Forbidden to Love the Duke
The Fenwick Sisters Affairs #1
By Jillian Hunter
ISBN# 9780451470133
Author’s Website: http://www.jillianhunterauthor.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Description:
Lady Ivy Fenwick is desperate. Since her father’s fatal duel, she and her sisters have sold off every valuable possession to make ends meet. With the manor stripped bare, Ivy has one last resort: Apply as governess to the Duke of Ellsworth’s wards.
James should have known better than to hire the desirable lady who had fallen on hard times—and who tempts him at every turn. As her employer, he tries valiantly to remain noble and not let a kiss they shared as stranger’s years ago entice him. Yet the more he learns of Ivy’s secrets, the more he wants her. And when another suitor proves aggressive, James is confronted with a challenge: Surrender Ivy or fight for the woman he’s come to love against all odds, knowing that it takes a scoundrel to trump a scoundrel.
Review:
I loved this historical romance and was surprised with the bevy of emotions I had reading this story. Ivy had everything in her life going for her when she first encountered James at a debutante ball. He kissed her and that kiss has remained with her since, however, after a duel killed her father she and her sisters have had to do everything to survive and to preserve the manor they live in. As a last resort she decides to apply as a governess to the Duke of Ellsworth’s wards. She builds a bond with the children however the Duke becomes more of a challenge. She knows what she feels for him however to keep within the employer/employee bond brings challenges. How does Ivy keep the Duke away when the physical attraction keeps getting in the way? Another suitor shows up and professes his love for Ivy which further complicates the situation. With her feelings for the Duke known, Ivy hopes this conflict won’t end in another duel at which point she would lose another man she loved.
James is a known bachelor and woman’s man who had been planning a rendezvous with a consort when he finds out his brother’s wife has left with another man and he is responsible for their children until his brother returns from war. Needing a governess he picks without hesitation Ivy, remembering the kiss they shared 5 years ago. I found for most of the book James comes across as oversexed and rather impulsive and foolish at times. He does have a good heart though and helps Ivy and her sisters with the Manor repairs. James remains smitten with Ivy and does everything to seduce her. When another suitor comes into question James goes on the defensive. Due to a war injury he knows he cannot fight and win a duel so he must find another way to combat his opponent. James soon realizes that Ivy is the one for him and does everything to keep her in the children’s life. Bring in his so called ‘love interest” that showed up uninvited, and a whole new set of problems come to life.
The story is light and easy to read and the reader readily gets into the characters and the plot. There is enough unknown to keep the reader turning pages. I liked the flow of the story and can already see how sequels could be done for the remaining sisters. I’m looking forward to more Jillian Hunter stories!
