Book Review: The Reluctant Duchess by Sharon Cullen

thereluctantduchess

ASIN: B00TNDP168
Publisher: Loveswept (November 10, 2015)
Publication Date: November 10, 2015

Lady Sara Emerson has been receiving disturbing letters. She doesn’t know the author, but based on the contents, she does know the person is somehow involved with her cousin’s murder. She doesn’t want to worry her father, whose care has become her number one priority since he’s been abandoned by her selfish mother, so she goes to the one other person she knows can help her.

Gabriel Ferguson, the Duke of Rossmoyne has been plagued by his fiance’s murder. When it was discovered that their seemingly perfect relationship did, in fact, have flaws, he became the number one suspect. Although his name was cleared, he still wants to know who’s responsible. For two years, he’s come up empty, until her shy cousin approaches him and demands his help.

Gabe never noticed how beautiful the shyer – and better – version of his fiance is, nor did he have any clue that underneath that docile demeanor is a sexy little spitfire he can’t refuse, or ignore. When the two join forces to uncover the identity of the killer, Ross realizes he wants more from Sara than just her safety.

I was pulled in from the start. I wanted to know who was behind the letters, and the reason for Sara’s cousin’s murder. Sara was a handful, and Gabe wasn’t used to being defied. Her delicate way with others complimented his brusque manner, and I enjoyed the back-and forth between them. Thomas made me smile and I couldn’t help but take the little guy and tuck him in my heart.

The letters were an intriguing way to unfold the mystery, however, I didn’t feel the shock when the killer was unveiled; not because I had it figured out, but because he was insufficiently developed.

All in all it was a good read. Cullen did a really good job with relationship development, and I want to read more about Montgomery.

Rating system: Cups of coffee – the less the better

0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.

My rating: 2 cups of coffee

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