[Historical Romance] Bad Luck Bride by Laura Lee Guhrke

Third time’s a charm? For Lady Kay Matheson, it had better be. Her first engagement was a failed elopement; the second ruined by gossip about the first. Resigned to be a disgraced spinster, no one is more surprised than Kay when an American millionaire offers for her hand. Just when she’s convinced she will finally make it down the aisle, the scoundrel who broke her heart arrives with his own fiancée.

Devlin Sharpe has finally become a success. He has wealth, connections, and a lovely bride-to-be—and he won’t let an old flame derail all his hard work. But it turns out time has not dampened his grudge toward Kay—or the desire sparking between them. And one searing kiss threatens to ruin their wedding plans and their futures, and make Kay the bad-luck bride all over again.

Scandal at the Savoy. Book 3

I finally finished it. Not because it was a bad book to follow, I just started it when I was not in the best state, but because I was so caught up in the Hyde-Clare mystery these couple of days the pending Bad Luck Bride was simply glaring at me accusingly.

Kay and Devlin are sort of fated lovers that have a story about them. After the failed elopement Kay was sent away, far from gossiping crowd (not really), while Sharpe was under the impression that they still have a future and he is about to prove it.

But it's not fate that prevents them from reuniting, but a coy plan of Kay's father, who lulled Devlin into submission when the young man promised to succeed he agreed to receive a loan from Kay's father and Kay was left under the impression and persuasion of her parent that Devlin actually left her for money.

Plan worked and the lovers kept living under the wrong impression for years.

Devlin wrote to her, she never received his letters and vice versa.

Later when Devlin saw the news of Kay's engagement it was the moment he finally accepted the fact that Kay may not have wanted him and chose a future of financial stability.

This type of misunderstanding was sizzling for 14 years.

Becoming almost a damaged goods and pariah, Kay and her family denied the rumors that ruined her second engagement and as teh synopsis said - third time's a charm. She is approached by a wealthy American when her family is in dire straits. Very familiar plot when American millionaires married English aristocracy that was in financial decline due to overall changes.

But is it a marriage that she wants?

She sees stability in this marriage, maybe some sort of affection. But to drive the narrative this man is actually the simile of her late father, same authoritative.

From another side Devlin has been a successful businessman, having several hotels in different cities. Now he wanted to settle down and forget the past for real. But meeting Kay again proved him wrong, the fact is that strong feelings were much alive and desire and hate co-existed.

When they met this time they both were seething with emotions.

But this also became their second chance.

Although misunderstanding was eventually resolved, the fact that both were engaged to different people still stayed. Even if they both felt more unsettling the more the date grew closer.

The engagements were broken in an interesting way though.

And Kay finds herself in predicament again. Though she did not do anything completely wrong an dpublic, but considering her backstory she was the one who was dragged by gossip papers the most.

Yet she did not accept the easy way out when Devlin (who already knew what he wanted) proposed.

I'm not sure I completely agree with her short employment because as you can guess the two decided eventually that they love each other and they will be together. I understand her desire to showcase her self-worth, instead of being constantly manipulated by men in her life. Maybe my desire lies solely that I wanted this part to be expanded. I mean to me I think Devlin loves her enough she wouldn't need to ask he would let her stand side by side and involve her (this is what I assume their future might be). Her short employment involves becoming Delia's aide before they are resolved to commit to the life together. It kinda cheapened the effect of what she wanted from that employment. I realise that it may be hard to showcase your worth near a man, but Delia (FMC of book 2) works as a general manager of the new hotel, so she is the ruling person over this small kingdom and she is a great example. This is the only part that got to me a little.

Can't deny that because I read Scandal of the Year by LLG before this one, which also had some of the elements, like fated lovers, second chance, looking back at the past to explain the love etc. I had the sense of deja vu. I don't want to put a high hat on this novel and say they're the same, they're not, it just coincided like that.

It's a solid work. 

RATE: 4/5.

[Historical Romance] Scandal of the Year by Laura Lee Guhrke

Delicious. This book made more for the first book than the first did for itself.

ONE TRYST WAS ALL SHE WANTED ...

From their very first meeting, Julia knew that Aidan Carr, the oh-so-proper Duke of Trathen, had a bit of the devil in him, a devil who secretly yearned for what he could not have, a devil who harbored a desire for her. So when she needed to be caught in a compromising situation, Aidan was the answer to her prayers.

ONE TRYST JUST WASN'T ENOUGH ...

Aidan is supposed to be looking for a bride, yet his scandalous liaison with Julia is all he can think about. Hot, erotic memories of kissing her skin, falling into her bed, pulling her naked body on top of his own continue to torment and tempt him. What is it about this brazen seductress that he finds so hard to resist? And how can he stop himself from falling into her bed a second time?

Abandoned at the Altar. Book 2

By my short impression of this book when I reached around 60% this is genuinely how I felt. It has a bit of perspective (actually quite a few moments) when Julia mentions Beatrix and her family situation. I have no idea why it impacted me much more than when I was reading the first book myself.

Back then I thought to myself - what a good conflict for a book. Both people love each other deeply, but they face a certain choice that is based on their current convictions and Beatrix had it harder, because her life was stiffled by the upbringing and hardcore control of her father and despite his despotism she loved him, so it was very conflicting, but I suppose the execution wasn't enough for me. Funnily, I feel quite complete after having few instances from Julia's perspective. After all the 3rd person opinion does have an effect.

Now back to this book and its' inhabitants.

The basic situation was - after he broken off his engagement and after Julia was at her wit's end about her husband always on her heels, she returned to a path she thought would definitely secure her a divorce - an affair. It might be a false affair but she needed her husband to witness herself in bed with another man and the only person she could allow near herself was only Aidan.

Their fate might be described as tragic. Because you can feel they're those fated lovers who were destined to miss each other each time.

The first time they met was 12 or 13 years ago (according to Aidan's reminiscence), he saw her on a footbridge, she had her eyes closed, lying down, her hair tumbling down and her feet in the stream. She felt like a dream, before she opened her eyes and started talking. And all the dreams shattered.

But Aidan still knew that it was the first and only woman who awakened all his passions.

Yet she was betrothed to another for her behavior (she escaped after a young man she loved).

They both felt that fatal attraction for each other, but it fealt like - not meant to be, for now.

The second time they met ten years later, she was very unhappy in her marriage, all her finances were strangled by her husband in attempts to control her, she basically was escaping him everywhere, but it wasn't as critical. And she met Aidan again and he evoked a plan - he is the only man she'd allow to touch herself to construct the scene so believable, so her husband will finally let her be free.

But unfortunately the same ball Aidan met Beatrix and they became engaged soon after (contents of the first book). Aidan found Beatrix agreeable, but not evoking something deeper.

Later their engagement fell through and here Julia's chance arrived as she was close to desperation.

And she hated herself for what she's done, but she'd do it again if it promised her the freedom.

I think the portrayal in this one is better. Although it does sound like it starts from passion, but you can't skip on the fact that they felt something for each other, of course painfully oblivious (not my fave thing :) but). It also has several flashbacks, which hints on different stages of their character-building.

