Series: The Academy of Love, #1
Tropes & Traits: widowed heroine; damaged hero
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency, Cornwall, England, 1816
Publication Date: 12.31.19
Heat Level: 4/5
Rating: 4/5 stars!
Portia Stefani coped reasonably well upon learning that her husband was, in fact, already married, simply ousting him from her life. But that still left her with his mountain of debts, forcing her to close their beloved music school. Desperate for funds, she accepts a generous salary to teach piano at a remote Cornwall estate, hoping she won’t be turned away when her prospective employer learns she is a woman, but she’s wholly unprepared for the startling attraction she feels for him.
Stacy Harrington has led a very solitary existence, keeping people at a distance for his own self-preservation. He suffers from albinism and judgmental people make it more comfortable for him to restrict his social activities. Playing the piano is Stacy’s outlet and a private tutor seems the perfect solution, though he’s completely surprised by his attraction to the fiery half-Italian.
Their love of music rapidly leads to a much deeper connection between Stacy and Portia, but secrets from both their pasts soon crop up to threaten their fledgling relationship and it becomes very uncertain the future will see them together.
This story was a rollercoaster of emotional ups and downs. Stacy and Portia went through so much together and their chemistry was off the charts. Even though they were extremely volatile together, these two made such a great pair and their loyalty to each other was lovely. This had a very gothic feel to it with various villainous characters about to keep me intrigued and lots of secrets being revealed to keep me guessing. I really enjoyed this story and the writing style and hope to continue the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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