do, especially with the TV blaring Disney Junior cartoons while my loveable 2-yr-old niece plays around the living room, knocking things over. I just kept getting immersed into the story, and I enjoyed getting myself lost in those pages. Don't you just love it when that happens?

I was thrilled to my toes while reading their story. Also, having an honest and transparent male protagonist is such a relief in this genre! It wasn't so mysterious for me. However, given that this is a historical romance book and not a mystery book, I'm not particularly piqued about that.

I am so excited to read the rest of the Wicked Widows series, and sincerely recommend this to all historical romance lovers. Aug 13, June rated it really liked it. Manda Collins kick off her brand new series, Wicked Widows with a dazzling story titled Why The Dukes Say I do and once again she proof herself to be one of historical romance author to watch for.

The book opened with a confrontation between Isabella, Lady Wharton, her sister, Perdita, their friend, Georgiana and Perdita's brute of a husband, Duke of Ormond which end up with the death of the duke. Due to his cousin's misfortune demise, Trevor Carey now is the new Duke of Ormond. However he still a gentleman farmer at heart and to his grandmother, The Dowager Duchess' dismay, he refuse to go to London and take his place as the head of the family.

And why would he? After all the Ormonds disowned his father for married his mother years ago. The Dowager then forced Isabella to retrieve Trevor from Yorkshire. But without realizing it , there is someone else who follow Isabella to Yorkshire and threat Isabella's peace of mind and safety I thoroughly enjoy this. Its different from the usual bodice ripper type with a rakish hero and shy but opinionated miss.

Trever was such a great hero, he's sweet, caring, and devoted Can someone please tell me where I can find a guy like that?? And Isabella was a strong character who will do anything to protect those whom she love. I love how their romance unfolded. It was a bit slow burn, but it was fit with their characters.

Of course, there were some things that I didn't excited about, like how long it took for Isabella to know the culprit, and the problem with the dowager duchess' seem still unsolved. Also, that Georgianna who will be next book's heroine appeared very little in this book. I almost thought that she was the villain But overall this book worth it 4stars. And I look forward for the next book with Georgiana and Earl of Coniston and the real villain who blackmailed the three widows.

Sep 06, Hannah Fielding rated it it was amazing. I requested this title to review from NetGalley because the title intrigued me, the blurb promised a well-written book with an air of mystery, and the cover is so lusciously romantic. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The characters are well drawn and likeable. Isabella is strong and courageous, and although she is vulnerable due to the legacy of her first husband, who abused her, she is no cowed woman, and I really liked that in her.

Trevor is a man of principle, very attractive for his decency as I requested this title to review from NetGalley because the title intrigued me, the blurb promised a well-written book with an air of mystery, and the cover is so lusciously romantic.

Trevor is a man of principle, very attractive for his decency as lord and magistrate in his area and in his role as guardian for his two younger sisters. He is chivalrous and has a delightfully masterful edge.

The story is compelling, with enough mystery and drama to keep you turning the pages until the very end. It feels realistic enough for the time, and the twist at the end is both surprising and strangely moving. For me, though, what really stands out in the book is the quality of the writing. Manda Collins is an excellent writer who expertly writes in the historical fiction style, with plenty of old-fashioned terminology and phrasing included without becoming burdensome for the reader.

I especially loved her flashes of wit among the more serious and poetic writing: Tonight, she was wearing what he secretly referred to as a gut puncher, for the feeling it inspired in him. Though Trevor thought he noticed a judgmental tone in the way she consumed her peas. Overall, a book I heartily recommend as a passionate, lively, well-crafted novel. Jan 11, Jennifer rated it liked it Shelves: regency-england , tortured-heroine , netgalley , reviewed-on-blog , beta-hero , reads , historical-romance.

I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was my first experience with Manda Collins and I enjoyed myself. I liked the unique hero a duke who wants nothing to do with his title and the relatable heroine. I did think their relationship moved a little too fast for my taste, but they were a cute couple. The fact that they became friends before lovers was definitely nice to read about.

I loved Trevor's little sisters and hope to I received a free copy of this book from St. I loved Trevor's little sisters and hope to see them get their own stories in the future. While this was not perfect, I thought it was fun and recommend it for fans of cute historical romance. Nov 05, Becca rated it did not like it Shelves: dnf. I can't quite put my finger on why I don't like this, but it's just become a chore to read. The characters and the storyline just don't grab me. I really don't like the hero and he comes across as a boring stick in the mud.

Even though there is a supposed "frisson of attraction" between the characters, I just didn't care. There are a lot of lures that should snag me into the plot- elegant lady and stubborn gentleman, adorable sisters, a secret past, and a blackmailer, but I just don't like it.

This was my first attempt at this author so I'm going to try another work by her before I give up. Jul 29, Linda un Conventional Bookworms rated it really liked it Recommends it for: Historical romance fans. Shelves: arc , review-books , netgalley , releases , read-in , historical-romance. Full review to come soon. This and all other reviews are originally posted on my blog un Conventional Bookviews Okay, once again I love Manda's style of writing! I like the suspense mixed up in the romance Great characters once again This is a great start to a new series Shelves: favorite-or-autobuy-author , widow , deep-dark-secret , arc , regency , brothers-and-sisters , s-club-challenge , bad-first-marriage , sigh-worthy-hero , shotgun-marriage.

This was a sensual and romantic novel with a wonderful hero and an endearing heroine. A good choice for Regency romance lovers. Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the August issue. Jul 27, Pamela Fernandes rated it really liked it. Trevor is the new duke but refuses to leave the country.

Isabella has been blackmailed into going there only to find that she likes him, the country and his sisters. Except as a widow, there's so much of her past including murder that has been kept secret.