Aidan is very proper and disciplined and has all the right views, but he feels a bit stiff to outside world, especially Julia. But she feels he has a bit of a more adventurous streak about himself.

Julia should be complete opposite, very social and fun.

But all of their traits have roots in the past. In modern times it is called - family trauma?

The two are like bright stars that never meant to allign when the two meet again.

A year after her divorce, a public trial and being out of sight. Julie tries to restore some of her reputation and Aidan can't help but think about the duty. He's very responsible, okay. At least he doesn't want people depending on him enter the darkest age if his everything will be inherited by the closest irresponsible male relation.

And the phrase - Julia needs money - would evoke intrigue. But Aidan simply hires her for social engagements (filtering anyone and everything, so he won't waste his time with people he might not need to meet in the first place, but who could also pose a trouble, everyone wants a Duke in their family).

Of course their previous incident is the elephant in the room sooner or later they're going to make their own judgements about or make moves.

I'll be honest I like how it was resolved, there was a brooding emotional conflict that leads to the finale and is repeated time and time again that Julia doesn't see her marrying again, but I see it a great ending that she basically confessed to many things, to see the support from him, reasonably freak out of course and make her mind. After all, petal is so honorable, she couldn't see him unhappy :)

RATE: 5/5.

[Historical Romance] The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:

- They will be husband and wife by night only.

- No lights, no kissing.

- No questions about his battle scars.

- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:

- They will have dinner together every evening.

- With conversation.

- And unlimited teasing.

- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…

Girl Meets Duke. Book 1

Was it a trashy novel? Unmistakenly.

But did I have fun? Absolutely.

The thing is this novel hardly passes as a historical romance. Outside the fact that author confessed to name badminthon earlier than the real name of it appeared, this book reads as modern one.

It's not only about the words they use, it's about how they talk.

But modern contemporary romance would not allow a plotline like that. Which is absolutely bonkers.

The relationships in this one are quite shallow, although author tries to insist on the opposite.

I still had my fun with this ridiculous novel because of those dialogues between FMC and MMC. They are not realistic at all, my brain simply separated them from the plot that is so ridiculous.

I'm the raccoon of my pile, I can sniff the trashiness, because basically the story starts right away and it's outside the scope of my imagination. Emma comes to him demanding to be paid for her work on his ex-fiancee's dress (don't question details from here on out, because there's too much to ask) and she refused to back down in front of a duke whose face (by his own words) scares children into hysterics. On the contrary our girl is unlike anyone else and sees him as manly or a good ass.

Ash needed a wife and soon (what's the hurry who knows, we don't even know his age..I believe, but I repeat, don't question the details) and Emma seems to be just right.

Seamstress to Duchess doesn't surprise anyone.

His reason for this marriage may not be that dumb, but hers is. You go girl. She knows she may get a house where she can help a young girl who was deceived to.. basically deceive others. Because she was pregnant, couldn't confess to her loving father and wanted to conceal the fact of her pregnancy and birth. No exploration from Emma's side into the loving father, she acts just because of the girl's words. Just because she was thrown out like that once. Remarkable, but as turned out off the mark.

So they marry within a week. And they procede to procreate (not my word, direct quote).

Honestly they have that insta-lust from the first touch. Which eventually turns into love because well, they don't need much, they just treat each other as human beings, while other wither betrayed or did something hurtful.

The only good side to modernity of their conversations from the get-go is the fact that they communicated a lot and did not have misunderstandings. The two times they did it felt so forced, like please. I laughed so hard. But they needed a conflict to confirm their feelings so here we are.

Ash acted like a mixed media, sometimes he's an utter ass, sometimes he can be nice.

In the end both admitted that all the previous rules they decided to invent for their marriage did not work and they love each other.

I have no idea why someone mentions Pride and Prejudice, because of his smashed mirror I thought of Beauty and the Beast. She comes, she heals, happy ending.

What I also find quite flat is Emma's relationship with future protagonists of their own books. Honestly, we know nothing about them outside of bare minimum, their name and occupations. But the friendship aspect that author tried to promote fell flat to me, because their connection was so thin. Penny invited Emma just out of the blue, Emma liked this small circle of "outcasts" thus she stayed. I always find the supporting female friendship cute, but I honestly wished more, but since this novel is the level of flat floor surface I couldn't do anything if it felt shallow.

Very contrasting experience. Maybe because I switched off my perception of everything else outside of joke. You can't convince me that this is something more than an average fun book that is totally not serious. If one will find the jokes and everything else crude, I can see that too. I kinda clicked with the humor, so I was done with this book in no time.

Maybe later I will collect another post for short reviews, I've been on a search lately and had more to the collection of historical mystery with couples (as I call it). And I think I will do it after I'll filter through several Korean novels I found lately. As for Chinese novels as my main food, I'm not in the mood for any of the bookmarked I have.

RATE: 3/5.

[Historical Romance] Lady Scandal by Laura Lee Guhrke

Backlog #14

I was on the roll with LLG and my eyes were on the latest of her. This is "Scandal at the Savoy" series that she is working on these years. Weird to say years but it is true, LLG releases book per year I think.

The first one was Bookshop Cinderella where FMC was taken to have a chance to have fun among the ton and spend her season with MMC and his sister.

The second book is about this sister.

Delia Stratham is a sophisticated, thoroughly modern woman who often flouts convention. Despite being well-born with plenty of money, she loves working at London's luxurious Savoy Hotel, coming up with ideas for the venue's lavish entertainments and then procuring whatever is needed to transform them into reality. Earning her own living planning the lavish banquets, balls, and parties for which the Savoy is famous gives her a satisfaction that none of her three marriages could—and she has no intention of giving it up.

But when fraud is uncovered at the Savoy, ruthless hotel magnate Simon Hayden becomes a major investor and vows to clean up the corruption and fire anyone responsible for the thefts. But is the beautiful, beguiling Delia stealing from the hotel, or is it just Simon’s heart she's running off with?

Scandal at the Savoy. Book 2

The premise of this book is pretty simple, Simon was appointed as a manager, because Savoy despite all the exterior glitz was losing in revenue for quite some time. He needed to investigate what is the cuase of it all and found out a big chain of corruption. But he couldn't make up his mind of Delia was a participant or oblivious lady.

It didn't help that Delia expressed some of her opinions on free stuff, ton paying in advance (because most of the nobles did not pay and only lived on credit as if it was an obvious thing to do, just because they had a title) etc. This is why it was hard for him to judge, only knowing her later when the sparks stopped flying around each time they met he realized that she is not that type of person, but one thing is to know and another is to find proof, so afterwards she will keep her position at the Savoy, since this place was important for her after the death of her last husband.

Actually proved to be a pretty nice book.

Although some may say that Simon took it too far with his suspicion, but I think he acted quite rational despite being completely charmed by Delia every time he saw her. He did not want the sudden passion to cloud his better judgement.

