Series: The 1797 Club, #6
Traits & Tropes: titled hero; spies; damaged hero & heroine; hero is injured, heroine cares for him; forced proximity
Publication Date: 03.27.18
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England, 1811
Heat Level: 4.5/5
Rating: 5/5
Narration Rating: 4/5
Though titled the Duke of Willowby, Lucas Vincent has eschewed his duties and position in favor of his work as a spy for the War Department. He’s devoted years to his dangerous work, separating himself from his friends for their own safety. Now it seems his luck is running out as his latest mission nearly killed him. After six months he’s no closer to a full recovery, angry to be homebound, and his preoccupation with catching the traitor who nearly killed him is further impeding his healing.
Diana Oakford’s father was a highly skilled physician who worked for the War Department, so she’s family with the dealings of spies. She learned healing under her father’s tutelage so when a dear family friend asks her to help Lucas, she finds herself agreeing.
Left alone in a small cottage on the outskirts of London, the palpable connection between Lucas and Diana only grows. They’re both fighting painful emotions they’ve hidden for years and it’s soon apparent that Lucas needs healing in more than just his body and maybe Diana does too. Just as their relationship begins to solidify and edge toward more permanence, the case comes between them, leaving Lucas to decide between his duty and his commitment to protecting the woman who has come to mean everything to him.
I love this one. The forced proximity here was excellent and we really see Lucas and Diana’s relationship develop on the page, both in and out of the bedroom. Lucas had to learn how to express and accept a sort of unconditional love he’d never before experienced. There was also action, suspense and the right amount of drama for me. The conflict between Lucas and Diana stemmed from his attempts to protect her and wasn’t excessively drawn out so I really appreciated that minimal angst. It was nice to see a couple actually communicating and developing that level of trust to the point that they could confide in each other. I also loved that they were both vulnerable and both in need of healing and that was something they were able to find together. This is my favorite book of the series so far and quite possibly my favorite couple as well.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2485960036
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2511666956
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