Series: The Pretenders, #2
Traits & Tropes: widowed, damaged hero; damaged heroine; titled hero; single dad
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England
Publication Date: 11.10.20
Heat Level: 3.5/5
Rating: 5/5
After learning that he was manipulated into his marriage five years ago by a series of vicious lies, Thomas Deveraux, Viscount Rockbourne is surprised in the most devastating way. He’s even more shocked to suddenly find himself widowed after his wife falls to her death from their balcony. Rumors quickly abound that his wife’s death was no accident and even that Thomas had a part in it. Given their toxic relationship and his own painful past, even he can’t help but feel some guilt along with his sense of relief. When he learns that a young woman saw what happened that night, he accepts her help modifying the exact events in an effort to protect his young daughter. In exchange, he agrees to say nothing about her clandestine spying, but their burgeoning friendship becomes complicated as the bond between them deepens into something more.
Beatrix Linley has fond memories of her loving father, the Duke of Ramsgate, and the family he established with her and her mother, his mistress, up until her mother’s death, at which point the duke abandoned Beatrix at a boarding school. She’s determined to return triumphant as a daughter the duke can be proud of and reclaim her family. This begins with taking London by storm. Her season is going well, but Beatrix hasn’t quite overcome her childhood penchant for compulsive thievery. She’s not aware of what she’s doing, but this vice threatens to bring to light the past she’s trying to leave behind. When attention is drawn to both their scandals, Beatrix and Thomas must expose painful truths and past hurts or risk squandering any hope of a future together.
I loved these two together. I’m a total sucker for a pair that has the sort of electric, almost instantaneous connection exhibited by Thomas and Beatrix. That bond was shown very well here, and I loved how supportive they were of each other, even when they made sometimes questionable decisions. This made them seem more real and relatable really. The loyalty Beatrix and Tom had for each other made me want to keep reading about them, even when their freedom was in jeopardy and I was a bit stressed by their circumstances. I loved their willingness to fight for each other. This is also one of few books I’ve read, if any, which featured a hero who’d been a victim of spousal abuse from his wife. This is a very real issue now as well and is so rarely addressed or discussed it was nice to see that brought to light a little here. Thomas had suffered so much abuse throughout his life and was such a good father that I couldn’t help but root for him and find him incredibly endearing. The only thing we didn't get that I really wanted was some sort of recompense for Thomas' mother-in-law for stirring things up and making him suffer so much, though I suppose she went through the loss of both her children in a short time so perhaps that was punishment enough. After what both Beatrix and Thomas had suffered, their HEA was well-deserved and I was so glad they got right down to it and were open and honest with each other without any game playing. It was also great to see them devoted to each other and their families and uncaring of the opinions of the rest of society. This book was charming and is hands down my favorite of the series, so far at least. I can’t wait for Rafe’s story now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3419472905
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1464354089
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