My rating: 3 stars / I liked it
Synopsis
Rebecca Jennings’s first London Season has been absolutely ruined, and one person alone is responsible: Mr. Ben Fortescue. If her new neighbor hadn’t startled her, she would never have broken her ankle, leaving her bored and frustrated at home in the country while her sister enjoys the London Season alone. Although, it was rather gallant of him to carry her home.
For his part, Ben feels terrible about the role he played in Miss Rebecca Jennings’s accident. In the days that follow their first disastrous meeting, he finds himself inexorably drawn to the surprising young woman—first out of guilt and then out of a stirring affection. But Ben hides a secret: he has not been completely forthright about his identity or about the dark secrets of his past that would make it impossible for romance to blossom with Miss Jennings. Despite his love for her, he knows he must let her go. With her ankle finally healed but her heart now broken, Rebecca is left with little choice but to throw herself into the Season. With eligible men circling this late addition to the Marriage Mart, it seems that Rebecca will have no shortage of suitors. If only her heart were free to give.
My Review
Slow paced with plenty of day to day life detail, this book explores Rebecca's growth as she copes with disappointment and learns to look outside herself. Ben is a tortured hero in search of respite and anonymity, but discovers an unlikely friend in Rebecca. They each have plenty of angsty moments, but my favorites were their interactions as they gradually become aware of their mutual attraction. It was frustrating for them to believe their romance is impossible, when it seems to be entirely possible if they would sacrifice for it. This story is more of a journey that follows the long healing process of their hearts, both separately and together. Readers of the first two books will be happy with plenty of characters in Rebecca's family and beyond that come together and in turn support and frustrate her during her recovery. I feel like the amount of "filler" details and scenes made my interest wane as well as the chemistry that the author had built between Rebecca and Ben. I was invested enough to read through to the end, and overall it was a pleasant diversion.
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.
