Series: Rebels of the Ton, #3
Traits & Tropes: second chance; heroine redeemed; twins, multiple storylines; working heroine
Publication Date: 09.28.21
Genre/Setting: Historical; England
Heat Level: 3
Rating: 4/5
Celia was once the most popular debutante of the Ton, until an incident resulted in the unfortunate nickname, Lady Infamous, and ruined her reputation. Abandoned by her father and in need of funds, Celia was forced into service. Now, in her role as companion to an elderly lady, Celia must attend a society wedding and face the group she used to lead, as well as the earl she once hoped to marry and his wife, the girl Celia made the brunt of her most vicious teasing. She also has to deal with the powerful and exceptionally charming man who ruined her life ten years ago and is threatening to ruin her all over again.
Richard Redvers is taking a brief break from his travels as a naturalist to attend his younger sister’s wedding. The studious boy Celia taunted has become wealthy, successful and renowned for his work. His youthful infatuation with Celia is still intact in some respects, as he’s still intrigued by her. But along with her newfound kindness, Celia is also hiding a secret that could easily end any hope they may have of starting fresh if she can’t find the courage to make things right.
I was nervous about this book before I started it and I do still have some mixed feelings about it, but I must say it exceeded my expectations. I’m not sure I’ve ever read anything quite like this with a redemption arc for a reformed mean-girl heroine or with the two couples both sharing page-time either. At first, I was definitely more interested in Lucian and Phyllida, the secondary couple, but Richard and Celia definitely grew on me the more I read, which I think was also concurrent with their growth and development individually. Lucian was utterly charming in his slightly clumsy attempts to woo his wife and though she was harder to like given how very slow she was to release her preconceived notions about him, I liked them together and her behavior enabled me to forgive him for a transgression early on in their marriage which I normally would never tolerate. I still don’t like it, mind you, but I can ignore it for the most part. Richard was likeable in a unique way given his obliviousness and total lack of concern about the opinions of others and I liked that he was such a steadying presence on Celia, which finally made her feel safe enough to be honest for perhaps the first time in her life. I was glad to see some development in the character of the twins’ sister, Antonia, as well and I think a book for her could be interesting. I also greatly enjoyed seeing Hugh on the page again as he is one of my favorite heroes. Overall, this was a rather engrossing read; I enjoyed the holiday house party setting, the multiple couples, the steam, the convincing villain, and the growth demonstrated by all the main characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3311764339
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4276373369
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