Synopsis
Slipping on the ice is bad enough—being treated by the physician she rejected years ago is simply unbearable.
Headstrong and independent, Miss Lucy Lincoln wishes to find a husband who shares her taste for adventure. Until then, she is determined to live her life without regrets. Well, except for the one she already has—humiliating poor Benjamin Kent after his unwanted marriage proposal years earlier. After an accident at the Frost Fair draws that same insecure gentleman to care for her injury, she finally asks for forgiveness. But Dr. Kent, now a respectable gentleman and physician, is unwilling to accept her apology.
Benjamin Kent wants nothing more than to live out his days in peace and seclusion away from London Society—and away from his memories of Lucy Lincoln. But when his conscience forces him to treat the woman, he cannot pass on the opportunity to finally let her know that she no longer has him under her spell.
Rather than being relieved with Benjamin’s indifference, Lucy struggles to accept the fact that little, shy Benjamin now shows irresistible confidence—and an unsettling apathy toward her. When sparks smolder between them, though, Benjamin must fight to keep his old feelings in the past, and Lucy must realize before it’s too late that either Benjamin has changed… or her own feelings have.
My Review
Second chance romance isn't my favorite trope... unless it's done really well, and this one is! It has tones of Austen's Persuasion (which ties with P&P for my favorite Austen book), with the choices and regrets and character growth. There are some differences in the early experiences of Lucy and Benjamin, particularly with her teasing of him and his shyness, and the vulnerable struggles behind each. They have amazing chemistry, but it takes some realizations, apologies, forgiveness, and risks taken for their attraction to develop into romance. By the end of the story I was one hundred percent invested in the characters and loved their happy ending despite the challenges from Lucy's aunt. An absolutely lovely read for the holiday season!
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.
Sweet, Regency Christmas Romances
