Series: The 1797 Club, #7
Traits & Tropes: titled hero; hidden identity; widowed heroine
Publication Date: 05.22.18
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England
Heat Level: 4/5
Rating: 4/5
Narration Rating: 4/5
Since the death of his beloved fiancé in a tragic accident, one he blames himself for, Matthew Cornwallis, the Duke of Tyndale, has presented a mere façade to the rest of the world. He is considered a great catch but inside, his pain remains unhealed. When his friends cajole him into joining them for a night at the scandalous Donville Masquerade, he’s shocked to find himself fiercely attracted to a stunning stranger.
Since being widowed by her much older husband, Isobel Hayes has been curious about passion. She ventures to the Masquerade merely to watch, something she’s been doing for weeks, but when she’s rescued from unwanted attentions by a handsome stranger in a mask, she is swept up by his allure.
When the mask slips and Isobel recognizes the face of the man she’s spent a passionate night with, she’s horrified to recognize him as her late cousin’s former fiancé. Knowing her uncle blames Matthew for his daughter’s demise, Isobel continues to meet him, partly to satisfy her body’s newly awakened needs, but also to learn the truth. Once Matthew learns her identity, Isobel wonders if she’ll be too much of a reminder of his painful past to continue their relationship, especially considering she wasn’t forthright with him from the start. With her uncle growing increasingly unhinged, Matthew’s life may be in as much danger as their future together.
This was an interesting story with a fairly nuanced plot. Matthew’s pain was heart-wrenching and doubly so given that he was also hurt by Isobel’s (albeit brief) deception. But this introduced the opportunity for forgiveness and some excellent development played out between Matthew and Isobel. I loved that, although there were significant issues both between them and from outside sources, Matthew and Isobel handled everything in a mature way and ultimately banded together to take on the world. I also loved how Matthew’s friends all rallied around him and were so protective of him, even from Isobel at first. This was a moment for Matthew to shine as well, as he allowed no one to disparage Isobel and this gave her an opportunity to find her place in their group. It was lovely that Isobel wound up being protective of Matthew as well, defending him from her uncle even though she knew it would ruin her relationship with a family member. The pacing of this story was a little slow, but it was very enjoyable, emotional, and satisfying to see Matthew work through his pain and find happiness at last. Anyone looking for a story with emotional depth, character development, and plenty of steam should enjoy this one.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2511667406
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1627900837
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