ARC Review: To Tame A Wild Lady (Duke Defying Daughters) by Ashlyn MacNamara

It's like she wrote this book just for me. To Tame a Wild Lady has an abundance of spirit and heart that right away had me invested. I loved Caro she was a spitfire and not afraid to show it. It's not always paramount to have a heroine in need of saving and Ms. MacNamara gets that. Sometimes the hero needs a little saving. Love can build a bridge that can overcome social class, personal objections and any obstacle that stands in the way. With an open mind and an open heart, acceptance from the outside world is irrelevant. Adrian and Caro may have been unconventional in their personalities but the bond they built is as permanent as the sun in the sky. It may come under fire but can withstand the heat. ( )

She was 'a temptation, a challenge, and utterly off-limits.'

'It is a truth universally acknowledged that a daughter of a duke is raised to believe she can do as she dashed well pleases, which may lead her into all manner of difficulty.' (from To Lure a Proper Lady).
These are words from Lady Elizabeth's pen, and so pertinent to the Duke of Sherrington's second daughter, Lady Caroline Wilde. Caroline refuses to ride side saddle, instead rides astride in a pair of men's breeches. Startling indeed!
Indeed Adrian Crosby's introduction to Caro is on a rainswept day when he mistakes her for a youth attempting to help another youngster who's fallen from a horse.
And yet Caro knows she can't do what she dash well pleases, even though she will give it her best shot. There is only so far she can go to breach the men's only circle of the hunt and she dearly wants to be allowed to ride with the illusive Sir Bellingham who conducts one of the best-known hunts in England. This is Caroline's all important goal--to be allowed to join the hunt.
I am so enjoying these Duke Defying Daughters! I love this family. First we had Elizabeth's story, now we have Caroline's. Caroline, the horse mad hellion whose desires are centred around being able to ride with the hunt something women can't do.
Add to that the fact that the wicked Pendleton is still in the picture, still coveting Caro's horse Bodeccia, bodes no good for Caroline. Introducing into the mix the new land agent for the Duke's estate in Suffolk, Sherrington Manor--a land agent determined to try to get the property back on its feet, even if Caroline's horse training land should revert to being used for crops. Caroline has other plans. She didn't count on the electric attraction between the two.
(After reading this I reread Elizabeth and Dysart's story, To Lure a Proper Lady, the first in the series and enjoyed it just as much the second time around.)
To Tame a Wild Lady is a wonderful roller coaster ride of thwarted desires, mysterious happenings and reluctant duties.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

ARC copy provided by publisher. All opinions and review are solely my own -- none influenced my love for the book except the author's talent!

Any time I pick up one of author Ashlyn Macnamara’s books, I can be assured of an interesting, hot and spicy read.

Lady Caroline Wilde (I’m sure her last name is intentional!) is the second daughter of a duke. Her father has closeted himself away for close on ten years, since the death of his beloved wife. Therefore, allowing his daughter to be quite the wild thing without his censure. She loves the country life, the freedom it provides her, and horses. More than not, you will find her in breeches riding astride over her father’s lands.

Lady Caroline chafes at being a duke’s daughter. Why should the ton have anything to do with how she wants to live her life? Her biggest dream is to ride her beloved champion horse in Earl Bellingham’s fox hunt. Unfortunately, they don’t allow women to hunt with them. Her logic is why shouldn’t be allowed if she proves her expertise with a horse? After all, aren’t mares allowed to hunt and female hounds? Why should her gender prevent her when she can outhorse any man in the county? Such is the fighting spirit of Caro.

Adrian Crosby, the new estate agent, meets Caro at her very worst, as society would measure her. She’s in boy’s breeches and covered with mud. She’s just located Gus, an eleven-year-old, who doesn’t understand the word 'no'. He had decided to go our riding, even though he does not seat a horse well. Mimicking Caro’s hedge and wall jumping, he tries to jump a trench, his horse slips, he’s thrown and Gus falls and is unconscious. Caro finds him but is unable to pick him up. Along Adrian comes, on his way to the manor for a job interview, and gets everyone back to the manor, the very one he will be working.

Adrian Crosby is running from past problems in his previous work, and never feels he measures up. He was educated somewhat by the marchioness of Wyvern and had worked alongside its estate agent. From outward appearances, his manner bespeaks a gentleman. His clothes set him apart, however. This inconsistency peaks Caro’s curiosity and eventually sparks fly. Caro is both stubborn and spoiled, giving her the mindset she shouldn’t be denied what she wants. Adrian would have his woman no other way.

Major Obstacles:
• Lady Caroline can’t chase a man, especially when she must marry someone of her station.
• Adrian can’t possibly reach above his station to consider Lady Caro. He would only ruin her.

Their attraction must be denied. In this, they are both in cages; Lady Caro’s is gilded, Adrian’s is being born on the wrong side of the blanket.

Snowley Wild, the duke’s nephew, who provides comic relief to this tale, is to inherit the estate and spends much of his time at the manor. He’s something of a dimwit, at least it appears that way, is socially incompetent, and generally is just tolerated because of his future dukedom. He is seen often posing for Pippa, Caro’s younger sister, who has a passion for sketching.

A story of strong emotions where two people from different stations in life can find true love when so many forces are against them. Can Lady Caroline fight for what she wants? Can Adrian let this woman go, knowing he loves her, but he is only a curiosity to her? You will not want to miss this series. Engagingly written, with a sensual and demanding heroine, who finds her match in Adrian. ( )

Cato and Adrian's story is full of lust, longing and steamy romance. Cato is strong willed and quite a change from the society women of London. Adrian a breath of fresh air with his wisdom, wit and well honed muscles, and it's not long before the two can't keep their eyes and other things off each other!
True to form, Macnamara's story is well written with a detailed, developed plot that holds your attention. The characters are multidimensional and likable, which makes this story a definite hit.
*I received an arc for an honest review ( )

I received an ARC for voluntary review for netgalley. I enjoyed book, even though I do not think name really applies. I mean in regency times, she is considered wild, but who is the taming? No one really does, hence reason why I did not agree with name. At first book started a little slow, but it did get better. Adrian and Caro were instantly attracted to one another, even though they were from different stations in life, she was daughter of duke, he was just an estate manager. He did try to resist her, but did not work. She wanted a life different from what was expected of her as a woman in her era, which was to get married and plan parties, and stick to the tons norm. That was not for her, what she tried to do to change her life, did not come to fruition. Adrian, had ran from his previous position because the so called lady of household, wanted him, and he was let go. When he and Caro get together, that lady shows to reek havoc, since he would not give in to her demands. He was let go, Caro is depressed, but sister would not allow, and she does after him, they do get there HEA. There are some twist and turns and of course, we always have villains. ( )