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jcmbank's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
A really fun start to the Wicked Widows series from Manda Collins. Isabella loves the lights and glitter of London and the ton but when her godmother asks for a favor she cannot turn her down. Trevor is happiest in the country and has no desire to embrace the ton even though he is now a Duke. When Isabella arrives he is ready to show her the joys of life away from the city and Isabella begins to open up to a different way of life. But when a threat follows her Trevor will do anything to keep her safe included traveling in to the city. A really sweet, suspenseful start to the series and I'm excited for what comes next!
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent beginning to the series. Isabella, her sister Perdita, and their friend Georgiana, start the book by being present at a death. Perdita's husband, the Duke, is an abusive man and is holding a knife at her throat. Isabella and Georgiana are trying to get him to stop. Georgiana shoots him in the shoulder and he falls on the knife. He's dead and they don't know if it was the bullet or the knife that did it, so the death could be accidental or murder.
Isabella gets stuck going to Yorkshire to try to talk her godmother's grandson, the new Duke, into coming to London. The godmother knows what happened that night and uses that knowledge to force Isabella's cooperation. Trevor has no interest in doing as his grandmother wishes. His father was disowned by his parents when he married "beneath" him and he has no intention of doing what she wants.
The first meeting between the two doesn't go very well. Isabella's carriage has broken down and Trevor is the one who happens along. He sees Isabella as a social climber or someone who wants something from the duke. She sees him as a country farmer who is neglecting his responsibilities. Because it will take at least a week for the repairs to her carriage they come to an agreement about her stay. She will spend time with Trevor as he goes about his activities so she can see his point that he needs to be where he is. In return he will go to London for a short time to settle things with his grandmother.
Almost immediately both Isabella and Trevor discover that the other isn't quite what they thought. Isabella discovers that Trevor is a man who loves his sisters and is devoted to doing his best for his lands and his people. In spite of the misery of her marriage and her bad experiences with her father, she senses that Trevor is a man she can trust. As she goes around his lands with him, Trevor gets to know Isabella and realizes that she is a woman with a soft heart who has learned to hide it. He's impressed with the way she handles his sisters and the intelligence she shows in everything from land management to politics. The romance that develops between them is slow growing but once it starts to take off it is intense. That heat that sparks also pushes them into a marriage that they hadn't planned but both were satisfied with. Though neither admits to love at the time, it is obvious that the feelings are there.
When Trevor finds out that Isabella is receiving threatening notes and then there are two attempts on her life, his protective instincts take over. He is determined that nothing happen to her while she is under his care. I enjoyed seeing the way that he took charge but still gave Isabella the freedom that she needed. There were some interesting twists and turns to the mystery of who was behind the threats. I did figure that out before the end, but there is still some question as to who else is involved. As the other two ladies still need to have their stories told, I expect that there will be more trouble ahead.
Besides the romance and the mystery, there are parts of the book that are just plain fun. Trevor is a man who loves his two sisters, but he is also at something of a loss at how to deal with them at times. The oldest sister is seventeen but he doesn't want to admit that she is growing up. It was great fun to see his reaction to her in a more adult dress. There are some wonderful interactions between him and the two girls. His friend Lucien Blakemore also has some great parts where he gives Trevor a hard time about his feelings for Isabella. I also enjoyed seeing Isabella school Trevor on just what it is like to be a woman in their society. One of my favorite parts was their arrival in London and breaking the news to the grandmother and others that they are married. I did wonder about the extreme reaction that the grandmother had and wonder if she's more involved in the trouble than I thought at first. I am looking forward to the other two books to see how it all turns out.
Isabella gets stuck going to Yorkshire to try to talk her godmother's grandson, the new Duke, into coming to London. The godmother knows what happened that night and uses that knowledge to force Isabella's cooperation. Trevor has no interest in doing as his grandmother wishes. His father was disowned by his parents when he married "beneath" him and he has no intention of doing what she wants.
The first meeting between the two doesn't go very well. Isabella's carriage has broken down and Trevor is the one who happens along. He sees Isabella as a social climber or someone who wants something from the duke. She sees him as a country farmer who is neglecting his responsibilities. Because it will take at least a week for the repairs to her carriage they come to an agreement about her stay. She will spend time with Trevor as he goes about his activities so she can see his point that he needs to be where he is. In return he will go to London for a short time to settle things with his grandmother.
