Review: Distracting the Duke (Wayward in Wessex #1) by Elizabeth Keysian

Synopsis

Devonshire, England, 1820

Determined to avoid the strife-filled marriage of his parents, Marcus, the Duke of Ulvercombe, wants an amenable, biddable wife, and has set his cap for a certain pretty miss. Unfortunately, her vastly opinionated, frustrating, and lamentably beautiful guardian, Lady Clara Tinniswood, keeps distracting him, tempting him to consider a far more tempestuous—and passionate—union.

Recently widowed Lady Clara Tinniswood wants only to organize a quiet new life for herself, beyond the control of any man. But one shockingly unguarded moment while confronted by Marcus’s gloriously naked body catapults her headlong into a forbidden passion and threatens to undermine all her well-laid plans.

Even if Marcus abandons his sweet ideal and surrenders to his growing desire for Clara, there's one unalterable issue which could destroy their hopes forever... 

Add to Goodreads Shelf

Review

I loved it! Duke of Ulvercombe and Lady Clara both are amazing characters, and perfect for each other. Marcus is looking for a wife who is agreeable, biddable, and easy to talk to. Clara is a Lady who is very opinionated and have a hard time keeping her opinions to herself. She is straightforward and outspoken. There is no way they can ever like each other. They tend to be an annoyance to one another and their interactions often end in disagreements and arguments. Still for some reason they seem to crave each other's company. Soon they both realize that regardless of their mutual dislike, they are attracted to each other. Unfortunately there is no solution for their dilemma. The Duke must marry and he is not willing to marry someone he doesn't like. And Clara does not want to marry again, she will never trust another man for as long as she lives. Therefore, they have no future together and thus they must let themselves to have their futures separate from one another. But will it be that easy? Can they both find happiness and end up with what they want most? Or should they just let go of their respective pasts and be happy together?

It's a very well written novel. I couldn't put it down once I started reading and read the whole thing in one sitting. I quite enjoyed the story, as well as Marcus and Clara's banters. Their constant bickering was quite entertaining. I found it full of hunour, romance, and lots of fun. Definitely a must read for all historical romance readers. :)