Delia actually had her own reasons to believe in things, partially she acted in accordance how other corrupt employees did, but she was oblivious to the entire situation overall. And she refused to believe that the person who took her away from misery could be so corrupt.

She is called a black widow behind her back, because she was married three times and all three husbands died, but they had their own causes of death. Delia herself says she has a worst taste in men. The first one had a d* addiction. Second was more of a romantic spirit, but she had no idea that he had mistresses and he died in a car crash with one of them. The last one was stable and older than her, now she wanted to have kids and live a life, but her husband died (I think smth like heart attack, forgot).

Now she was attracted to Simon at least as a lover, since she is a big girl and knows what she wants.

But has no idea that Simon's partially suspected her.

Note: The background of several characters is fictional, but LLG uses real people, like Ritz who opened his own hotel and was let go for unknown reason (so this is part of author's speculation). Savoy is still standing strong. I looked it up and it looked lovely.

Actually, she was innocent in all of those schemes that existed at Savoy, but it was decided to fire her regardless. Then she finds out and is furious, she wants to leave with Ritz to Paris and build a new hotel there. Bt she is not fully happy. Only when she talked to Ritz about her apartment she realized that Ritz used so much of hotel's funds inappropriately and wanted to fund her living in Paris and write it off as hotel's expenses. While she always paid for her bills she was shocked to finally see the truth.

But because Simon is righteous, he who was bound by obligation to never share the purpose of his investigation did not reveal to Delia anything, even if he wanted to. This is why by the last minute she did not hear the truth from him but waited for the note that she's fired from her position.

She was furious, he tried to make things better. No really he fell in love with her, was ready to propose and marry her. But the incident dropped a shadow on their relationship and she was still not informed.

I actually liked what he said at the end - would she find him as good if he actually betrayed the promise he made and shared the confidential things with her. But eventually he ssent her the letter with investigation results so she could see his sincerity and return to him. Yet she had the conversation with Ritz before she opened that letter.

And a happy ending when she returns.

Simon leaves Savoy and other hotel that was connected to a couple who hired him in the first place, but the husband was constantly sick and the wife was too hostile to Delia all the time and was responsible for her being fired.

Now he found investors to revitalize Mayfer in the face of Delia's brother and his friend, who actually have a feud.

The main characters of the next book actually have an extensive appearance in this one. It's a couple that wanted to elope but was stopped on the way. The man (Simon's friend) was deemed as dowry hunter, while the man thought his chosen one (Delia's friend) betrayed him because he was poor at that time. Now the man is rich and the girl is not so much, but she finally found herself a husband and he also is getting ready to marry. Exciting settings.

RATE: 4,25/5.

[Historical Romance] Wedding of the Season by Laura Lee Guhrke

Backlog #13

These are old books by LLG. Although it's harsh to say "old" but they're from '10s and it's more than a decade ago. Wedding of the Season is a first book in a series called "Abandoned at the Altar", which is an interesting concept. With upcoming book by LLG she actually returns to this trope.

I am reading these for the first time? I'm just not sure which from the two series of American Heiress and Abandoned I've read and which I did not.

Thing is I got to know LLG when I bought a book in my native language. But the problem with licensing and publishing of western historical romances is that not always they translate the series, they might as well just pick a book from a series and I'm not sure if publishers are aware of the fact. But they pick what they deem interesting and translate the book they want instead of translating entre series just because it is a series in original.

(oh good old Avon covers, I miss them, I feel sorry for Avon to basically being swallowed, but life is life)

Abandoned at the altar...

Lady Beatrix Danbury had always known she would marry William Mallory. She'd loved him forever, and she'd never doubted he loved her, too. But when she made him choose between their life together or his lifelong dream, Will chose the latter...and left two weeks before their wedding.

Return of the duke...

Will has no illusions that Beatrix would welcome him back with open arms, but six years did not dim his love or desire for her. The only problem is, she's about to marry someone else. Someone safe and predictable...the complete opposite of Will. But can he stop the wedding of the season and win Beatrix back, or is it just too late?

Abandoned at the Altar. Book 1

The main conflict of this book is that our Duke wanted to travel to Egypt in the search of tomb of Tut. But Beatrix wasn't ready for such a sacrifice.

And it's not that she's a bad person, but actually I wish LLG would dive deeper into her controlled childhood. We basically should read between the lines how her own father controlled her so she would always stay the closest to him, Will even suspected that he allowed the two of them have such an extensive relationship because they were neighbors and her father expected Will to stay close. Only because Beatrix's mother eloped for love to Paris, to paint and be with her lover (she had some unknown devastatingly sad ending in poverty and infamy). This is why Beatrix's father did instil many of the things in her head throughout the years. And this is why when it came to choosing she couldn't choose her lover, because otherwise she would leave her father behind (almost like her mother).

Years later Will returns to England in the need of a sponsor and the one he thinks will help him is none other than Lord Marlowe (here we actually meet our beloved Lord Marlowe from "And then he kissed her", but he has no extensive role and I was not sure how old he was in this, but they had three kids and the youngest daughter wasn't even properly walking). But he also knows that right now his ex-fiancee Beatrix is going to marry another man, more stable, someone good.

He thought that years might have dulled the passion and love but he was wrong. They kinda loved each other but also wore spikes of disappointment that the other person did not choose them.

The lively exchange sparked and the feelings were boiling.

Because they knew each other for so long, were inlove for so long and were so passionate about each other. But when it came to making a choice it felt like one person must sacrifice for the other person completely. And if they did who knows how their lived would have turned out.

Beatrix may not be everyone's cup of tea, she is the epitome of a lady, she wants a quiet life and she wants kids, she loves her life (or so she thinks).

But you can see that she has a streak for some adventure, when her father was gone she followed her relative to "relax" and actually started driving an automobile. Started to feel alive again.

She also met her fiance, felt that they might not really have feelings for each other but they can have enough affection to make this marriage work.

And then Will came back and all those plans flew out the window.

Along the way the engagement was cancelled, but Beatrix still didn't want to leave the shores of England and follow Will, no matter how Will tried to remind her that she had so much passion for things they talked about many years ago, not just because she tried to carry on the conversation, but that she wanted to go on a journey herself.

But I'd say I liked the last scene, the thrilling ride to catch up with the leaving train was fine, finally choosing the man she loves even if the way they're going will drop a shadow of scandal. And Will actually stayed behind. Like two close souls that decided to choose a person instead of everything else.

Note: Interestingly the second book is about the ex-fiance 😁 and her relative who taught her driving (who is actually in the middle of very unhappy marriage right now) yet to read that one.

RATE: 3,75/5.

[Historical Romance] The Lord Next Door by Gayle Callen

Backlog #11

This is the second book I DNF-ed during the period. And I do not regret it. Some books are just not it.

And even if there is nothing particularly bad about them, but they're kinda bland.

I was surprised because the beginning was so vigurous and promising.

(this is a new cover, obviously, this novel is from '05 and the original cover is pretty much early Photoshop)

To rescue her family from financial ruin, lovely Victoria Shelby has no choice but to marry. Her options for a bridegroom are limited...until she remembers the shy servant boy next door. Then she discovers that her childhood friend is actually Viscount Thurlow—ruthless businessman, future earl, and a man whose family is shrouded in scandal.

