Series: The Widows Four, #2
Traits & Tropes: both looking for no strings but catch feelings; widowed heroine, hero damaged by past heartbreak
Publication Date: 09.29.21
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England, 1819
Heat Level: 6
Rating: 4/5
Narration Rating: 5/5
Joan Durbin has enjoyed life as a widow, out from under the control of her overbearing, at times abusive, husband. She’s taken a string of lovers, but the pampered dandies of the London aristocracy have left her wanting, so when she hears of an agency of male courtesans, she decides to investigate. Upon meeting Sir Piers Lovelace, Joan’s desire for a dominant lover is finally satisfied.
Unlike most of his fellow courtesans, Piers has no need of the money he stands to earn, he simply enjoys the opportunity his position affords him to have affairs without any expectations of permanency. He’s had his heart broken before and has no interest in revisiting the pain.
But it doesn’t take long for Piers to realize that Joan is not like any other woman he’s ever met, and it becomes increasingly difficult for him to keep their arrangement simply pleasure without involving his heart.
It took a little bit for me to really get invested in this story, but Darcy Stark’s excellent narration helped to draw me in. At first, I was a bit annoyed by Joan’s bratty behavior, but at the same time I also identified with her rebellious streak, and I think that is what made her such a good match for Piers and him for her. They each challenged each other in ways that were recognizable as new and scary but also special and I think a lot of us read romance to remember that feeling of first meeting someone and realizing they’re different. At least I do, so I really enjoyed that here. Besides all that, the chemistry and steam here was off the charts and these two did a pretty good job of communicating, despite insecurities and a few false starts. I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to the rest of the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an audio advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4424115432
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1447489514
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