The Ice Duchess

The Ice Duchess

The Duchess Society #0.5

Tracy Sumner

★★★★★

Georgina Whitcomb survived a horrible marriage, been widowed and now runs a successful school that educates young women how to manage a marriage. But when she runs into Dexter Munro at a house party, all the feelings from her youth coming flooding back. Dex is back to find a wife as his father is dying and he will become Duke soon. Georgina refuses to marry again and lose her independence but Dex is determined to make her change her mind because he has always loved her as well. After spending several passionate days together, she is still determined to carry on…alone. Dex tells her to meet him at the museum in a few days if being apart makes her realize how much she loves him.  

The Plot

So much pining, angst, love and passion tossed into a short novella, but it was perfection! Their unspoken feelings for each other still smoldering after years apart and watching them realize the others feelings was too good! And his compassion for what she went through in her first marriage and his pursuit of her had me so in love with Dex. Some heroines who just deny, deny, deny bother me, but Georgie didn’t; I genuinely understood her hesitation with giving her heart away. 

“He wants to give me the world, Hildy.” She glanced again at the map while she negotiated with her heart. “And you know what? I think I’ll take it.”

The Heroine

Georgina Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne was in love with Dex, but left her behind to pursue his geology career, and with the death of her brother, she was married off to an old man, who treated her poorly. She morphed from a fun loving adventurous girl to the closed-off Ice Countess she is now. I truly felt for her and understood her heartbreak. 

The Hero

Dexter Munro, soon-to-be Duke of Markham, left home years ago after a fight with his father, leaving Georgina behind. He traveled everywhere pursuing his interest in geology, but with his dad dying, he came home to pick up his place as the future Duke. It bothered me that he could leave her to her fate all while harboring feelings for her, but he redeemed himself by revealing his feelings for her and pursuing her even when she closed herself off to his pursuits. 

“Dex, the other young lady I planned to introduce you to…” His gaze shot to a window high above them. His father’s bedchamber, she assumed. Stepping back, his hands dove into his trouser pockets as his lips flattened. “Send me a note with the date and time, and I’ll be there. Looking very ducal and pretending to feel happy about this process. No one will have any clue it’s you I want.”

The Steam

Although a slow burn, when the spark finally does ignite it is hot since they’ve been pining after each other for over a decade!

Stand Out Moment

Oh my gosh, my heart ripped out of chest when she didn't show up to their meeting spot!

Who Would Like This

Anyone looking for a quick, steamy read that sets the stage for the rest of the series.

"Parts of her body that had lain dormant for years aroused with his choked breath. He was affected; she was overwhelmed. If Dex turned, pushed her to the floor, and climbed atop her, she’d let him. Welcome him, despite her fragile heart, despite her fears, despite her suspicion that their chance at love had passed. This level of desire was a creature she’d never experienced nor soothed."

Final Thoughts

I adored watching this romance unfold and am eager to start the next book in the series!

Tropes

Regency Era, House party, Titled hero, Widow, Experienced heroine, Damaged heroine, Unrequited love, Second Chance, fling to love