Series: Sins for All Seasons, #6
Traits & Tropes: hidden identity; class difference; tortured hero; slow burn
Genre/Setting: Historical, Victorian; London, England, 1873
Publication Date: 09.29.20
Heat Level: 3.5/5
Rating: 4.5/5
Althea Stanwick is the epitome of everything an aristocratic lady should be, but her father’s betrayal has left her family penniless and stripped of their titles and any honor they once had. Her plan for survival is now to learn the art of seduction so that she can attain some power over the men of society and return to that cutthroat world of her own accord. She’s just found the perfect man to teach her, a handsome and honorable man with the incongruous nickname of Beast.
Benedict Trewlove has no idea as to his own origins, but he’s comfortable with his position as the de facto ruler, and protector, of the darker side of London. He’s devoted much of his adult life to protecting and aiding women, but the request Althea puts to him is shocking. Ben knows Althea doesn’t belong in his world, but he’s more tempted by her than he’s ever been and it’s a struggle for him not to break his own rules against dallying with a woman who’s under his protection. But when Benedict learns who he really is, their newfound love will be sorely tested against new responsibilities and past mistakes.
This was quite a slow burn, but it was steaming right along and I loved it up until the point where Althea started pushing Ben away. Even though this is something I’m not crazy about and which typically is a major turn off for me, Althea’s reasons did make sense and she was for the most part always forthright with Ben about her feelings for him. The fact that she didn’t hide those feelings for too long was part of what saved this for me. As far as Ben is concerned, I adored him as a hero. He had a bit of everything going for him: tall, dark, and handsome; a little tortured; strong, silent type, and so noble. I adored him, especially when he allowed himself to be vulnerable. This was such a lovely way to finish out the Trewlove family’s stories and the epilogue gave me a lovely warm feeling. I’m so looking forward to the spin-off series and stories for Althea’s mysterious brothers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3134682689
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