After two rejected marriage proposals, David Thurlow needs a wife who will give him an heir, someone who will not only overlook his past but also be above reproach. Victoria is the ideal candidate—quiet, unassuming, and in desperate need of funds. But even as she strives to be the perfect wife, her calm demeanor masks a shocking secret...one that is overshadowed by David's slow, heated lessons in the art of seduction that threaten to transform a "convenient" marriage into a torrid and passionate affair.

Sisters of Willow Pond. Book 1

This book started promising.

Victoria had a journal hidden in the garden (let'd pretend it was in a place that would survive the weather) between two neighboring houses, but it was found by the neighbor's boy. The boy was actually the heir who pretended to be cook's son.

The two had an extensive exchange in the journal as means of communication, it was lovely to see how the two shared something about their lives, and although David used an alias and fake identity, he still held this connection close to his heart, but this connection became thinner at some point when the two grew up.

Now years later Victoria finds herself in predicament, her father who once was a figure with solid financial foundation left them with debts, soon they will be evicted from the house and have nowhere to go.

Note: Tbh several of similar premises made me think of what can woman in such situation do, since they're so dependant on men. Their father wasn't a lord, but a banker, but still.

Now that her two sisters went to work, she stayed in the house with her mother. She wasn't as talented as others in things that would be beneficial in a profession, she loved to play music the most and had affection for embroidery. But now they have nothing to sell in the house to keep on going.

And this is where she remembers the boy she conversed through journal and wanted to find him (yes, to marry him). Which to me already kinda dropped a shadow on the logic, since why would you think a cook's son will be able to handle this financially. Not to mention why would someone agree to such a burden, you're not so appealing.

But then she finds out that David is the boy and he actually a lord.

David needed a wife, while she needed a husband. Due to David's father infamy he couldn't find a wife among the ton, so he directed this attention towards Victoria and they made a deal.

I did not read much, Victoria felt kinda meek, but then I read that she will change and become almost a London's sensation... Since she is needed to support David in his political career as well.

But then when they basically only married or were soon-to-be married David had a meeting with a woman who was supposed to be his lover / mistress. Who actually was mentioned during one of the dinners and you could feel her weird vibes towards Victoria.

I'm not a fan of such situations in general. I don't say that a man like a woman should come into marriage as a blank sheet, after all it's historical setting as well. But the need to make him have someone almost before marriage made me feel the ick. And plot-wise I saw no need.

But Victoria is good-natured and the first thing she did was think how good it would be to connect / reconcile David and his father again. Mind you, she has no idea what the scandal was (for real no one talked directly what exactly happened) and this scandal made David bear the consequences for years. Why she thought it was a great idea I have no idea.

But this Victoria aka good wife material made me lose interest pretty quickly. The plot felt bland and not exciting at all. Although I could be thankful for one thing, there were time skips, which was nice.

It was obvious that all three books will be the Cinderella type of poor girl and a man in power coming like a knight in shining armor to save them and elevate their status.

So because I didn't vibe with the book I put it down. There is no need to hang on it just for the sake of finishing it. 

RATE: DNF.

[Historical Romance] How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days by Laura Lee Guhrke

Backlog #10

They had a deal...

From the moment she met the devil-may-care Duke of Margrave, Edie knew he could change her life. And when he agreed to her outrageous proposal of a marriage of convenience, she was transformed from ruined American heiress to English duchess. Five years later, she's delighted with their arrangement, especially since her husband is living on another continent.

But deals are made to be broken...

By marrying an heiress, Stuart was able to pay his family's enormous debts, and Edie's terms that he leave England forever seemed a small price to pay. But when a brush with death impels him home, he decides it's time for a real marriage with his luscious American bride, and he proposes a bold new bargain: ten days to win her willing kiss. But is ten days enough to win her heart?

An American Heiress in London. Book 2

Well, this was a good book but it also felt like a let down.

Edie is mentioned in the first book, she is kinda that one time when Belinda was mistaken and considered the union of Edie and Stuart as her personal failure, having no idea that this was Edie's goal to have a nominal husband all along, just so she won't have to return to New York where all her nightmares originated.

Stuart had a near-death experience in Africa and in those last moment he thought of Edie. Now that he survived he wants to go back and become a real couple with his wife, even if it means to break his promise.

By now he has no idea why Edie is s against their marital life and asked him to leave, so at least he holds hope in his heart that he can capture Edie's attention and they could be husband and wife.

I must admit some of his wording wasn't the best (by the way it sounded) that actually he wanted family, something eternal to have. I could understand the idea, but just the wording wasn't to my liking.

Stuart offers a 10-day deal, so they try to communicate and date to know each other more and by the end of it Edie must take initiative to kiss Stuart.

Edie is terrified at first, she is too traumatized by her experience (she was obviously SA'd in New York) and she can't imagine going to bed with another man. She has enough money to get out of the estate that became her own home just to distance herself and live a peaceful life she acquired.

Honestly, I felt so bad for Edie, although I may not agree with what happened in the end, but I just felt bad that he life and the joy she could have was destroyed by a man. She was stigmatized, her reputation ruined and it was a stroke of luck that she met Stuart who was ready to strike a deal with her, her money in exchange he goes to Africa, out of sight out of mind.

With their agreement of 10 days Stuart was really attentive and took things step by step, you could feel his sincerity. Part of the book they want to outwit each other.

All before he finds out the truth about what happened in New York.

Fro one side he tries to heal Edie and from another he has a plan how to destroy the man.

I must say I was not a big fan of how the whole deal was resolved.

Maybe it should have served as a comparison, but it kinda painted Stuart in bad light.

Because when they finally reached the final stage Stuart basically got lost in pleasure (too pent up after pining for so long) and forgot to pay attention to Edie only finding herself in a wrong condition. Like how is he different from the other man in that moment. And this moment was such a cliffhanger. In order to atone Stuart was ready to accept any punishment Edie wanted to bestow on him, but eventually when they had the peak heart-to-heart talk Edie explained why she froze. It's like things were different with Stuart, although she knows they're two different men but she realizes there is a room for change, but she also has her moments, she can progress from it, they can discuss what to do with it, she felt sorry for years her experience haunted her and ruined her life. All in all it felt like Edie came out of that experience by herself. But I honestly wished there was more depth to this part and more explanation.

This is why I say it felt like a letdown.

I could explain it only by how Edie left me with so many feelings throughout he book and how she felt, that I wanted that moment to be more profound, almost catrphic for her and myself as a reader.

So even if I like Laura Lee Guhrke as an author I do not think that every of her books will be perfect for me or that they can't have misses.

RATE: 3,5/5.

[Historical Romance] Lady Derring takes a lover by Julie Anne Long

Backlog #7

I've read a ton of Historical Romance, but I never came across Julie Anne Long before. You could say that thanks to recs on Goodreads I kept seeing their name when I added my faves to the collection. So I decided to check it out (especially the ratings felt quite high in the HR category).