Almost immediately both Isabella and Trevor discover that the other isn't quite what they thought. Isabella discovers that Trevor is a man who loves his sisters and is devoted to doing his best for his lands and his people. In spite of the misery of her marriage and her bad experiences with her father, she senses that Trevor is a man she can trust. As she goes around his lands with him, Trevor gets to know Isabella and realizes that she is a woman with a soft heart who has learned to hide it. He's impressed with the way she handles his sisters and the intelligence she shows in everything from land management to politics. The romance that develops between them is slow growing but once it starts to take off it is intense. That heat that sparks also pushes them into a marriage that they hadn't planned but both were satisfied with. Though neither admits to love at the time, it is obvious that the feelings are there.
When Trevor finds out that Isabella is receiving threatening notes and then there are two attempts on her life, his protective instincts take over. He is determined that nothing happen to her while she is under his care. I enjoyed seeing the way that he took charge but still gave Isabella the freedom that she needed. There were some interesting twists and turns to the mystery of who was behind the threats. I did figure that out before the end, but there is still some question as to who else is involved. As the other two ladies still need to have their stories told, I expect that there will be more trouble ahead.
Besides the romance and the mystery, there are parts of the book that are just plain fun. Trevor is a man who loves his two sisters, but he is also at something of a loss at how to deal with them at times. The oldest sister is seventeen but he doesn't want to admit that she is growing up. It was great fun to see his reaction to her in a more adult dress. There are some wonderful interactions between him and the two girls. His friend Lucien Blakemore also has some great parts where he gives Trevor a hard time about his feelings for Isabella. I also enjoyed seeing Isabella school Trevor on just what it is like to be a woman in their society. One of my favorite parts was their arrival in London and breaking the news to the grandmother and others that they are married. I did wonder about the extreme reaction that the grandmother had and wonder if she's more involved in the trouble than I thought at first. I am looking forward to the other two books to see how it all turns out.
maggiemaggio's review against another edition
2.0
Honestly I feel totally ambivalent about this book. I finished it over a week ago and I can't remember anything about it. I had it on my TBR list for a while and I think I would have been just as happy not reading it. It's coming back to me as I think about it and the main character was entertaining, but I did not buy into the duke, his story, or their feelings for each other. The story wasn't particularly well developed and I don't think I would read another Manda Collins book.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Lady Isabella Wharton is a women who has thru hell at hands of an unkind men and her sister go thru the same. Hoping live life as she pleased. Her Godmother however, had an agenda of her own. Sending Isabella to bring home her long lost grandson. However, she was not kind in doing so.
I personally loved this book. I thought the characters and plot were well developed. I did feel that the end of the book was a little rushed. A lot happened at the end and after the climax of the story the plot seemed to fall a little shy of all the excitement it started with. In saying this, the book kept my attention and left me wanting to know more. While reading Why Dukes say I do i was wishing for more down time so i could finish it faster, but every night I looked forward to reading more about Isabella and the Duke who was not what he seemed. I would recommend this book to anyone who loved historical romance books. Why Dukes Say I Do also has strong feminism undertones which i loved.
Reviewed by SammySosa for Cocktails and Books
I personally loved this book. I thought the characters and plot were well developed. I did feel that the end of the book was a little rushed. A lot happened at the end and after the climax of the story the plot seemed to fall a little shy of all the excitement it started with. In saying this, the book kept my attention and left me wanting to know more. While reading Why Dukes say I do i was wishing for more down time so i could finish it faster, but every night I looked forward to reading more about Isabella and the Duke who was not what he seemed. I would recommend this book to anyone who loved historical romance books. Why Dukes Say I Do also has strong feminism undertones which i loved.
Reviewed by SammySosa for Cocktails and Books
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
*I received a free ARC of Why Dukes Say I Do via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.*
Why Dukes Say I Do had all the ingredients I look for in a historical romance - love, spunk, mystery, humor and a lady that knows how to get what she wants!
Full review to come soon.
This and all other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Why Dukes Say I Do had all the ingredients I look for in a historical romance - love, spunk, mystery, humor and a lady that knows how to get what she wants!
Full review to come soon.
This and all other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
joanav's review against another edition
3.0
fraquinho... nem sei se merece as 3* completas. por alguma razão não consegui gostar do livro como queria. pode ser que o próximo seja melhor
ulrikedg's review against another edition
2.0
Not horrible, but a little longer than necessary (the pacing felt slow in too many places), and the mystery wasn't that mysterious (the accomplice's identity was obvious fairly early in the story). I'll give the author a second chance because I'm curious who the real villain is.
ETA: I've read the whole trilogy now, and the real villain is exactly who I thought it was from the beginning. I didn't know the person's name, but their identity was obvious from the start. Totally disappointing, and I reduced the rating of this book from 3 to 2 stars.
