Duncan's Bride

Okay, slap me silly, but I actually enjoyed this romance. Reese Duncan was crushed by his first marriage. His ex-wife took him for everything and it has taken seven years to have the ability to run his Montana ranch in the black. Now he needs more: a wife and children in that order, but he IS NOT looking for love.

Maddie Patterson has special memories of her grandmother's place. Nature, horses, and a country life are something she wants again. So she replies to an ad, in a place she has never been, to a man she knows nothing about.

Published in 1990, some the details of this romance are a little dated. To say that Reese is an alpha male is an understatement. Uber-alpha is more like it. He is also opinionated, obstinate, and rude. He lays it on the line of what he expects of Maddie. Cooking, sex, cleaning, sex, agreeable, sex. Some may compare her to a doormat and, honestly, in some ways she is. But she is also a spitfire and not to afraid to let Reese know of her opinions in matters he thinks are none of her business. But believe me, when he finally screws things up royally, he gets his comeuppance.

The first of two books, DUNCAN'S BRIDE is not for everyone. He has anger issues and the problems they cause 'don't make for a quick fix'. Some may even call it verbal abuse. It takes the entire book for Reese to realize he has found the one and only woman who completes him. Now I am on to read LOVING EVANGELINE to see how Maddie's stepbrother Robert can screw things up with a woman.

Years ago, Reese Duncan owned a very profitable ranch. He was a wealthy man and one of the most powerful ranchers in the country. Yet, he was foolish enough to fall in love with a beautiful woman who, after only two years of marriage, filed for divorce and took him to the cleaners. After the raw deal he got in his divorce, all Reese wants is a woman who will be happy to live in Montana and be a good mother to their kids; for although he is happy to remain single for the rest of his life, he wants to hear children's laughter in the ranch, and have his own heirs to pass on the legacy that was also passed on to him. Therefore, Reese decides to advertise for a wife.

Enter Madelyn Patterson. Sophisticated and beautiful, she is everything that Reese isn't looking for in a wife. While sitting in her New York office one day, she comes across Reese's ad and was immediately intrigued. After all, she has always been curious as a cat and there is just something so irresistible about a man advertising for a wife. So she pens a short letter thinking that she probably wouldn't even hear back from him... except she does.

From the moment he sees her, Reese knows that Madelyn is the wrong woman. Yet there is no denying the chemistry between them; and she seems to really like the idea of living away from the city, and is willing to live and work in a ranch and start a family. Despite his doubts, they end up getting married, not knowing that they are both in for a tough fight. As much as he tries, Reese cannot help being drawn to Madelyn. As for Madelyn, all she wants in return is Reese's love, and she refuses to give up until Reese realizes what is in front of him and admits his feelings for her.

DUNCAN'S BRIDE is an engaging and sexually charged novel featuring a sexy and brooding hero and a spirited heroine. I loved the chemistry between Reese and Madelyn. From the very start, I knew I was in for some sizzling and entertaining read. The author has done well in depicting the physical labor and financial hardship that Reese has had to endure after his bitter divorce. I agree that there are times when he acts like a total jerk, however, given what he has gone through for so many years, I couldn't help but feel for Reese's plight. And believe me, Madelyn is no shrinking violet. I guess the fact that she is independent and stubborn adds to the fun as we see a real battle of wills between the two of them.

I greatly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading LOVING EVANGELINE, which features Madelyn's brother, Robert.