And the series called Palace of Rogues called out to me.

Who knew I will be so disappointed.

(tbh an ugly cover, I like the style of covers like novels from 80'-90' the most or more vague and artsy instead of inaccurate dresses, modern-looking people and pictures too crisp and unnatural like they glaringly scream "I'm a Photoshop collage")

A mistress. A mountain of debt. A mysterious wreck of a building.

Delilah Swanpoole, Countess of Derring, learns the hard way that her husband, “Dear Dull Derring,” is a lot more interesting—and perfidious—dead than alive. It’s a devil of an inheritance, but in the grand ruins of the one building Derring left her, are the seeds of her liberation. And she vows never again to place herself at the mercy of a man.

But battle-hardened Captain Tristan Hardy is nothing if not merciless. When the charismatic naval hero tracks a notorious smuggler to a London boarding house known as the Rogue’s Palace, seducing the beautiful, blue-blooded proprietress to get his man seems like a small sacrifice.

They both believe love is a myth. But a desire beyond reason threatens to destroy the armor around their hearts. Now a shattering decision looms: Will Tristan betray his own code of honor…or choose a love that might be the truest thing he’s ever known?

The Palace of Rogues. Book 1

I WAS SO BORED.

I can't stress enough how bored I was by reading it. I think counting ants on the ground is more thrilling than this.

And I actually felt like I will be able to read it, since the beginning was so out of ordinary. Lady Derring meets the mistress of her husband, they're both in desperate situation and decide on their venture - boarding house.

Next thing is a grand and crazy plan on how to survive - remodel the building, having their own set of rules of who to allow inside (so this place will become a home for others)

But there is a secret about this building.

Basically it was a whore house in the past, now Dilalah wants it to become a borading house near the docks. They indeed renovated it quite a bit and were waiting for people to come over. But for some reason some bad rumors started spreading so people won't go there at all. Only few people became residents and one of them is our MMC and Captain Hardy.

Capain Hardy was cracking down smuggling all this time and one of the last cases before he plans to retire is to follow the lead on smuggled cigars. One of the leads is - Lady Derring, since the smuggling is connected to her late husband.

So we have the initial and potential conflict of the novel, he came with agenda, but managed to fall in love (about this "love" later).

But the entire novel is so boring and uneventful that it hurt. Not to mention that both characters felt kinda blind to obvious presence of cross-dressing men in the vicinity. And author doesn't make it a secret that something is very odd about two "sisters" who barely speak, look at you etc.

You would think there will be some sort of intrigue or anything else, but no.

They spent it felt quite some time just thinking of following those two "sisters" and figuring out that they're smugglers and /spoilers/ the Palace of Rogues has a secret passage, you could get there through one of the rooms, but it was occupied by unknown person from the very beginning, both smugglers wanted to trespass but never succeeded, the other part of the passage is in the neighboring stables, the problem was that there is a door between Palace and stables which was not only locked but blocked by crates, so they couldn't take things out without disturbance.

But what seemed illogical is that smugglers (according to Hardy) could scare the residents into obedience and just take the load away, but they never did it and waited until Hardy became a resident as well. Well, of course because Hardy was there and they knew his identity they never made a big move.

Anyway most part of the novel is how Delilah and Hardy just danced around each other, uneventful smuggling case which was so boring it was maddening.

This blindness to recognize to cross-dressing men who obviously looked rough dropped a shadow on Hardy's perfect image.

As for Delilah... well she is a kind person, but unlike kind she is also kinda naive and lacked self-preservance. Like the case with late-night visitor, if it wasn't for Hardy she would be assaulted. I mean no money are worth it, when she obviously had a gut feeling there was something odd about the man.

Naive because she believed in any story told, agan being blind to cross-dressing men (I'm surprised her more experienced partner, her husband's mistress did not recognize it as well) who also told her their own fairy tale how and why they need a shelter. It's not bad being kind, but she felt more stupid.

Note: find it ironic since Derring, sounds like "daring", but there is only one aspect in which Dililah is daring, wanting to get laid.

The "love" felt more like "lust". In historical romance it's sometimes hard to judge because there is an attraction almost from the first time people see each other, here it felt the same, the two noticed each other. But honestly it felt more like physical attraction than anything else and stayed like that for quite some time. All in all I did not buy it.

The only good part is that indeed few of the residents elt liek at home during this time despite the silly rules, on the contrary it allowed them to bond. Plus thery novel-y part about a couple who both escaped engagement and travelled to this place but eventually escaped to Gretna Green to marry.

This book made me want to DNF the rest of the series. I may try to read the second book, because it is about the mistress (she has ridiculous last name) and the mysterious resident that checked in first but never appeared.

RATE: 2/5. How people find it so appealing is above me.

[Historical Romance] When the Marquess met his Match by Laura Lee Guhrke

What happens when a carefree, disreputable, stone-broke bachelor is forced to find a wife in a hurry? He hires a matchmaker, of course. What happens when the matchmaker doesn’t want to help him? Well, that’s when the fun begins…

Nicholas Stirling, Marquess of Trubridge, loves his life just as it is: dissolute, scandalous, and deuced good fun. His father, the Duke of Landsdowne is not amused, and when he cuts off Nicholas’ trust fund, the fun-loving marquess is forced to find an alternate source of income—in other words, he has to marry an heiress.

Every new-money American heiress knows Lady Belinda Featherstone is the key to social acceptance. Once a new-money nobody herself, Belinda discovered first-hand how heartbreaking the game of love and matrimony could be after a reprobate British earl married her for her money. Now a respectable widow, Belinda has become England’s most successful matchmaker, guiding young American heiresses through the hazards of the London season and helping them to find husbands worthy of them. To her mind, the Marquess of Trubridge is nothing but a fortune-hunting scoundrel and she has no intention of allowing him to charm his way into any American girl’s heart, including her own.

An American Heiress in London. Book 1

After reading I realized that I actually haven't read this series, simply mixed it with another one. But actually I'm happy, more of her books left to read. Even if I have enough books to read, but I try not to reach out for them often, simply because Guhrke is only one of few authors I even read in this genre of historical romance. So I read books sparingly not to run out of material.

Finding a new beloved author in this genre is a task I say. When I was younger I read a lot of HR, but only a name or two stuck with me till this day.

And I'm being sentimental for a reason, I truly adore how Guhrke writes and sets her characters. She is one of those authors that prove to me that HR can be a good book.

Lady Featherstone is a prominent matchmaker in the London society, she is now widowed and it's her craft to help American heiresses to find an appropriate match.

What other may not know is that her own marriage was a disaster that left her scarred for years and this became her motivation in leading young and impressionable girls. She was once swept away by passion and was seduced, but when the marriage was set in stone her husband showed his true side, that he was only after her money and was not going to spend his time on her and after paying off all his debts he started to live lavishly with Belinda's money, until he died of heart attack on one of his mistresses.

Her current task is to pair her close family Rosalie, but one person threatened the matching.

