Series: The Ravenels, #2
Traits & Tropes: class difference; wealthy hero; external conflict; self-made hero
Publication Date: 05.31.16
Genre/Setting: Historical; Victorian; London, England
Heat Level: 4
Rating: 5 stars!
Narration Rating: 5 stars
The son of a Welsh grocer, Rhys Winterborne has ruthlessly worked his way to attaining immense wealth as the proprietor of the largest department store in the world. He accepts only excellence and knows how to get exactly what he wants. When he meets his friend’s shy cousin, Lady Helen Ravenel, he knows he must have her and if that means wooing her to his bed to ensure their vows come to fruition, so much the better.
Helen has led a very sheltered life in the Hampshire countryside, largely ignored by her parents and kept apart from high society. But beneath her gentle nature is a spine of steel and she’s determined to have Rhys as her husband, despite those who would advise against the match. When enemies surface, Helen must find a way to trust Rhys with her deepest secret, one which could part them for good.
I loved this book! I’ll admit I was a bit stressed about at 60% but that tension didn’t last too long and wound up being just right to keep my interest peaked and let Rhys shine as the excellent man he is. Now I completely understand why Rhys is such a popular hero and he’s become one of my favorites as well. I loved Helen’s quiet, unassuming nature along with her staunch support of Rhys and her refusal to be swayed from what she wanted. I loved the quiet deepening of Rhys and Helen’s connection and how they stood by each other to take on the challenges they faced. I adored how his strength and support seemed to help Helen come out of her shell and show the fierceness she’d hidden beneath her gentle nature. For someone unused to dealing in feelings and emotions, Rhys delivered some of the swoon-worthiest dialogues I’ve read. I also appreciated that the conflict came from outside their relationship rather than an issue of lacking communication between them. There was potential for high angst in the latter half of the book and I was so happy to see that it never fully came to fruition. I think this allowed the relationship between Rhys and Helen to really shine and helped us appreciate how much their connection had developed and solidified, beyond just their physical attraction. I also really love the fact that here we have our rags to riches hero who is at first convinced that Helen must be disgusted by him and his lack of breeding and refinement, but this didn’t last beyond their first real conversation. We blessedly get real communication and characters getting to know each other rather than repetitive, broody inner monologues. Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a place for brooding heroes, but I was happy not to see it here. I loved both Rhys and Helen and their character development and found this to be an excellent read and a new favorite for me.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/235826359
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2425882884
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