“Please, Your Grace, when we go our separate ways, be it by your choice, or mine, if you would fund and arrange my passage abroad.”
Mistress of Rye
In this intriguing Regency romance, Lady Katherine’s stepbrother has tried to assault her in order to force a marriage and obtain her inheritance. She mistakenly believes she has killed him in self-defense, and so, she has to run away to escape the gallows. She must avoid scandal at all costs. She must protect the family name so her brother, who is missing in the Napoleonic wars, can return home to claim his rightful inheritance. Seeking shelter from the law, Lady Katherine offers herself as mistress to the enigmatic Duke of Rye, a national hero. She plans to leave the country the moment her brother is back on English soil. The duke, himself traumatized by the war, takes her as his mistress, thinking she is an imposter or an actress. But, as he comes to appreciate her noble qualities and her courage, he cannot help falling in love with her in spite of the difference in their station. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to her, both her brother and the duke belong to a secret group within the War Office. The group is currently focused on rescuing her brother, while also searching for his missing sister who has suddenly disappeared. No one in the group suspects that the missing sister is the duke’s new, mysterious mistress. But what will happen when they do? What will happen when the duke finds out he is harboring a murderess?
In Mistress of Rye, the main character Lady Katherine is determined to preserve her family name, even after suffering attempted assault at the hands of her stepbrother. She does the only thing she knows to do and that is to flee from the home in desperation. In this Regency romance novel, readers are shown what can be at stake when there is nowhere to turn and there can be trouble around every corner. The newfound romance that comes when Lady Katherine meets the Duke of Rye is compelling and remarkable, specifically the courage shown by both characters at even their weakest moments. With the new romance in the air and the search for the missing Lady in full force, it's a remarkable journey while there is a secret to be kept at all costs. This one is an exciting read and the romance is definitely a memorable one. There's desperation, lust, fear, and determination in a world where it's hard to know who you can turn to and who can be trusted
Mistress of Rye by Emma Reid captures the mystique of a mysterious lover and the thrill of discovering her secrets. Kate Hill showed up at the Duke of Rye's home seeking a safe place to hide before securing the funds to travel to America. Julius, Duke of Rye, is drowning his nightmares of war. He finds she is the calm in his storm, and she finds he is a haven in which to hide. Will he discover her secrets before she leaves, and can he let her go?
I found Mistress of Rye fascinating as Emma Reid brings an unusual twist to Regency romance. You feel the distress Kate must suffer as she is terrified she will be discovered. Her strength to do what is needed, even if it means shame and ruin, is intriguing. I enjoyed the journey of love and look forward to seeing which of Julius's friends fall in love next.
“Mistress of Rye” written by Emma Reid is a Regency romance novel. I am a fan of romantic books and this genre is one that I usually enjoy. Set in the British Isles the story follows Lady Katherine’s fortunes and misfortunes. With her brother missing and escaping from a forced marriage, she has to make a life for herself so she decides to offer herself as a mistress to the Duke of Rye.
This sounds like the typical love story but the author has introduced certain particularities to the plot that make it very original and griping. Apart from reading and following the growth and changes of the characters along the book, I really enjoyed the time the writer took to skilfully describe the setting and how life was at that time. The writing style is excellent. I really liked this book and I strongly recommend it.
