I enjoyed this book. It stems around Rebecca and Oliver, a reckless duke. There was lots of things happening but it kept it interesting. I look forward to reading more in the series. Thank you to netgalley for the ARC.

I've been reading romance from way back, but this is my very first Jane Goodger. After reading The Reluctant Duchess, I promptly glommed my way through her backlist. I'm a sucker for a good quickie marriage. While there is a fair amount of suspension of disbelief (and on really has to forgive the hero for his early misdeeds in forcing the heroine into marriage) and the villain is easily telegraphed, the strength of the characterization and writing carries this novel through. The motivations never feel weird or forced, and the hero's background (which had me guessing) was nicely revealed. I really enjoyed reading this novel!

This eARC was provided to me for free by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Overall, this was a good book. I had some misgivings at the beginning, but I was able to get behind the characters enough at the end that I was mostly okay with it. I really liked the heroine, though I wish she would've stood up for herself more earlier on. By the end I liked the hero, but it took some time to grow on me. While I figured he wasn't actually monstrous looking, I did like how the book revealed it.
I recently wrote a review with some thoughts on consent in historical romance, and the sex at the beginning of this book did seem to be lacking some. The heroine is coerced into marrying the hero, and the first time or two they have sex doesn't seem fully consensual on her end. She doesn't fight him off, and does end up enjoying it, but I kinda wish they would have gotten to know each other better first and have her actually like him before they have sex.

This book was my first read by Mrs Jane Goodger and obviously won’t be my last.
Why is there so many fabulous authors and so few hours in a day?
I do remember having seen Mrs Goodger name pass in front of me but too focused on other matter, I let it pass, but now thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, i was provided an ARC. Book I also purchased right after finishing its reading.
I didn’t know what really to expect outside a beauty and beast kind of story, and for that I was very wrong.
Never it was about a monster, more about a victim and how with the help of the right person, he finds his voice.
Their journey to their happily ever after was not a smooth one, despite beginning on a wrong foot, Rebecca’s strength helps her set her place his her new husband home, slowly they get to know another and come to care for the other without her seing him.
I found out Oliver’s affliction before it was revealed as the author took time to distill this and there some bit of informations.
And Rebecca’s reaction when she came face to face with him was perfect, thinking him even more dashing.
From there, began their reconquest of Oliver’s life, with his wife’s help, he will slowly confront his own fear and then stand for them both. It will be a kind of pas-de-deux as they will have to move together among the muddy roads of the ton with always a shadow looming over their happiness.
They are a beautiful couple, always thinking about their other half before themselves, never they question nor second-guess their affection, they have pure faith in each other.
Mrs Jane Goodger added a hint of mystery and an evil character to compound the many issues they have to manage.
Oliver’s guardian was such a complex personality, I loved detest him and how manipulative he was and to which length he could go, hopefully he received his right reward.
In all it was one marvelous tale of going past our own fear and live life at the fullest.

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.
Yes, it was predictable but in the very best way. The villain was clear from the outset and, although there was mention of previous heroines, it didn't matter that I hadn't read the previous books in the series.
I did call the majority of the "big reveals" before they happened but it didn't take away my enjoyment and I still couldn't put it down.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars

A remarkably engaging read, The Reluctant Duchess, will take you on an emotional roller coaster. It begins with a strange command from a reclusive duke. The duke seems firm and secure in his power, though he's relinquished much of it to his former guardian (a distant relative). When the new duchess enters the picture, we quickly see the hope and vibrancy she can offer the duke. What follows is a tale of love, growth and clarity. The duke, with the duchess's help confronts misgivings, reclaims a sense of self, sees things in a clearer light and fully becomes the man he was always meant to be. It is rife with tension, longing, ecstasy, deception and a truly evil villain. It's delicious and wild! I loved it!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.