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nellesnightstand1's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one. It was a good read. Pretty sure you can read it stand alone from the others in the series as the only thing that connects them is that hero is a Duke. Connor a very reluctant one. I enjoyed learning about Elsbeth more than anything. She's a very strong woman
nellesnightstand's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this one. It was a good read. Pretty sure you can read it stand alone from the others in the series as the only thing that connects them is that hero is a Duke. Connor a very reluctant one. I enjoyed learning about Elsbeth more than anything. She's a very strong woman
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Good book. It opened with a very unhappy Connor, a born and bred Texan, in Scotland, in the middle of winter. It seems he is the new Duke of Lothian, something he didn't expect and certainly doesn't want. He plans to see the property and then sell it as soon as he can and go back to Texas.
Elsbeth became the ward of the late Duke at the age of eight when her parents died. She shared his love of the history and people of Bealadair and had devoted herself to its care and keeping. She worries about what will happen to them when the new Duke sells.
I liked both Connor and Elsbeth. Connor is a good man. He treats everyone the same, from servant on up. He's definitely out of his element but does the best he can while hanging on to his personal values. It was fun to watch his reactions to some of the differences. I enjoyed his reaction to the Highland cows. Though a bit close-minded at the beginning, some of his attitude changed as Elsbeth showed him around the property. Elsbeth is kind of stuck between two worlds. She has never felt truly part of the family outside of her relationship with the late duke. She gets a great deal of satisfaction out of the work she does for the estate.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Connor and Elsbeth. Connor was fascinated and smitten from the moment he met her. I loved watching him find any opportunity to spend time with her. Elsbeth was a little warier. She was equally fascinated by him, but knowing that he has no intention of staying in Scotland makes her determined not to give in to those feelings. I liked seeing her efforts to show him the beauty of Bealadair and its people. As they spent time together, the feelings and attraction grew. I loved their protectiveness toward each other during and after the shooting, and Connor's respect Elsbeth grew even more. I ached a bit for Elsbeth, who believed that there was no future for her with Connor, even as she gave in to her desire for him. Connor knew what he wanted, but he was a bit of a bonehead and didn't say anything to her about his feelings, wanting to get all his plans in place. This nearly backfired on him as she went about her plans. The ending was good, though not quite the romantic scene that Connor had planned. I would have liked an epilogue showing her reaction to Texas. I will say I wasn't surprised by Connor's solution to the problem of selling the estate, though there was an interesting twist included.
There was also a bit of suspense to the story. Connor's plans to sell don't sit well with everybody. After a couple of so-called "accidents," he and Elsbeth have to admit that someone is trying to kill him, though they don't know why. He's made it clear that the place will be sold no matter what happens to him. There are several possibilities as to who is behind it. It was interesting to see that it was Elsbeth who figured out the who and the motivation.
Elsbeth became the ward of the late Duke at the age of eight when her parents died. She shared his love of the history and people of Bealadair and had devoted herself to its care and keeping. She worries about what will happen to them when the new Duke sells.
I liked both Connor and Elsbeth. Connor is a good man. He treats everyone the same, from servant on up. He's definitely out of his element but does the best he can while hanging on to his personal values. It was fun to watch his reactions to some of the differences. I enjoyed his reaction to the Highland cows. Though a bit close-minded at the beginning, some of his attitude changed as Elsbeth showed him around the property. Elsbeth is kind of stuck between two worlds. She has never felt truly part of the family outside of her relationship with the late duke. She gets a great deal of satisfaction out of the work she does for the estate.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Connor and Elsbeth. Connor was fascinated and smitten from the moment he met her. I loved watching him find any opportunity to spend time with her. Elsbeth was a little warier. She was equally fascinated by him, but knowing that he has no intention of staying in Scotland makes her determined not to give in to those feelings. I liked seeing her efforts to show him the beauty of Bealadair and its people. As they spent time together, the feelings and attraction grew. I loved their protectiveness toward each other during and after the shooting, and Connor's respect Elsbeth grew even more. I ached a bit for Elsbeth, who believed that there was no future for her with Connor, even as she gave in to her desire for him. Connor knew what he wanted, but he was a bit of a bonehead and didn't say anything to her about his feelings, wanting to get all his plans in place. This nearly backfired on him as she went about her plans. The ending was good, though not quite the romantic scene that Connor had planned. I would have liked an epilogue showing her reaction to Texas. I will say I wasn't surprised by Connor's solution to the problem of selling the estate, though there was an interesting twist included.