ETA: I've read the whole trilogy now, and the real villain is exactly who I thought it was from the beginning. I didn't know the person's name, but their identity was obvious from the start. Totally disappointing, and I reduced the rating of this book from 3 to 2 stars.
rachelini's review against another edition
4.0
This was fun - the romance wasn't the most developed, but I enjoyed the story as a whole. I definitely want to read the following books as the story is continuing. Side note: the title is terrible.
loverofromance's review against another edition
4.0
Originally Posted At My Blog: Addicted To Romance
Lady Isabella, recently widowed, is glad to be free of a marriage that was a brutal prison. Now her sister is soon to make a solid match with a man she adores. But when her godmother, blackmails her into visiting her grandson and convincing him to take the full responsibilities of being the Duke of Ormond. So Isabella has no choice, since she would do anything for her sister. Trevor Carey, only cares about the country life, taking care of his tenants and farms, and seeing to his younger sisters. When his grandparents left his parents on their own, he had no interest in forming a bond with his grandmother when he became the Duke. At first Trevor is furious at Isabella, for trying to get him to return to London, to the family who has never cared about him or his sisters until they needed him. As Isabella tries to convince Trevor of his duties, Isabella starts to slowly fall for the handsome duke, who treats her with desire and tenderness..
Why Dukes Say I Do is the first book in the wicked widows series. This is the first chance I have had to read from this author, and I really enjoyed this book, a lot more than I expected. I found this story to be quite enjoyable and fun to read. The setting of this story takes place in the countryside of England, and we see a instant attraction between Isabella and Trevor form. But what I really liked was seeing them form more of a friendship in the beginning, and then it turns into something more deeper.
The characters in this story were quite delightful, and I loved the difference in each of their personalities. The hero of the story, Trevor, has certain characteristics that just makes your thirsty for more. He isn't your normal hero of a regency. He isn't a rake or rogue....but just as tasty. Trevor is honorable and loyal, but from the beginning of the story he has a possessive hold on Isabella. I love his treatment to Isabella and his sisters, so sweet and protective. Isabella is quite strong and I really admired her, especially when you see what she has suffered in her past. But she has major trust issues and I liked the way the author portrays this character, and instills a emotional edge to the story that wraps around your finger, and you just need to find out what happens. Some of the side characters were quite fun: The two younger sisters were funny and heartwarming and I fell in love with them. They reminded me of my sisters and I growing up. Even the best friend of Trevor was delicious and I hope he gets his story with the governess (that would be a good story). You can't help but root for Isabella and Trevor from beginning to end. This story is enchanting, with some sexy chemistry, a bit of intrigue, and a plot that never stops. GUARANTEED TO SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET!!
Lady Isabella, recently widowed, is glad to be free of a marriage that was a brutal prison. Now her sister is soon to make a solid match with a man she adores. But when her godmother, blackmails her into visiting her grandson and convincing him to take the full responsibilities of being the Duke of Ormond. So Isabella has no choice, since she would do anything for her sister. Trevor Carey, only cares about the country life, taking care of his tenants and farms, and seeing to his younger sisters. When his grandparents left his parents on their own, he had no interest in forming a bond with his grandmother when he became the Duke. At first Trevor is furious at Isabella, for trying to get him to return to London, to the family who has never cared about him or his sisters until they needed him. As Isabella tries to convince Trevor of his duties, Isabella starts to slowly fall for the handsome duke, who treats her with desire and tenderness..
Why Dukes Say I Do is the first book in the wicked widows series. This is the first chance I have had to read from this author, and I really enjoyed this book, a lot more than I expected. I found this story to be quite enjoyable and fun to read. The setting of this story takes place in the countryside of England, and we see a instant attraction between Isabella and Trevor form. But what I really liked was seeing them form more of a friendship in the beginning, and then it turns into something more deeper.
The characters in this story were quite delightful, and I loved the difference in each of their personalities. The hero of the story, Trevor, has certain characteristics that just makes your thirsty for more. He isn't your normal hero of a regency. He isn't a rake or rogue....but just as tasty. Trevor is honorable and loyal, but from the beginning of the story he has a possessive hold on Isabella. I love his treatment to Isabella and his sisters, so sweet and protective. Isabella is quite strong and I really admired her, especially when you see what she has suffered in her past. But she has major trust issues and I liked the way the author portrays this character, and instills a emotional edge to the story that wraps around your finger, and you just need to find out what happens. Some of the side characters were quite fun: The two younger sisters were funny and heartwarming and I fell in love with them. They reminded me of my sisters and I growing up. Even the best friend of Trevor was delicious and I hope he gets his story with the governess (that would be a good story). You can't help but root for Isabella and Trevor from beginning to end. This story is enchanting, with some sexy chemistry, a bit of intrigue, and a plot that never stops. GUARANTEED TO SWEEP YOU OFF YOUR FEET!!