Nicholas appeared in front of her with a simple goal, he is after money after his trust fund was cut off. He wanted to ask for help, thinking that Belinda will comply wih his request, but instead found the biggest opposition from her side.

They did not start well, although like in many HR books they feel that thread of attraction and admit the handsomeness of another person, but it does not change what they think of one another.

Belinda simply spread the news of what he is going to do and why he came back from Paris and joined the season. But instead Nicholas used Rosalie as means of blackmail, he won't touch the girl (though he'd never would anyway) and Belinda helps him find a wife.

At first it's just a joke from her side, like she lets him meet one that is a chatterbox emptyhead, another is too serious about being intelligent.

In the meantime Belinda realizes the devilish charm of her client, while Nicholas was always honest how attractive her finds Belinda, this unwanted passion became quite an obstacle between the two and their goal.

What I truly adore is that setting, seemingly impossible situation where they have to stick together.

What I adore more that in the process they find more about each other and bare what's inside.

Belinda's prejudice is based solely from her failed marriage, this is why she is so opposed to Nicholas and his main goal, although she admits she is passionate about him, but she does not respect him as a man.

Nicholas shared his life being manipulated by his own father, like his first love was bought off, his famous scandal is nothing more but a fram-up from his father etc. he never even entered university he wanted and living in constant need to oppose and dig at him. Thus his reputation was notorious and not ideal among the bride market. But Belinda's words actually woke him up, even if they were truly hurtful. He indeed lived a life under influence of his father. When he realized he'd like to do something he knew a gentleman actually knows nothing outside of managing the estates, which was not helpful in any type of work.

It was fateful that at the end of the story he found his goal, since his estate that belonged to him always produced beer, but for his own family and not commercial purpose, he decided to change that. yet again his father came in to create troubles for him, but this time Belinda rushed in to save the day, like a knight in shining armor to save the beauty. After all she was also a wealthy lady all along. And she could invest into business and she will, because she loved the man, she saw his changes because of her.

In general it's such a nice story, with great character development and great romance.

RATE: 4/5

[Historical Romance] Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke

 

Evie Harlow runs a quaint little bookshop in London, which is the biggest adventure an unmarried woman with no prospects could hope for. Until Maximillian Shaw, Duke of Westbourne, saunters into her shop with a proposition: to win a bet with his friends, he’ll turn her into a diamond of the season. The duke might be devilishly attractive, but Evie has no intention of accepting his ludicrous offer. When disaster strikes her shop, however, she’s left with little choice but to let herself be whisked into his high-society world. 

Scandal at the Savoy. Book 1

Finished the novel, this is how it is with historical romance from beloved authors and when the book does not disappoint you, it passes in a flash.

Meet Evie, an owner of a bookshop named Harlow's, and Max, who is a duke, and a bet that changed the fate of the two.

Although the bet sounds a bit icky, it's not like that at all in reality. I was also a bit on defence when I read that premise, but the truth of the story and settings are as follows: Max's cousin Delia was in contact with Evie as her best help when organizing dinners, but now Delia is sent to Rome on a short notice and she trusts only Max to visit Evie's little bookshop and fetch some papers she must have arranged for her. Max has done so, but he saw Evie preoccupied in being awe-struck by a young men (who we later find out is her old acquaintance), she was so awe-struck that she forgot all about doing her job properly, something she was proud of, she delays the date few days later. But when he returns she again finds that she's not ready, since she hastily agreed to the young man's proposal of using her back premises as a place for his meetings, but she was so tired because of it that she forgot again.

But this time Max was not alone, he was in a comany of three young men, who Evie deemed as his friends, but it wasn't so. But this crossing between the young men and him and their unfavorable discussion of Evie later that day put Max on defense, he was of the opposite opinion and the young men stirred to prove it. With that dose of alcohol Max agreed, he was on the verge of being angry with his own "peers" that they dared to say such undeserving things.

Later Max, explaining the whole situation and admitting that his words will definitely offend her, still proposes the bet. Of course Evie refuses. But to her dismay, he says something that sends her off. After all no one before could see through her shell. He knew her work through Delia's words, he saw Evie for himself and he was sure that it will be a bit of adventure for her too, because he saw those sparkles of interest that shined through.

“I think the real reason you’re turning down my proposition is that you’re afraid.”

“Afraid? That is absurd!”

“On the contrary, it’s perfectly understandable. After all, if you change things, you move into unknown territory. If you dream, your dreams might be crushed. If you aspire to more than you have, you might fail. If you hold your standards too high, you might never find romance. So instead, you try to reconcile yourself to the hand you’ve been dealt and tell yourself it’s good enough. You settle for less than you deserve, including the attentions of a man who is unworthy of you.”

“How dare you say such things?” she cried, her anger flaring higher. “You don’t even know me.”

“Neither do you. You can’t see yourself as you truly are or explore what you could become. Don’t you want to find out? Don’t you want to at least peek out of your safe little nest to see what exciting, wonderful possibilities might be out there for you?”

Even if she refused and Max took it as her answer and was a gentleman not to go any further, it still left Evie with a lot to think and process. We have a bit of backstory of hers, that she inherited her dad's bookshop, but with debts on top of it, she managed to work herself to the bone, but she also managed to pay off the debts. She was proud of this challange in which she succeeded. But then was no challenge, just a mundane life, her safe little nest she talked herself into believing was the best place for her.

Evie looked up, staring at her surroundings. The shop, the flat, the books—this was her safe little nest, she realized with a grimace. It was familiar and predictable. And she had always been happy here.

Until now.

Evie slammed the cash register closed. She’d been glad to come back here, happy to help her father in the shop, relieved to be back in a world that accepted her for just what she was, a world she knew and understood. And after Papa’s death, she’d welcomed the distraction of running things on her own. Making it solvent again had been a challenge, one that in her grief, she had badly needed and had eventually come to enjoy. And with each debt paid off, there had been a sense of triumph and satisfaction.

But now, there was no debt. There was no challenge. Only the mundane daily routine. And lately, hadn’t she felt a faint discontent stirring in the air? During the past year or two, there had been mornings when getting out of bed and going downstairs had seemed like a pointless journey, endless days when even her beloved books weren’t enough to hold her interest, nights when she’d lain in bed, staring at the ceiling, bone tired yet unable to sleep. She’d wondered, more often than she liked to admit, if perhaps it might be best to let it all go, do something else.

But one thing had always hushed her questions and silenced her doubts before they could ever take hold: What else was there for a woman like her?

It's a bit of "And then he kissed her" situation. That she loved the past and would not change it, but it deprived her of many joys too. 

What was unexpected was not only that deep inside she agreed, but also she had to agree. Her boiler blew up and the bookshop was flooded with water. A disaster stroke. At that moment of her questioning life itself she thought that taking a break wasn't such a bad idea.

What I liked about the whole novel is that we see a woman, who is not sure of her charm (that she even has one) is also very preoccupied with herself, what she does, how people will evaluate her, the woman who later lets go of her worries, through Max's affection and passion she can find confidence within herself. That she is worthy.