There was also a bit of suspense to the story. Connor's plans to sell don't sit well with everybody. After a couple of so-called "accidents," he and Elsbeth have to admit that someone is trying to kill him, though they don't know why. He's made it clear that the place will be sold no matter what happens to him. There are several possibilities as to who is behind it. It was interesting to see that it was Elsbeth who figured out the who and the motivation.
loverofromance's review
4.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Texan Duke is the last book in the Duke Trilogy by Karen Ranney and brings together a Scot and a Texan (American). Our hero was born and raised in Texas, around cattle and horses and the west plains of Texas. He loves his life, but when he learns of his father's real roots as a Scot, and that he is now the new Duke of Lothian. He is shocked and appalled by his new responsibilities and that he will have to travel to Scotland, in the winter and deal with this new "dilemma". Elspeth was the ward of the late Duke of Lothian. Her parents were killed, and the Duke had been her fathers closest friend and took her into his home. Now he is dead, and she must deal with this latest development of dealing with a new Duke, a man that is not born a Scot and the whole household is determined to show him how well the clan prospers. But when they learn that he plans on selling it, Elspeth and Connor will be drawn into a plot of danger and intrigue.
I truly enjoyed the Texan Duke and it was a bit different than the previous two books. I did enjoy it quite a bit, but I do think the first book is probably my favorite of the trilogy. I do have a weakness toward these unique matches in romance of dealing with an American coming to either England or Scotland and dealing with the culture shocks especially when it comes to the "titled" elements. And seeing a true, born and raised cowboy, deal with being a Scottish Duke had some strong appeal and unique challenges for sure and I felt that Karen Ranney did a wonderful job in showing these problems and mixes of culture very well while staying true to the romance for the most part. I do think that the plot took charge in this story. We have Connor's life being put in danger because a certain family member isn't too pleased when learning he wants to sell instead of keeping it. This does cause quite a bit of anger and fear among the whole clan. Now at first, you "think" you know who is behind it all, but honestly Ranney really worked me in this story. I never expected the identity of the true culprit. Now granted, the real villain, is not what you expect but I also felt uneasy about this character at times. I did like how Karen Ranney pulls you into this story with the elements of danger.
Now to talk about the actual romance in this story. Elspeth and Connor are drawn to each other from their first meeting. But Elspeth is practically a servant, she doesn't feel like she is "part" of the family, even though the late Duke treated her like a member of the family. She runs the whole estate, and she is involved in every member of the clan's life and Ioved that about her. There is some powerful chemistry that develops between these two. But I did like that we see a slow burn romance form between them. And this slow build-up relationships that forms works just right for the story because of certain other elements that come into the story. We have an attempted murder mystery going on, and then we have Elspeth trying to show Connor, the impact of his decision to sell. What I really liked about Connor though was his easy going personality. He is very laid back and was pretty refreshing. You see how well he connects with the cook and the maids and really just about everyone loves him. He is hardworking and dedicated, and really has a hard time understanding the whole "duke" obsessiveness when he wants to be appreciated for what he does in life and not because of his birth. He has such an honest and fresh feel to him that I gravitated towards. His character just leaves the reader with a smile all the way through.
The Texan Duke is a story that has a fresh air to this romance....a tale of self-discovery, growth, a plot of danger and mystery, a female ghost and some moments to make you laugh....truly entertaining in only the way that Karen Ranney delivers.
The Texan Duke is the last book in the Duke Trilogy by Karen Ranney and brings together a Scot and a Texan (American). Our hero was born and raised in Texas, around cattle and horses and the west plains of Texas. He loves his life, but when he learns of his father's real roots as a Scot, and that he is now the new Duke of Lothian. He is shocked and appalled by his new responsibilities and that he will have to travel to Scotland, in the winter and deal with this new "dilemma". Elspeth was the ward of the late Duke of Lothian. Her parents were killed, and the Duke had been her fathers closest friend and took her into his home. Now he is dead, and she must deal with this latest development of dealing with a new Duke, a man that is not born a Scot and the whole household is determined to show him how well the clan prospers. But when they learn that he plans on selling it, Elspeth and Connor will be drawn into a plot of danger and intrigue.
