My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
Synopsis
Hannah Kent and Oliver Jennings pledged their hearts to each other as children. Now, years later, Hannah is thrilled to receive an invitation to spend the summer at Oliver’s family’s country estate. The path to wedded bliss is clear—so long as Oliver’s highbrow older brother, Damon, has ceased his juvenile antics, Hannah’s future looks bright indeed.
But from the moment Hannah arrives at Summerhaven, nothing is as she expected. Oliver seems disinterested in renewing their acquaintance, and Damon is not the brutish boy she remembers but a man intent on avoiding marriage. Although she has loathed Damon her whole life, when he contrives a ruse designed to win them both what they desire, Hannah warily agrees. All she has to do to reclaim Oliver’s attention is pretend to be madly in love with Damon. But when Damon is surprisingly convincing in his role as a suitor, it proves difficult to discern the line between pretense and true love.
My Review
There's something about Regency stories set at a country estate that I just adore! It's such an idyllic environment for the characters to interact with each other. Hannah's expectations of revisiting Summerhaven and reuniting with childhood sweetheart Oliver are pretty high, so it's not a surprise when nothing goes according to her plans. I felt bad for her as she struggles to hold on to her fantasy as it crumbles when faced with the reality of her situation and the changes she discovers in Oliver. It was frustrating when she kept excusing and justifying his behavior, even in the midst of her hurt feelings. I enjoyed Damon's teasing and the glimpses into his heart and unrequited affection for Hannah. He is her rescuer in many ways, and I loved how he helps her see things with a new perspective. This love triangle has plenty of angsty emotion as Hannah navigates complex family dynamics at Summerhaven.
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.
Excerpt
Damon stepped forward, and his watch key and seal—visible reminders of his status and self-importance—clanked together. He bowed. “Miss Kent.”
“My lord,” I returned with a shallow curtsy.
The corners of his mouth curled into a smile. “I see someone has managed to make a lady out of the wild girl I once knew,” Damon said, and before stepping back in line with his mother, he met my eye and added, “A pity.”
My eyebrows pulled together in surprise.
“Do try not to scowl, Miss Kent. It will crease your lovely brow.”
“Damon Jennings,” Lady Winfield scolded. “You have been taught better manners.”
“My apologies, Mother. Teasing a beautiful woman is one of few things that has yet to be lectured out of me.”
I gaped. Never in all my life had a man spoken so casually to me. Damon may have grown into a man, but he was not a gentleman.
Giveaway
