Synopsis
Can Captain Wyvern keep his new marriage of convenience all business--or will it turn into something more?
Captain
Charles Wyvern owes a great debt to the man who saved his
life--especially since Major Richardson lost his own life in the
process. The best way to honor that hero's dying wish is for Wyvern to
escort the man’s grieving fiancée and mother safely to a new cottage
home by the sea. But along the way, he learns of another obligation that
has fallen on his shoulders: his uncle has died and the captain is now
the Earl of Rothwell.
When he and the ladies arrive at his new
manor house in Devon, they discover an estate in need of a leader and a
gaggle of girls, all wards of the former earl. War the new earl knows;
young ladies and properties he does not. Still wishing to provide for
the bereaved Lady Sophia Haverly, Charles proposes a marriage of
convenience.
Sophie is surprised to find she isn't opposed to the
idea. It will help her care for her betrothed's elderly mother, and
she's already fallen in love with the wayward girls on the Rothwell
estate. This alliance is a chance to repay the captain who has done so
much for her care, as well as divert her attention from her grief. When
Wyvern returns to his sea commission, she'll stay behind to oversee his
property and wards.
It sounds so simple. Until the stalwart
captain is arrested on suspicion of smuggling, and Sophie realizes how
much he's come to mean to her. Now she'll have to learn to fight, not
only for his freedom but also for his love.
My Review
I have a soft spot for wounded naval officers when I read a Regency book! Charles is the epitome of a British captain, but through humbling experiences and Sophie's influence, he finds himself and his desires for the future shifting away from the sea. The strong emotions of grief were felt, but the author skillfully balanced the sadness with new hope as Sophie moves forward with the help of Charles. Theirs is a gentle and slow romance that blossoms from friendship and a common goal of taking care of those whom they have charge over. I loved the coastal setting as Charles and Sophie make a new life for themselves and it was easy to see how well they matched. Mamie, Sophie's former fiancee's mother, and the three girls that have become Charles' wards are absolutely delightful and brought additional layers of warmth and charm to the story. The increase in pace came at just the right time in the book, with some suspicious villagers and suspenseful action. This was a story that was easy to fall into and stay interested in the lives of the characters. My favorite of the series!
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
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