Review: Winning Back His Duchess by Amanda McCabe
I'm so delighted to share my review today of Winning back His Duchess, by Amanda McCabe.
My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and the author for a copy. Such an engrossing read!
Winning Back His Duchess
Amanda McCabe
Historical Romance
Having already met the Wilkins sisters in Playing the Duke's Fiancée, I was thrilled to read Rose's story. The shy younger sister of Lily and Violet, her twin, Rose's tale takes a very different turn.
Winning Back His Duchess begins with Rose's wedding to Jamie, second son of the old Duke of Byson. At first, all seems well, but soon after, dark clouds gather.
In flashbacks spread across the novel, we learn of everything that went wrong for the young lovers. And we slowly learn of their inner demons, their insecurities well hidden from others.
This is a romance with a different slant. Separated from her husband for a while, Rose seeks a divorce. Yes, it would be a scandal, but she'd already suffered losses too hard to bear, so one more did not matter.
But Jamie, now duke following the deaths of his father and elder brother, has belatedly realised what he'd done. And he's determined to win Rose back, at any cost. Even if this means attending balls and weekends away. Not easy for someone who prefers to hide behind books.
Rose, meanwhile, puts a smile on her face, dazzling all London, Paris, and beyond. Renowned for her beauty, her own insecurities are securely locked away. Not even her sisters see her true self.
When Rose agrees to accompany Jamie to Venice, it is a journey that opens both their eyes. But is it enough for a happy future together?
I loved Rose's character. She's so confused, so misunderstood, and intentionally so. No one should ever discover what's going on in her heart, not even her estranged husband. So she blinds everyone to the real Rose behind the dazzling smile.
Jamie's behaviour early on in their marriage hurt her deeply, but as he pursues her again, gently and without haste, she discovers another side to him she'd not seen before. Like her, he hid secrets from the past, unable to forget events.
Winning Back His Duchess is a beautiful story of lost love, tragic loss, redemption, and self-discovery. There is so much more to these two characters than their handsome façade, yet they let no one close, not even each other. As they rediscover themselves, something clicks. And when her past rears its ugly head, Jamie is only too happy to defend Rose's honour.
A thoroughly enjoyable read that takes you down a different route to happiness. I thought the plot was realistic, with the past cleverly woven into the narrative, and the characters are well-portrayed. The historical research is impeccable.
Winning Back His Duchess is a romantic read I can highly recommend.
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Blurb:
Escape to beautiful Venice for this Victorian
An invitation to Venice…
To save their marriage!
Suggesting divorce to her estranged husband, Jamie, Duke of Byson, takes all of Rose Wilkins’s courage. Years of distance and heartbreak have taken a toll—she needs a new start.
But Jamie won’t hear of divorce, because of the scandal alone. His counteroffer is a trip to Venice…
Might discovering Venice’s delights together rekindle the still-simmering desire that drew Rose to Jamie as a starry-eyed young American heiress?
Buy Links:
US - https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Back-Duchess-Dollar-Duchesses/dp/1335407758/
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Winning-Back-Duchess-Dollar-Duchesses/dp/1335407758/
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About the Author:
Amanda McCabe
Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen--a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject...)
She's never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion. She lives in Santa Fe with a Poodle, a cat, a wonderful husband, and a very and far too many books and royal memorabilia collections.
When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network--even though she doesn't cook.
Connect with Amanda:
Amanda McCabe Books | Facebook
Amanda McCabe (@amandamccabeauthor) • Instagram photos and videos
Amanda McCabe (@AmandaMcCabe01) / Twitter
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