Duncan's Bride is sexy, sassy, a real page turner, it's all the things I've come to expect from Linda Howard.
Reese Duncan wants a wife but not for love or any of those sappy reasons. He has a strong sex drive, he wants children and a strong woman willing to help him rebuild his ranch. In the heroine's words he wants a brood mare. He's been burned by his ex-wife who wasn't willing to rough it out as a ranch wife and took half of everything he owned in the divorce settlement, leaving him nearly bankrupt. So he places an add and gets three measly responses. Madelyn Patterson is the only applicant who sets his blood boiling but she's all citified and completely wrong for the job - or so he thinks. His lack of choices, her determination and her sex appeal win her the job and they marry.
All of the above takes place right away and the remainder of the book is spent watching Maddie prove to Reese that all woman aren't like his ex-wife. He's got a lot of baggage to deal with but Maddie handles him with humor and tenderness, two things he isn't used to but over time learns he desperately can't live without. He is an extreme alpha man, one who wants his wife to give him babies, cook dinner, clean the house, and jump when he snaps his fingers, all without a complaint. He is overbearing and sometimes he annoyed me but as much as I wanted to give him a swift kick in his pretty rear, I understood why he was this way. He'd been hurt and destroyed and was only protecting himself and his future children. So, I could deal with all of his chest pounding and I liked the fact that Maddie handled him maturely and never lowered herself by giving into a fit of whimpiness or "poor me's". She didn't out and out tell him off which would not have worked with this guy anyway, but she did it in more subtle ways, getting under his skin and teaching him to love again. She was an admirable character and the only thing I couldn't figure out was why such a sweet, sensual, twenty-eight year old woman had no steady boyfriend or sexual history previous to meeting Reese. It wasn't really explained, unless I missed it. But I'm being nitpicky, I liked this book, the characters were three dimensional, the love scenes were steamy, and most importantly it made me feel.

Linda Howard is legendary in the romance genre, and this may be one of her finest. I recently reread it to see if it would live up to my fond memories and I am pleased to say, if anything, it surpassed them.

Reese Duncan is the quintessential Howard hero......... strong alpha, stubborn, sexy, and prideful. However, Duncan's Bride stands out to me NOT because of the hero, but because of the heroine. Madelyn is everything that I love my heroines to be. She has a ton of class, heart, devotion, work ethic, and the determination to win over Reese Duncan (a seemingly impossible task).

This book has the ability to make you laugh one minute, cry the next, feel anger and then happiness in the space of a few paragraphs. The ability to draw the reader in is one of Howard's biggest gifts, and in Duncan's Bride..... she outdoes even herself.

Madelyn is EXACTLY what Reese needs. He is an embittered and angry man. Madelyn is all warmth, laughter, hope, and love. Slowly she teaches Reese how to love and trust once more. It takes some time...he's a stubborn man.....but the payoff at the end is worth everything. I highly recommend this favorite of mine.

Reese was a no-nonsense, straight-shooter wanted a wife one who would cook, clean, help him with the ranch, give him children, and leave him alone. His first wife already stomped on his heart and took him for nearly everything he had, and he wasn't going to be that vulnerable again. Enter Madeline, a chic, sophisticated city girl, the very opposite of what he expects. Despite their differences, their sense of fascination draws them to each other and they marry. The author includes a lot of interesting facts via Reese and Madeline's wordgames. She showed that despite their attraction, they could have an intelligent conversation, and I liked that. Linda Howard paints an enthralling picture of ranch life and the relationship between Madeline, who can find her way around a kitchen, and Reese, a man who believes that the land is all he can count on. The author lets us see into the world of a couple who married under unusual circumstances and how they work out their differences. I like the way the author had Madeline leave Reese after he practically screamed at her for helping him with his ranch. She stays at a place in town and everyday Reese comes in, asking her to come back. She won't go until he reveals the reason why SHOULD come back, and only he knows.

You'll love this great little romance by Linda Howard. Here, she manages to put a modern twist on the mail order bride story, and it really works. The hero, Reese Duncan, is a hard-working ranch owner embittered from the devastation of his first marriage. He wants children and needs a companion to share his rugged lifestyle in a remote corner of Montana, but he isn't interested in any emotional attachment. Despite his reservations, he invites Maddie to share his life. Maddie is a bored city girl looking for some substance in her life. Much to Reese's surprise, she is not destined to be an ornamental wife. She challeges and frustrates him at every turn, and the ensuing contest of wills is wonderful. All the best elements of a romance novel are here in spades - sexy hero, engaging heroine, increasing sexual tension, hot love scenes, and emotional revelations. Enjoy!

