Very enjoyable book. First in series though I had started reading it after I was in the middle of book 2. I alternated via Kindle's WhisperSync with Audible.com between the audio book & the Kindle book. It was seamless. The Audible version was well done, narrator did a great job with her voices & dramatizing the book. I found myself not wanting to stop the audiobook, I was enjoying the story so much. I found myself doing things around the house, or continuing to play with my puppy outside, just so I could continue listening to the story. It had a very sweet romance between to very different people. I enjoyed the innocence of Victoria, it was quite humorous at times. Jonathan was a very enjoyable character also. He was very sweet & considerate regarding Toria's issues & special needs. I didn't really like how he became rude to her after they arrived to London from Scotland (after they married). He treated her so different & distanced himself. As the book unfolded I did understand his reasoning somewhat, though I didn't understand why he didn't discuss his issues & concerns with Victoria rather than leaving her so soon after the arrived in London & virtually leaving her to fend for herself. Though I guess all that had to be done to further the eventual plot. I like how books 1&2 run almost at the same time. I also really like how Ms.Wiilingham integrated the class struggles & the strife between Englanders & Highlanders. I really felt for the Highlanders who had their heritage & land stolen from them. I liked how she portrayed this. I will definitely read more of Ms Willingham's books and highly recommend them to those who enjoy historical romances, especially between Scotts & English. Victoria Andrews has designed some of the most sensual and scandalous lingerie for the most exclusive modiste in all of London. Yet she hasn't met the modiste in person, hasn't left her Scottish home in five years, and hasn't felt the touch of a man...ever.Jonathan Nottaway, Duke of Worthingstone, has had his fill of women for the time being, marriage minded or otherwise. After his fiancee dumps him due to a family scandal beyond his control, he disappears from society for a year without any intent on returning. Deciding to check on a piece of property he one in a card game, Jonathon heads north to Scotland, not realizing that the man he won the property from was so cruel and so hated among his tenants that showing his face was likely to get him shot and leaving him to the uneasy ministrations of a skittish female and her superstitious servants. Will his recovery bring about a healing for both of them?This was a tantalizing, intriguing, and emotional read. The heroine suffers from a truly debilitating phobia that she cannot even put in to words, much less explain or reason. The incident that led to this phobia was truly horrifying to her, and given the fact that she has been letting it build and fester for five years, it seems almost insurmountable.Aside from the phobia, Victoria does have a certain amount of quite bravery about her. She is highly observant of things around her and is thoughtful when contemplating solutions to issues that come up. Upon the appearance of Jonathon she proves that her phobia is consistent with her personality. She is naturally skittish around strangers and has to force herself to socialize with anyone, even just one person.The hero in this story is a bundle of emotions held together by a contradictory disconnect. His life has been full of abuse, anger, shame, grief, and guilt. After ending up on Victoria's doorstep he is cautious and hopeful all at the same time. He hopes to protect her from his world and protect himself from the heretofore unknown feelings that she seems to bring about in him.The supporting characters in this story are memorable. The sisters are very much like any sisters you meet. They are loyal to each other and very close, but nothing alike. Their different personalities complement each other and lead to the successful clothing design endeavor. Jonathan's aunt is brash, but likable, as are Victoria's aunt and uncle. Their neighbor, Cain, is cunning and harsh, but is an overall good guy and his connection with Madison is an interesting subplot.The villain, however, takes the cake. The Earl of Strathland is more than words can describe. Even curse words would not be strong enough to describe him and what he does to innocent people who are supposed to be under his care.Overall, this is a good book. Well paced, well written, and well plotted. It is the first book in a quartet, so we will be seeing many of these characters again.
Do You like book Undone By The Duke (2013)?
Agoraphobic heroine interesting but facile resolution. Hero became stupid jerk.
—Sheilz
Great read! Loved the strong characters and story.
—Hanszy
