Series: The Phoenix Club, #5
Traits & Tropes: tortured/scarred hero; soldier; damaged heroine; beauty and the beast; grumpy/sunshine; titled hero; second son
Publication Date: 04.19.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London/Kent, England, 1815
Heat Level: 4
Rating: 5 stars!
Having experienced love before, and the heartache that came with it, Ada Treadway isn’t that interested in experiencing it again, but that doesn’t stop her from being cheerful and optimistic for everyone else around her. She’s happy with her position as bookkeeper at the Phoenix Club and loves the independence her role has brought her. When her friend and the club’s owner, Lucien, asks her to go to his friend’s country estate and help sort out his ledgers, Ada is eager for the challenge. Of course, Lucien’s friend is a surly, beast of a man, but Ada is certain he’s hiding a warm heart if she can just get beyond his tough exterior.
Maximillian Hunt, the very reluctant Viscount Warfield, doesn’t really care if he lives or not; he’s just trying to move beyond the memories of war and loss that haunt him daily. He certainly doesn’t need a meddlesome, nosy, insufferably cheerful woman invading his privacy. His accounts may need the attention, but she reminds him of all the things he’s been trying to forget and stirs reactions in him that he thought long dead. Soon, Max finds himself tempted by the impossibility of a future with Ada, but he must convince her he’s worth the risk, which means convincing himself of his own worthiness as well.
This book was exactly what I wanted and needed to read right now. This is tortured/scarred hero and grumpy/sunshine done very much right and I just completely melted for it. Max is all gruff and growly with everyone, including Ada at first, but pretty soon only Ada can calm him. It was like she was his lifeline, his map back to himself and I loved that. The gradual nature of the development of their relationship felt gradual and believable but was never slow enough for me to feel bored at all. These two sharing a bed just to sleep so Max could get a break from his nightmares was so adorable and pure and I think I was utterly in love with this pairing from then on. Both Max and Ada feared risking their hearts, mostly because of each having loved and lost before, especially in Max’s case. I found that fear so very, heartrendingly relatable, especially after the recent loss of my brother-in-law. Ultimately, both Max and Ada wanted to feel needed and like they had a place to belong and that’s also one of the most relatable things I’ve read in some time. I just couldn’t help but root for these two. I loved the mature communication between Ada and Max and their willingness to admit to being wrong when necessary. There was no miscommunication trope or heavy, extended angst or third act separation here. In short, this book was perfect for me, and Max’s grand romantic gesture was just the icing on the cake. This is a new favorite for me, and definitely a favorite couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4468679702
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1887538476
Can this be read as a stand alone? Or do you recommend reading the other in the series first?
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