4.5 stars.

I've missed you. I've missed you so much it's breaking my heart.

El, I've missed you. I've died a little every day without you.

Lady Eleanor Ramsay is lurking among a flock of journalists in St. James's Street, waiting for the great Hart Mackenzie, Duke of Kilmorgan, emerging from his club. Eleanor had come to change his life, and she is here to present a business proposition. Someone sent Eleanor a somewhat compromising photograph of Hart. She is quite happy to announce that she'd be pleased to look into the matter for Hart - if he will provide the funds and a small salary of course. Eleanor wants Hart to give her a job. In fact, she'd come like an answer to a prayer because Hart had planned to travel to Glenarden to convince her to marry him.

Eleanor is somewhat concerned to see an altered Hart. The young Hart who was devilishly handsome, teasing and laughed so quickly was long gone. Well, Hart is still handsome of course but he is a very hard and driven man and no one would call him kind. I so enjoyed to witness the hard man softening quite a bit throughout the story. Eleanor hit all the right buttons, and Hart began to laugh more often. Behind his armor, Hart is a very caring and loving man.

The Duke's Perfect Wife is another great story written by the amazing Jennifer Ashley. Even though this is not my favorite story of the Highland Pleasures series, it's absolutely worth reading - very entertaining indeed! I loved the banter between Hart and Eleanor.

Hart raised his head. His gentle look fled, and the sinful smile of the young Hart Mackenzie spread across his face.
"Devil," he said.
"You are still rather attractive, Hart."
"And you still have fire in you." Hart brushed a fingertip over her lashes. "I see it."
"On the contrary. Things have been rather chilly in Aberdeen."
"And you came to London to warm yourself? Wicked lass."

"Maybe you were sent to save me."
"I highly doubt that. No one could save you, Hart Mackenzie."
"Good. I don't want you to save me. Not right now."
"Then what do you want?" she asked.
"I want you to kiss me."

Then again, these two know how to lock horns too! Boy, Eleanor is strong-minded and determined. Oh, yes, did we have a tiny problem with "obedience" my dearest Eleanor? LOL I always loved the control freak Hart, and it was so satisfying to see that our dear Hart finally realized that he didn't need to run the world anymore. He wanted to start trying to run his life since he'd neglected it so much and he found a wonderful match in Eleanor!

I loved the characters, and I especially enjoyed to see Hart's brothers again. Ian made a huge appearance and I truly appreciated it. Further, I think the photo session was very well done. It was sensual and playful at the same time. Admittedly, the love scenes were not supremely hot but I liked them a lot though. They were well written and sensual. The story is nicely enhanced by a little touch of suspense. I won't reveal anything substantial here but it has something to do with Hart's political aspirations.

What annoyed me
Hart kept saying he couldn't do it without her. He couldn't face the world without Eleanor. But. At a certain point I wanted to throttle good old Hart and tell him he should admit that he loved her! Gosh, what's so darn difficult to voice your feelings, huh? Yeah, I got it, our hard and driven hero had some issues when it came to his feelings and shortcomings. Well, all's well that ends well, after all!

Eleanor is the perfect lady for the great Hart.

I strongly advise you to read the author's note about the Irish Home Rule.