Series: Girl Meets Duke, #2
Traits & Tropes: governess/employer; reformed rake; hero believes himself unworthy of love; class difference
Publication Date: 08.28.18
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England, 1817
Heat Level: 3.5
Rating: 4.5/5
Narration Rating: 5/5
When her means to earn her living is lost to her, Alexandra Mountbatten has little choice but to take on the daunting task of turning two mischievous orphans into proper young ladies. She soon realizes the girls don’t need rules and punishments but rather love and security, but their guardian, Chase Reynaud, is skeptical. He’s earned his reputation as a devil may care charmer whom no lady has been able to tame. Alexandra has to find a way to make him admit what’s really in his heart without losing hers.
Chase has only one rule in life: he must not form any attachments. With anyone. So, when the new governess tries her hand at changing his ways, he decides to show her a few of his own skills, the pleasurable kind. Chase thinks to show Alex just how irredeemable he is but he underestimates her passion and tenacity. Alex refuses to give up on him and soon Chase is scrambling to repair the walls around his heart as she sets them crumbling down.
I thought this was such a cute story. I usually enjoy a good reformed rake trope and this was no exception. Even though our hero isn’t so much the rake, he has a ruined reputation and is a commitment-phobe so he was close enough to count. Chase just needed to experience love, and acceptance and believe he was worthy of those things, to open his heart to Alex and the girls. Alex was the perfect foil for him, and I loved that she was brutally honest with him, refusing to hear any excuses, but without ever compromising on her views or values. I enjoyed the wit and humor employed here, especially with Alex’s friends and the girls as they terrorized the household. The pacing here was nice and quick, so my attention was held, and I breezed through this audiobook very quickly. Some of my favorite scenes were actually those between Ash and Chase so maybe the romance could’ve been just a smidge stronger, but I still thought it was solid and I especially loved the stargazing scenes. I could’ve done with a bit less angst, however, and a quick resolution to Chase’s issues after he did finally open himself up to Alex. Also, though I think it was about as well done here as I’ve ever seen, I still just do not like the third act separation. This also meant we got a bit less steam than I’d like, most especially intimate scenes with emotional connection. This felt like a missed opportunity since we got one scene with a very raw and vulnerable Chase, then a regression from him without another intimate scene at the reconciliation, which I think could’ve been a chance for something really beautiful. Overall though, I loved the characters and the humor, and the plot kept me invested.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/335915513
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2497679459
Comments
Post a Comment