He was flirting with her. At that realization, Evie’s heart gave another nervous lurch, slamming into her ribs with enough force to rob the breath from her lungs. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to notice.

Her lack of confidence lurked like a shadow after her. Starting from her days in school, when she did not expect to see so much scorn because she was among ladies of peerage, but she was a middle class. The hurtful fact that she seemed to be unattractive to the opposite sex.

In agreeing to this holiday, she’d known she would be entering an entirely different world, but even as she’d checked into the opulent Savoy Hotel, even as she had eaten the rich cuisine of the famous Escoffier and chosen beautiful frocks from the fashionable Vivienne, Evie hadn’t appreciated just how alien her holiday world would prove to be.

Now, however, as the duke led her into an enormous ballroom of gold and white, with an intricate parquet floor, dozens of gilt-framed mirrors, and a domed ceiling at least thirty feet high, the contrast between her life and that of her companion could not have been more stark, and she was more convinced than ever that when the time came for the duke’s ball, when all of those fashionable people in her imagination became real, when they were staring at her with the same disdain as the gargoyles on the gate outside, she was going to make an utter fool of herself and justify all their expectations. Her fantasy to triumph over Freddie Maybridge and his friends, her need to face the past and put it behind her, her wish to have a more fulfilling, interesting life in the future—it all seemed ridiculous now.

Only with time, new relations, new experience, she could feel the change in herself. That she was more confident, that she was worth of all this. That these months were a wonderful experience for her. Something she never thought would happen is that shift on her own opinion of herself.

This was not the same woman who had stared into the wavy mirror above her shop sink, wondering what the duke had seen in her that she could not see in herself. It was a superficial change, perhaps—an illusion or a mirage or a trick of cut and color—but even to her own eyes, she did not seem plain or unremarkable. She no longer felt bored or boring.

Because of rules they could not appear together and her most fun began when Delia returned home. Both did not insist on finding her a husband, but just wanted to have fun. Those weeks filled with fun she had never had before changed her completely.

But it wasn't only herself who changed, but her relationship with Max.

The main conflict of the relationship and how they were "not fit together", does not come only from the fact that both come from different classes, but because of Max's first marriage. A passion during his youth and a wife who could not bear the scorn of the lot due to her origins (she was American), she eventually became hostile and the lot had the same attitude towards her. She escaped but died under a carriage. So Max is a widower.

Although he burned with passion, but he was dead set on the fact that he needs a woman of his class (hence the chosen Helen, whose younger brother placed a bet against duke). He knew that nothing good would turn out if they continued, especially after his first experience that was a splitting image and it didn't help that Evie was scornful towards the nobles too. But of course no matter how one denies it, Max came to conclusion that it can only be Evie and no one else.

Anyway, I really liked the two of them, I like her stories, she picks up two interesting people, they may have similar traits or Guhrke might use similar tropes, but in general there is a lot of respect, support, understanding in relationships. They become soulmates withouth a strong emphasis on it. Although some may find historical romance not as good as simply romance, but I do not agree. It depends on a book too :)

RATE: 4/5. Only because it has the feel of previous books. Although the lightness of it, the romance of it are still as good.

[Historical Romance] Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas

Desperate to escape her scheming relatives, Evangeline Jenner has sought the help of the most infamous scoundrel in London.  A marriage of convenience is the only solution.

No one would have ever paired the shy, stammering wallflower with the sinfully handsome viscount. It quickly becomes clear, however, that Evie is a woman of hidden strength—and Sebastian desires her more than any woman he's ever known.

The Wallflowers series. Book 3

Devil in Winter was and stays one of my most favorite books from Lisa Kleypas. I love her writing in general and none of her books that I've read came as a disappointment, it's just from the range of stories there will be one that hooks you the most. For me it's Devil in Winter. Maybe Lisa Kleypas herself or her readers were so engrossed into the story of Wallflowers and the family of Sebastian and Evie that the story slowly touched upon her own characters in another brilliant series of The Hathaways, not to mention direct involvement of St.Vincent descendants in the series of The Ravenels.

Evie's story starts with a nice twists that connected her story with the previous book (what can I say, I love simple logic), Sebastian was in dire straits and the best idea he came up with was to kidnap Lillian Bowman, as a wealthy heiress he needed. But the plan fell short, since he was chased by his friend Marcus, main character in It happaened one Autumn. Also, you may have a feeling that Evie's situation had foreshadowing, since she had something going on in the previous books, so it became apparent what it is when she openly talks about her severe situation in the Maybrick family. She lived in indifference and open abuse, which involved physical abuse, without a doubt the Maybrick family wanted to get her inheritance, but would not allow it to go outside, so she was promised to her husband. Maybe Evie would have chosen to compromise, but knowing that her cousine Eustance had no idea of leaving the family house she knew that her life would get no better. Knowing that Sebastian's situation is as desperate as hers, Evie had a mad idea and decided to offer a deal, a marriage of convenience. She gets his protection, he gets her money. Her only wish now is to be at the deathbed of her father, who was the only little light of love in her life and a person who truly cared for her from all her relations. She could not hide with Annabelle, Lillian was away on a honeymoon and her sister Daisy was too young and under protection of her parents, nothing like marriage could protect her safety from the Maybricks.

Knowing that he was trapped and could not deny the offer, Sebastian agrees. He's now surprised to find that miss Jenner has undeniably beautiful appearance, but because she had spent so much time slouching trying to become invisible her image in his imagination was always blurry and smudged. For her his beauty was almost sinful, golden hair and icy-blue eyes, lean figure and charm, Sebastian was well-aware of his own advantages. This pair started their journey to Gretna Green at a desperate speed without stopping for a night rest.

During which they start to become more aqcuainted with each other.

Sebastian found out that Evie, despite her stammering, has a really strong will and did not react to his rude remarks or rouge comments. They came to almost friendly and flirty banter.

Evie on the contrary was quite prejudiced at first. She knew what kind of man he was from the rumors and not to mention his kidnapping of Lillian. But despite the surface brilliance Sebastian and open selfishness he cared for her needs on the road. Even if his openness might have shocked any other innocent girl, Evie on the contrary felt comfortable with him.

At this point of course Sebastian did not care enough about Evie to start changing and Evie knew too well of his rake reputation to wait for him to be a good husband.

Things started to change from their first time together. He realized that after many years it was the first time the compitability was so high that he had wobbly legs (haha this description was really funny one :D). But instead of satisfaction and boredom that usually followed the act he realized he was ready to repeat it again and again. He was baffled that the most dangerous opponent on the bed he ever met was not some experienced courtesan, yet this innocent young woman who was too far from his standard lover. But things didn't go as he would liked to. Evie had her own principles, she didn't want to get hurt emotionally, so not to make their connection stronger she refused to go to bed with him again. It created a rift in the relationship of newlyweds before they reached the destination, The Jenner's gaming club.

