Series: The Ravenels, #4
Traits & Tropes: law enforcement/spy hero; doctor heroine; suspense
Publication Date: 02.27.18
Genre/Setting: Historical; Victorian; London/Hampshire, England, 1876
Heat Level: 4
Rating: 5 stars!
Narration Rating: 5 stars!
As the only female physician in England, Dr. Garrett Gibson must be a bit unconventional, and she sees no reason not to embrace it. But this is the first time she’s even been tempted to try her hand at an affair. Former Scotland Yard detective turned spy Ethan Ransom is charming and seductive, but he has secrets and while Garrett knows he’s a well-trained assassin, no one seems to know whose side he’s on. He’s willing to give her the night of passion she craves but insists they must go back to being strangers once he leaves her in order to ensure her safety.
As the unrecognized illegitimate son of the former Ravenel earl, Ethan is uninterested in having any connections to high society, but Garrett captivates him. He knows he should stay away from her for her safety, but despite his caution, she’s drawn into his perilous world anyway. When his plans go drastically awry, Garrett’s skills will be pushed to their limits to save him. As they confront a treasonous plot within the government, Ethan becomes increasingly determined to have a future with Garrett, no matter the risks.
I adored this book! I think Ethan seems to be underrated as a Kleypas hero and for me he gave Rhys Winterborne and even Cam Rohan a run for their money. He had so much dialogue I wanted to highlight (but sadly couldn’t since I listened to the audio) and he was just so sweet. I loved the development of his relationship with Garrett and her struggle to express her emotions was incredibly relatable for me. I love that although he was trying to keep his distance to keep Garrett safe, Ethan never prevaricated about his feelings for her, but instead was up front, open, and honest with her. I also loved that Garrett knew what she wanted and was determined to have it, unafraid to stand by her man and work as a team with him. This book had so many passages I wanted to return to, and I think it’s one of the most truly romantic books I’ve ever read and certainly that I’ve read of late. I enjoyed the setting outside the typical aristocracy and our rather unconventional hero and heroine. Beyond all that, I also really loved the seeds of a brotherly/familial relationship being sewn between Ethan and West. Having never had that, Ethan didn’t really know how to proceed, and West’s humor and genuine nature smoothed the way for him and had me falling in love with both characters. This book was sexy, emotional, and suspenseful. Ethan and Garrett showed great development as individuals and in their relationship and their dedication to each other. My only complaint here is that I wanted an epilogue just to have a bit more time with them and extend that warm fuzzy HEA feeling with these characters I adored. Mostly, I loved that this couple was open with each other and their conflict was an external one they faced together rather than one brought about by lies or miscommunication. This one is a new favorite for me and now I’m on to West’s story.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1621659403
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2540997112
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