Series: The Disreputable Debutantes, #3
Traits & Tropes: reformed rake; scarred, tortured, titled hero; marriage of convenience; beauty and the beast
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England & Isle of Skye, Scotlant, 1818
Publication Date: 08.25.20
Heat Rating: 3.5/5
Rating: 4.5/5
As an orphaned heiress with a ruined reputation, Olivia de Vere is forced to rely on the magnanimity of her remaining aunt and uncle. She longs for a love match, but that seems increasingly unlikely, especially given her grasping family’s determination to force her into marrying her debauched cousin, Felix to keep her fortune in the family. Essentially a prisoner in a townhouse paid for with her own funds, Olivia can’t help but admire her handsome neighbor, a Scottish marquess, from afar.
Lord Hamish MacQueen, the Marquess of Sleat, carries scars from more than just Waterloo. He faced many harrowing situations, even before the war, but none that prepared him for having a young girl abandoned on his doorstep with a note claiming her to be his child. When his pretty neighbor offers to act as nursemaid for wee Tilda on the long journey to the Isle of Skye, Hamish accepts, despite his suspicions that she has personal reasons for wanting to leave England.
Despite his efforts to fight it, a fierce attraction arises between Olivia and Hamish, as does his need to protect her from her greedy family. But with so much threatening to keep them apart, including Hamish’s need to keep Olivia safe, even from himself, their future together is far from assured.
This book was quite the slow burn, but it was so sweet and emotional, and the buildup of tension so strong, that I didn’t mind. Hamish had several deep-seated issues tormenting him and Olivia was just what he needed to make him start believing in his own worth. I loved Olivia’s determination in the face of Hamish’s stubbornness. If you feel like reading a bit of Beauty and the Beast meets Cinderella, this is a good choice. I would’ve liked a bit more comeuppance for Olivia’s hateful family, but overall, this was well-plotted, the characters were likable, and I especially loved seeing Hamish’s protectiveness coming out in the end. It was lovely watching Olivia and Hamish grow more and more solid in their relationship and I look forward to Charlie’s story now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1538483460
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3134549148
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