Series: The Phoenix Club, #3
Traits & Tropes: brother's best friend; titled hero; friends to lovers
Publication Date: 10.19.21
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England, 1815
Heat Level: 4
Rating: 4/5
Ruark Hannigan, Earl of Wexford, is no stranger to falling in love; it happens every three years or so, but he’s committed to the promise he made to his late father not to marry before age thirty, to ensure he selects the right wife. But when his best friend’s sister needs him to pretend a brief courtship so she can gain some attention from eligible men, she can’t think of anyone better suited to help her, even if she can’t stop thinking about the secret kiss they shared some weeks previously.
Lady Cassandra Westbrook has tried her best to forget the incident that occurred with Ruark but to no avail. To make matters worse, her father insists she must marry this season, even as he scares off any gentleman brave enough to call on her. Her brothers are completely unhelpful and if she doesn’t find her own husband before the end of the season, her meddling father will find one for her.
Cassandra seizes her chance at a courtship, even though it’s not with Ruark, whom she still can’t help wanting even though her father despises him. When Ruark sees Cassandra on the verge of being wooed by another, he can’t bear the thought of losing her, even if it means breaking the promise he made to his father, if only he could be certain of his feelings.
This book frustrated me so much but, somehow, in a good way. For a while there I just wanted to shake some sense into Ruark so badly that I could barely read it, but I plowed on and was rewarded with such a satisfying conclusion. Ruark and Cassandra were so clearly meant to be, and I loved her maturity and determination to be with Ruark no matter what while at the same time refusing to let him take advantage of her, no matter how unintentionally he might’ve done so. I was happy to see the relationships between Cassandra and her two brothers also maturing and developing as they began to see her as her own woman capable of making her own decisions. Ruark and Cassandra were as nerve racking as they were charming, but I loved the communication and openness they ultimately displayed and I can’t wait for the next story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4211363356
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/870071903
Comments
Post a Comment