Series: Reluctant Heroes, #1
Traits & Tropes: forced proximity; enemies to lovers; arranged marriage
Publication Date: 02.23.21
Genre/Setting: Historical; Victorian; 1880
Heat Level: 1.5
Rating: 4.5 stars
When their fathers desire a profitable business merger, handsome bachelor Rafe Townsend and forward-thinking, impulsive Lauren Alcott are pushed into an engagement. There is a spark of attraction between them which suggests they may just be well-matched, until a Sunday picnic goes badly awry and brings the efficacy of their engagement into question.
When Rafe won’t leave their boat to help two women whose boat overturned on the river Lauren takes matters into her own hands. She removes her heavy overskirts and takes to the water to save them herself, flinging Rafe’s ring back at him in the aftermath. A reporter happens to be nearby and sensationalizes the story, leaving Rafe publicly declared rather cowardly and Lauren viewed by some as an angel and by others as a wanton. With both their reputations sullied, they must salvage things by making their relationship very publicly visible and very amicable, even if they don’t intend to follow through with a wedding. Their ensuing closeness will either go down as part of a successful campaign or sew the seeds of a truly loving partnership.
This was my first read from this author, but it won’t be my last. I liked the writing style and with a unique spin on the arranged marriage trope, this book felt fresh and held my attention. Lauren and Rafe were already engaged but they had preconceived notions of each other and seeing them get to know one another as they faced challenges together was excellent. They both developed feelings for each other before they’d realized it and I loved their teamwork and how they made a conscious decision to be together. Rafe had more depth than he showed at first blush, but both he and Lauren grew and changed their perspectives as they learned more about each other and I loved that character development and the tension between these two was great. I do wish we’d gotten a bit more steam, but I loved the storyline and the characters kept me entertained so I didn’t really mind. Lauren’s impetuousness was curbed by Rafe’s cautiousness; these two brought out the best in each other and I’ll look forward to continuing this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/435632616
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3789790682
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