The Jenner's history also makes it possible to refer to previous work of Lisa Kleypas. Derek Craven - a famous owner of his own gaming club, the club burned down (events from Dreaming of You) and no one heard about Craven since (he chose love baby). This allowed Jenner to take the place, but it never reached same heights, since Jenner was not cut for it entirely. jenner in comparison is a boxer and a brute and has no posession of the same charm. Now Ivo Jenner, Evie's father, was gravely ill and had only few days to live. When they reached the club suddenly Sebastian had a change of his decision to leave this place and Evie along with it, instead he took a new look at the club that he could call his. Although he justified it that simply selling the club is not enough and it required to deal with lose ends first. Funnily, when Evie asked him why he doesn't find a profession (work) to do, he refused, but when it came to the club, he basically lit like a bulb and had infinite energy.

With Ivo's passing the club was shut down for refurnishing and repairs, this is when the first conflict happened.

Joss Bullard, a character that will have recurring appearance later, betrayed Evie and pushed her into the arms of her awaiting uncles, right when Sebastian and others were away, she managed to call for Cam Rohan (main character in the Hathaway series btw). But thankfully Sebastian appeared in time. This was the last time we see the Maybricks, beaten bodies of both uncles were thrown into the carriage and sent away.

Stunningly, this was the moment when they made their bet. Since Sebastian was too preoccupied with club business and did not desire any other woman except Evie and Evie refused to become just one of them, to become his past fling when the novelty will be exhausted, she asked for a sacrifice, celibate for three months and she will go to bed with him as often as he wants. Otherwise he needs to apologize to Westcliff for his deeds. Sebastian accepted the bet.

But because of this incident Joss Bullard who betrayed Evie vanished before he knew that part of the inheritance Jenner left was meant for him.

The next period was spent in work and Evie stayed in the club. I skip the fight between workers and Sebastian to show that he can handle the club and deserves some respect as well as Annabelle's and Daisy's visit. But what definitely happened is that the relationship between the two grew stronger. Since Sebastian could not have anything else, he chose kissing as alternative. Yet Evie also took part in the club's dealings, since she had to deal with all kinds of people who repaired the club, which allowed her to become more confident.

When it came to the club's opening night Sebastian and Evie saw an unexpected guest, lord Marcus. He was sent by Lillian to see if Evie needed their help, but what he found is that both Evie and Sebastian had a certain attraction towards each other. Although Sebastian still liked to put up front and say things he doesn't mean. At such a moment Evie stoicly left to finally go to their home residence, but an unexpected event happened, Joss Bullard, who was always overfilled with hostility towards Evie, was found aiming at her, Sebastian's first instinct action was to shield her and he was the one who was shot. As Evie tried to joke this allowed her to stay by his sickbed.

Sebsastian's case was not good at first (and I also question why they did not come up with those things they did later :) ) and he was very ill and the wound was inflamed, he refused the doctor's suggestion "to release bad blood", that'd finish him off tbh. Instead  Westcliff and Cam jointly offered some known remedies. It was all of their joint operation that allowed to clean the wound and the situation finally changed. But honestly, thinking from the modern person 's perspective, because there are no cool tech stuff that we have today such a wound could become fatal, if not for their risk to wash it from impurities. This changed the direction and allowed Sebastian to survive. What of course mortified him is that Marcus and Lillian were taking part in it. So filled with shame and gratitude he expressed his apologies and thanks.

But the one he was most afraid of was Evie. He knew she stayed with him all the time and cared for all of his most intimate needs. She didn't let him go. During the time of his fever what Evie found out was his most secrets thoughts of a young boy who since long stayed alone, his mother and sisters left him one after another due to sickness or childbirth as he confessed, but she never knew how deeply he cared about it. The ones who truly loved him and spoiled him. Only his oblivious father was left with him.

Although he became an impossible patient later on Evie never got angry with him, because she knew that he doesn't know how to express himself.

Btw he lost the bet because of her, after all she didn't promise not to cheat.

What I like about it is that Evie did not come across as common lady, she lived against such cruel indifference and abusive behavior of her relatives, except her wallflower friends she had no others who cared for her. When it comes to men they often acted as if they would better be at the other end of the earth than in her presence, even some of Sebastian's reactions made her feel angry as if she doesn't deserve even a speck of love. Is she so unlovable? Only later she realized that some of her behavior could be incorrect and kept potential men away from her. Sebastian was the one who analyzed it for her. Only later she could slowly understand that Sebastian's reaction is more like a protection, he says everything against what he actually wants to say just to stay in his shell, while he long had been attracted to Evie. Everyone considered him selfish and not ready to sacrifice, but this is what he did, even with his life. Best quote must be from Lillian:

“He’s known St. Vincent from childhood, and can read him fairly well. And Westcliff sees an odd sort of logic in why you would finally be the one to win St. Vincent’s heart. He says a girl like you would appeal to…hmm, how did he put it?…I can’t remember the exact words, but it was something like…you would appeal to St. Vincent’s deepest, most secret fantasy.”

Evie felt her cheeks flushing while a skirmish of pain and hope took place in the tired confines of her chest. She tried to respond sardonically. “I should think his fantasy is to consort with as many women as possible.”

A grin crossed Lillian’s lips. “Dear, that is not St. Vincent’s fantasy, it’s his reality. And you’re probably the first sweet, decent girl he’s ever had anything to do with.”

Knowing that he loved her for what she is, she was loving him back with same strength.

To conclude the story we return to the story of Joss Bullard and why he hated Evie so much. Although it is unknown, the mother of Joss insisted that he was Ivo's son, so he is half-brother to Evie. Joss always was unskillful when it came to talking and he had a jealous character. With the contraction of pox he became mad and the hatered intensified, he thought that without Evie he would inherit everything from Jenner, but it wasn't the case. He just wanted to get rid of her.

The dropped gun led them to the home of the former manager, Egan, he had those pistols because their owner used them as debt repayment. Joss stole one of them from Egan. The story should have ended when they found news of Joss' death in the hospital, but found him once again infiltrating the club wanting to finish what he started - kill Evie. This time taking the chance of distraction Cam took it upon himself to shoot Bullard.

Having to come so close to the edge once again this time Sebastian after the final struggle did not conceal his feelings, the power of his love that left him so afraif for her. He was ready to love madly, to love openly, to be happy.

Although they're so different, but they have something similar too, otherwise Evie would not get such a mad idea in the beginning, she enjoyed the thought of the Maybricks not being able to reach her again and it destroyed their plans to get her inheritance, she also enjoyed being able to corner the most infamous rake in all London. She slowly opened up and went through changes of her initial shyness. Her relationship helped, working with other people helped. It's interesting to see how they brought changes into each other's lives. And although they changed, but they still have some of their initial core. Sebsastian may still act and talk rouge and Evie does not change her initial state and ability to be on par with him despite her deep love.

I've re-read this book many times and somehow it's always a delight. I always feel like there is a brilliant ballance in such relationship.

To be honest they are so lovely. I was very happy when I first found out about the Ravenels series and that it had some of the reference to Evie and Sebastian, although mainly the books have their kids as mains. But it's also a happy thing that in general Lisa continues to explore her own universe in which her characters exist.