I truly enjoyed the Texan Duke and it was a bit different than the previous two books. I did enjoy it quite a bit, but I do think the first book is probably my favorite of the trilogy. I do have a weakness toward these unique matches in romance of dealing with an American coming to either England or Scotland and dealing with the culture shocks especially when it comes to the "titled" elements. And seeing a true, born and raised cowboy, deal with being a Scottish Duke had some strong appeal and unique challenges for sure and I felt that Karen Ranney did a wonderful job in showing these problems and mixes of culture very well while staying true to the romance for the most part. I do think that the plot took charge in this story. We have Connor's life being put in danger because a certain family member isn't too pleased when learning he wants to sell instead of keeping it. This does cause quite a bit of anger and fear among the whole clan. Now at first, you "think" you know who is behind it all, but honestly Ranney really worked me in this story. I never expected the identity of the true culprit. Now granted, the real villain, is not what you expect but I also felt uneasy about this character at times. I did like how Karen Ranney pulls you into this story with the elements of danger.
Now to talk about the actual romance in this story. Elspeth and Connor are drawn to each other from their first meeting. But Elspeth is practically a servant, she doesn't feel like she is "part" of the family, even though the late Duke treated her like a member of the family. She runs the whole estate, and she is involved in every member of the clan's life and Ioved that about her. There is some powerful chemistry that develops between these two. But I did like that we see a slow burn romance form between them. And this slow build-up relationships that forms works just right for the story because of certain other elements that come into the story. We have an attempted murder mystery going on, and then we have Elspeth trying to show Connor, the impact of his decision to sell. What I really liked about Connor though was his easy going personality. He is very laid back and was pretty refreshing. You see how well he connects with the cook and the maids and really just about everyone loves him. He is hardworking and dedicated, and really has a hard time understanding the whole "duke" obsessiveness when he wants to be appreciated for what he does in life and not because of his birth. He has such an honest and fresh feel to him that I gravitated towards. His character just leaves the reader with a smile all the way through.
The Texan Duke is a story that has a fresh air to this romance....a tale of self-discovery, growth, a plot of danger and mystery, a female ghost and some moments to make you laugh....truly entertaining in only the way that Karen Ranney delivers.
ajenkins979's review against another edition
5.0
loved
Elsbeth was and wasn't part of the family, yet she tried so hard to please everyone. When Connor comes in the picture and changes everything she doesn't know how to respond or behave.
Connor, the Texan, is the new Duke. He doesn't want to be a Duke. He reminds everyone that he is a Texan, no one knows what the heck that is.
The chemistry between Connor and Elsbeth is instant, I love instant chemistry. The McCraight family is, I guess typical, very "stuck up". The old Duchess is strict and all about tradition,until Sam shows up. Then we see a totally different Duchess.
I a great winter love story!
*I received my copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Elsbeth was and wasn't part of the family, yet she tried so hard to please everyone. When Connor comes in the picture and changes everything she doesn't know how to respond or behave.
Connor, the Texan, is the new Duke. He doesn't want to be a Duke. He reminds everyone that he is a Texan, no one knows what the heck that is.
The chemistry between Connor and Elsbeth is instant, I love instant chemistry. The McCraight family is, I guess typical, very "stuck up". The old Duchess is strict and all about tradition,until Sam shows up. Then we see a totally different Duchess.
I a great winter love story!
*I received my copy from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
beckymmoe's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked Connor and Elsbeth's story, even though OMG he waited until the last possible minute to make his big move. (Seriously, dude, what were you thinking???) Still, the story of the ward of the 13th Duke of Lothian and the 14th Duke kept me turning the pages, wondering how they could possibly manage to be together yet each still get what they wanted and take care of the people they cared about. Ms. Ranney did an admirable job of resolving their problems--I'll freely admit that I didn't at all see one of her bigger solutions to their problems coming, but it worked out well.
Though this is the third book in the Duke Trilogy, it--like the other two--really is a standalone that just happens to be about a duke. Don't let the fact that you haven't read the other two keep you from picking up this one (but seriously, read the other two. I really enjoyed this series!)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Though this is the third book in the Duke Trilogy, it--like the other two--really is a standalone that just happens to be about a duke. Don't let the fact that you haven't read the other two keep you from picking up this one (but seriously, read the other two. I really enjoyed this series!)
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
kellyk's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
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