Perfect in Every Way

Manors and Mysteries, Book 2

By: Kristen Ashley

Narrated by: Stella Bloom

Historical fiction writer, Vivienne Dupree, is hoping to unravel the mystery of her WWII soldier, great-grandfather’s doomed love affair with the lovely Lady Harmony. A woman he met convalescing at the sweeping English country estate, The Downs.

Vivienne jumps at the invitation to spend time at this magnificent property, doing so with unfettered access to family papers.

What she doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face—and immediately go head-to-head—with Battle Talyn, the ludicrously handsome, imposing, ridiculously arrogant Duke of Burleigh.

From the start, Vivi and Battle match wits, but it doesn’t take long for Vivi to realize something is amiss at The Downs. She dives into her research to figure it out, at the same time Battle launches a campaign that Vivi doesn’t quite understand.

The game is on, and a mystery is afoot.

What kept the doomed lovers apart all those years ago? What’s happening in the ballroom? Is there a curse on The Downs?

And what does all of this have to do with Battle and Vivi?

©2026 Kristen Ashley (P)2025 Audible, Inc.

Romance at its best but with family love and responsibility wrapped in a wonderful read❤️

Not sure I disliked anything but I wanted it to go on and on. Most of Kristen Ashley books I reread this one is no exception.

A story perfect in every way!

An English country estate, a titled hero, a smart heroine, and a mystery waiting to be solved, just a few things I love about this story. Also, I love that all the Talyn siblings are in their own way very protective of each other. The romance between Battle and Vivi was passionate and sweet. The story wrapped up nicely with no eleventh hour misunderstanding between the MC, which I appreciated very much.

Stella Bloom did a wonderful job narrating. Her pacing moved the story along enjoyably, and her distinct voices for the characters were marvelous.

the banter!

kristen ashley and stella bloom are perfect together, just like the characters in the stories.

Another great male hero!

There is not one book of Kristen Ashley’s that I haven’t loved , and this is another. This will be a book I listen to over and over again.

Fantasmigorical!

Just like the books before it - and looking forward to any that might come in future - it was a great - sweet - romantic - and fun read. Is it classical literature? Well - I Sure there are many who might not think so? But - for those of us who have enjoyed the writing style and resulting stories by KA - this is a wonderful return to a flat out Good Read. It is also really nice that they had the great sense to use the best narrator for the story. Those of us who are blatant fans of a good ol’ romance with a well woven story and a HEA are all very glad to see a new one and looking forward to any possible new ones. Thanks KA!