Series: Isle of Synne, #2
Traits & Tropes: fake relationship; titled hero; damaged hero & heroine
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; England, 1818
Publication Date: 01.12.21
Heat Level: 3/5
Rating: 5/5
Since her seduction at the hands of a foul-intentioned rogue, Lady Clara Ashford has spent the last fifteen years knowing she can never marry. She has appointed herself to the role of caregiver for the rest of her family, but now with her younger sister set to marry and begin her own household, Clara is struggling to find her place. Fortunately, just when she most needs a purpose, her cousin’s friend Quincy, now the Duke of Reigate, has need of a pretend fiancée.
As the fourth son, Quincy Nesbitt never expected to inherit his father’s title, but when he returns from half a lifetime spent in America it is to find that his wastrel brothers have run the estate into the ground before their own early demises. Quincy knows he must do all he can for those who rely on the dukedom for their livelihoods. Though he takes his new responsibilities seriously, Quincy draws the line at marrying the lady to whom his late brother was briefly engaged, and the best way to avoid such an entanglement is to already have a fiancée. As Quincy and Clara put on a show for those around them, he realizes his feelings are utterly real. He just has to convince Clara of his sincerity and that’s he’s worth the risk.
I loved so many parts of this book. It has to get a five star rating because the first half and the last quarter were excellent, but there was some lag and a bit of repetitiveness in that third quarter. Clara’s enumeration of the reasons she and Quincy couldn’t have a real future got a bit old and she began to sound like a broken record after a while, and I do wish someone had put the duchess in her place more thoroughly. Nonetheless, Clara was very brave in how she revealed her pain to her loved ones and her recognition of Quincy’s inherent goodness when others seemed to underestimate him and only see a carefree rake. I adored Quincy as a hero and just wanted someone to give him the love his family had not. Thankfully, Clara was perfect for him and I loved how he respected her and stepped up to show her what it was like to have someone care for her for a change. In that respect, Quincy reminded me of Cam Rohan, from Lisa Kleypas’ Mine Till Midnight, and one of my all time favorite heroes. Clara and Quincy needed and respected each other so much and that made it impossible not to root for them, plus I quite liked that she was a bit older than him. I was also utterly charmed by the friendship between Quincy and Peter. That bond of brotherhood and closeness is rare and precious, and I thought it was illustrated very well here. I couldn’t put this book down and look forward to Margery’s story now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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