Series: Legendary Rogues, #4
Tropes & Traits: reformed rake; antihero; arranged marriage; widowed hero
Publication Date: 01.29.19
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; England, 1819
Rating: 4 stars
| Facing an arranged marriage she doesn't exactly want, Daphne Foliot agrees anyway because it is what he father wants for her and she owes him everything for raising her and supporting her dream of becoming the first female member of the Order of the Round Table. Though she'd prefer the semblance of independence she has eked out so she can continue her scholarship of Arthurian legend, she doesn't want to go back on the promise she made to her father, nor can she afford to live without his financial support. Gideon Kersey, the Earl of Stratton, is heir to the Thirteen Treasures of Britain- the magical items gifted by King Arthur to his knight Gareth, Gideon's ancestor, in the 5th or 6th century. Like the Order, he also seeks the treasures, but he wants to keep them away from Camelot, a faction of the order, led by Daphne's father, that seeks to gather the treasures and wield their powers. As a demonstration of loyalty, Foliot demands Gideon wed his daughter, Daphne. Though he is still broken-hearted over the death of his wife two years previously, Gideon knows he has no choice but to agree and hope he's able to find all the treasures before a wedding can take place. He knows he must keep them safe from Foliot and his minions who have no qualms using violence to gain possession of the treasures. Though neither wants to marry, they can't deny the spark that ignites between them. Gideon is a known rake with a tarnished reputation and only wants to locate and protect the treasures that are his birthright and legacy; he has no interest in marriage and certainly not in the risk of facing the pain of losing a wife again. Gideon is sick of Foliot's manipulations and his ruthless obsession with the treasures and is determined to see them safe. Along the way, however, Gideon finds himself inexplicably concerned with keeping Daphne safe, in direct conflict with his desire to break away from her father, his former mentor. Meanwhile, Daphne becomes torn between her love for her father and her growing feelings for Gideon. New revelations threaten everything she's ever believed in and she isn't sure what's true anymore or who can be trusted. Gideon may not admit it, even to himself, but he is in desperate need of love, though he believes himself unworthy. His determination to protect his family's legacy from those who would use it for ill was very admirable. He started out a bit gruff and high handed, but the more I got to know his character, the more I liked him. Daphne's naivete, despite her extensive studies, annoyed me for a while, but as she began to open her eyes and grew closer to Gideon she grew on me as well. Despite his reluctance and their determination not to be together, there's lots of sexual tension between these two. This book has it all: magic, romance, intrigue, adventure, shady characters. It took some getting into for me, probably because I haven't read the other installments in this series, but once the plot got going I couldn't put it down. I just kept rooting for these two to get it together. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  |
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