The reasons for marriage vary. Past relationship baggage can cause a person to pay for someone else's mistakes. Perceived wrongs are never what you think they are. Duncan's bride has this and more in the story. Watching the relationship work out is fun and informative. Standalone romance well written.

One of the best things about Linda Howard is that she never stops surprising me. Madeline, the heroine of "Duncan's Bride", was a woman who did not give in to weakness or hysterics like most romance novel heroines would have in her dealings with Reese. Howard showed the real effort that is needed to make a marriage work out. Reese's need for emotional distance and Madeline's determination to reach him despite his efforts were dealt with in a way that made the story very real. The book did not make me all starry eyed and I did not hear Disney theme songs in my head as I turned the pages. I did, however, come to respect both protagonists for their strengths. It was a very well written book that came as close to being realistic as a romance novel can get. I am definately going to read it again.

I absolutely loved this story. Duncan's Bride consisted of two of the best characters you could ever wish for. The heroine was totally laid back, but she didn't let the gero run all over her, which I loved. You don't have to be annoying, overly stubborn, and way too dramatic to stick up for yourself! I absolutely loved Madeline. These characters had the sort of chemistry that isn't forced. This was truely a love story. You could actually see that the characters was meant to be. I recommend this book to anyone.

There are enough reviews to give you an indepth idea what the book is about I'll comment on the fact that I pictured it a bit more upbeat. I hate waiting till the very last possible minute to get any resolution. I felt the h was so verbally beat up at times because the hero compared her so much to his Ex. I even shed a few tears on her behalf, I found myself very irritated wanting to whack some sense into the hero. Why anyone would put up with these circumstances is beyond me but overall it was an entertaining book that I basically enjoyed and can recommend with the exceptions I pointed out above. Enjoy

If you read the other reviews you already know the story. I want to add that Duncan's Bride is one of my favorites along with Loving Evangeline (Madelyn's brother Robert's story). This is another sexy, sensual story as only Linda can write. I love the strength of Linda's heroines and Madelyn is no exception. I hear myself chanting "You Go Girl" at some of her antics. This one is a definite keeper I'm sure you will enjoy.

Reece, a man who has been 'taken to the cleaners' by his first wife, advertises for another to take care of him and home, love not necessary or even desired. Madelyn, tired of the hustle and bustle of New York City is drawn to this ad and applies. They set an appointment and meet. Sparks fly from the moment they set eyes on each other. Reece does not feel she is good 'ranch material' and decides to send her back. Obviously he can't stop thinking about her and reconsiders. She agrees to the marriage as she is already head over heels in love with this man that does not have love to give. He's too bitter with his first wife to see past it. At times he's rude and he has an explosive temper. Madelyn, a very strong woman makes it her mission to get him to love her and to make him see that she is nothing like his first wife. A great read. The paperback only 251 pages is one you will find difficult to put down. I read it in one day. The ending like the entire story, was great.

Another great book by Linda Howard! Strong heroine, injured hero and some super hot sex! Phew! Gotta love that! Maddie had her heart set on this guy, and she wasn't going to let his first wife and the pain she had inflicted on him get in her way. And of course little did he know Reese didn't stand a chance, she was going to prove her love and commitment, and he wasn't going to be able to deny it. Great story!

Maddie and Reese were such great characters! Although I found the mail-order bride scenario hard to believe, once these two were together, they were perfect for each other. Reese was a typical stubborn male, and Maddie never let him get away with anything. If you're looking for a romance with steamy love scenes, strong characters and great descriptions of location and everyday life, this is it!

If you have never read a Linda Howard romance, what are you waiting for? She is one of the best romance novelists I have ever read. I buy every one of her books as soon as they are published and "Duncan's Bride" is always the book I buy for Linda Howard "virgins." You will not be disappointed. You will root for the heroine to win over her lover. The emotions just pour right out of the pages. Buy it!

For all practical purposes, the "hero" is verbally and emotionally abusive.

The is a reissue of Silhouette Intimate Moments No. 349 from 1990 and would have been outdated in its attitude concerning how it is acceptable for a man to treat his family at that date.