Series: Duke Dynasty, #2
Traits & Tropes: scarred/tortured hero; damaged heroine
Publication Date: 02.25.20
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; England, 1809
Heat Level: 3/5
Rating: 5 stars! My favorite read of February!
Ever since she and her family moved back to England from Prussia, Lady Gwyn Drake has been hiding the folly of a youthful affair in order to protect her family. When the same former suitor comes to her family's country home to blackmail Gwyn by threatening to reveal her secret, his manhandling is quickly put to an end by the estate gamekeeper, Major Joshua Wolfe. It is clear to Gwyn's twin brother, the Duke of Thornstock, that she needs protection during her upcoming London season, so he hires the Major to act as her bodyguard. War hero Joshua feels he must accept the request given that Thorn and Gwyn's mother is his aunt by marriage and he hopes to use the trip to London to facilitate a meeting with the War Secretary so he can petition to return to full duty in the Royal Marines. He takes his job protecting Gwyn seriously, but ignoring his ever growing attraction to her becomes increasingly difficult in such close proximity. Though he knows he's beneath Gwyn socially, despite being the grandson of a duke himself, Joshua can't stop his mind wondering what a future with her might be like.
Gwyn is used to being sought only for her money and would prefer to avoid suitors both old and new, as all have been fortune hunters thus far, but with danger closing in on her, and her feelings for Joshua growing, a reckoning between them fast becomes inevitable.
I really loved this book. It was a fast read, but I couldn't put it down; it really held my attention and I was rooting for Joshua and Gwyn the whole way. Joshua is used to rejections and snide remarks because of his ruined leg and his experiences have only enhanced the natural gruffness of his personality. Both Gwyn and Joshua were afraid of being hurt and rejected by the other, each believing themselves unworthy of the other. Joshua was genuinely sweet and adorable beneath his grumpy exterior and I loved him and Gwyn as a couple. At first I thought Gwyn's attitude and poor decision making would ruin it for me, but I came to understand and like her and she also grew quite a bit. The villain was a nice addition to the story, as well as the ongoing mystery subplot flowing through this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for Thorn's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2843742410
Gwyn is used to being sought only for her money and would prefer to avoid suitors both old and new, as all have been fortune hunters thus far, but with danger closing in on her, and her feelings for Joshua growing, a reckoning between them fast becomes inevitable.
I really loved this book. It was a fast read, but I couldn't put it down; it really held my attention and I was rooting for Joshua and Gwyn the whole way. Joshua is used to rejections and snide remarks because of his ruined leg and his experiences have only enhanced the natural gruffness of his personality. Both Gwyn and Joshua were afraid of being hurt and rejected by the other, each believing themselves unworthy of the other. Joshua was genuinely sweet and adorable beneath his grumpy exterior and I loved him and Gwyn as a couple. At first I thought Gwyn's attitude and poor decision making would ruin it for me, but I came to understand and like her and she also grew quite a bit. The villain was a nice addition to the story, as well as the ongoing mystery subplot flowing through this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for Thorn's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2843742410
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