Series: Rebels of the Ton, #1
Traits & Tropes: marriage of convenience; illegitimate hero; I've loved you for years; best friend's brother
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England, 1817
Publication Date: 11.24.20
Heat Rating: 3/5
Rating: 2.5/5
Drusilla Clare is fine with her wallflower status since marriage goes against her principles, but she can’t help her love for her best friend’s brother, Gabriel Marlington. She’s longed for him ever since they first met, but their open animosity is such that no one would ever suspect her true feelings. but when she’s caught alone with a scoundrel and finds her reputation ruined, it’s Gabriel who saves her with a businesslike offer of marriage Drusilla cannot bring herself to refuse.
Gabriel is less than thrilled at being forced into an unwanted marriage with the waspish Drusilla, but he does find himself unwittingly attracted to her. He’s surprised by her responsiveness to him and willingness to challenge his views and when a rival seems to vie for her attentions, Gabriel is even more shocked at his jealousy and possessiveness. Just as Dru and Gabe begin to find a rhythm together, their newfound accord is threatened by an unexpected danger, putting their lives at risk along with their fledgling love.
I’ve got some very mixed feelings about this book. At first, I really didn’t care for it and found both Drusilla and Gabriel to be unlikable in their own ways. She was too hateful and holier than thou, but at times Gabriel completely deserved it with his high-handedness and other woman drama. I’m happy Gabe at least never really cheated, as that would’ve been a dealbreaker for me, but he did have an on-page other woman scene and I didn’t care for that, although it did rather fit his character. Dru’s sharpness might’ve been a defense mechanism, but it got old fast for me, as did Gabe’s constantly telling her how things would be. I thought this would make her a more sympathetic character for me, but she’s so hateful even when he’s trying to extend the olive branch that I just couldn’t like her. These two somehow only communicated or worked well together in bed and I think that cheapened their relationship some. I would’ve liked to see more on page communication between them to make them more believable together. These two each made me want to shake them with their many false starts and failures at simple, basic communication, but I started to like them together when Dru began gaining some confidence and they finally started exhibiting some mature communication. The action near the end was enough to keep me engrossed, although it did end a bit abruptly. I wound up enjoying these two together but without really liking either of them. I found this book improved for me greatly after about the halfway point and I started enjoying the characters more. Now I’m interested to continue the series and find out what’s going on with Eva.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2964485866
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2609101042
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