GIVEAWAY & Toni's Review of Bedding Lord Ned by Sally MacKenzie ***4 Stars***

  

Pleasure Is On Her Dance Card

Determined to find a husband, Miss Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman attends a ball put on by the Duchess of Greycliffe, fondly referred to as the Duchess of Love. But she roundly dismisses the suitors the matchmaking hostess has invited on her behalf. For it's the duchess' dashing son, Ned, Lord Edward, who long ago captured Ellie's heart—and roused her desire. All it takes is a pair of conveniently misplaced silky red bloomers to set the handsome widower's gaze on this unusual girl who is clearly more than meets the eye.

After four years of mourning, Ned must find a wife. At first glance, the birthday ball his mother has thrown in his honor is decidedly lacking in suitable mistresses. But he senses something unexpectedly alluring beneath the veil of Ellie's plain exterior—and suddenly she's invading his dreams in a decidedly scandalous manner.

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Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to move on.

For years Ellie has loved Ned.  They grew up together, but he never saw her as more than a sister.  She watched him fall in love with her good friend, Cicely, marry her then bury her.  She was also there for him during his years of mourning.  She is not getting any younger and she refuses to be the spinster aunt.  During this year’s annual birthday party, she is going to move on.  She is going to welcome the advances of single men and she is going to be open to the possibilities.  Now she just needs to convince her heart.

Four years ago, Ned lost his loving perfect wife and son, during childbirth.  He has decided that he must move on and find a new wife and start filling his nursery.  Nothing like taking advantage of the hand selected single women at the annual Valentine House Party.  The men and women that the Duchess of Love invites are carefully selected for optimal matchmaking.  There is nothing like the present to take advantage of his mother’s skills.  It shouldn’t be too hard.  He only wants a wife; he doesn’t ever want to find love again.  This should be very simple.

While a storm stirs outside Greycliffe Castle, the six men and six women are entertained by the Duke and the Duchess.  Meals are shared, games are played and attachments are made.  Things are shaping up, but not how the Duchess of Love ever expected.  All she can do is set the stage.  Now she has to sit back and allow the players to play the game.

This is a very pleasant read.  I do highly suggest that you read the prequel The Duchess of Love prior to beginning this novel.  It is a very fun introduction to the woman behind the Duchess of Love.  I will admit that I may have enjoyed her tale even more than Ned’s.  Now approximately 30 years after the prequel, she is still up to her matchmaking shenanigans, but on a much larger scale.  This story might be how Ellie and Ned finally come together, but the Duchess is always in the background actually having more fun than the main couple.  I liked it!

The duration of the story happens in the days leading up to the annual Valentine Ball.  You spend many days and nights with the couples as they learn about each other and discover if there will be any love matches.  Bedding Lord Ned is not action packed, smutty, or even overly comedic.  It is a very pleasant enjoyable read that takes you on a journey of discovery.

I was a bit disappointed at the abrupt ending of the book though.  I enjoyed how Ellie finally found her courage, and Ned emerged from his slump, but it happened rather quickly and when it was done, well it was just done.  I would have enjoyed a bit more of the aftermath.  There was also no set up for the next book.  That can actually be a good thing, because I’m not a fan of cliff hangers, but I have no clue who the next “victim” will be for the Duchess.

I have been drawn in.  I am anxious to find out more about the mystery behind Ash’s marriage.  I can’t wait to meet the woman that will eventually tame the youngest of the Valentine men.  I wonder if she will expand beyond her immediate family and find matches for some of the people we have met in this story.  Oh I could go on and on, but suffice it to say…I’m hooked.  Good or bad, love or hate – I want more Duchess of Love!
Thanks for Reading - Toni

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