Series: N/A
Traits & Tropes: tortured hero; soldier; rediscovery
Publication Date: 05.24.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London/Northumberland, England
Heat Level: 1
Rating: 4/5
Narration Rating: 4/5
After being presumed dead at Waterloo, Viola Caroll seized the opportunity to live the life she’d always wanted, rather than the one she was born to. But this new freedom came at the cost of relinquishing her title, wealth, and, most unbearable of all, her lifelong friend Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood.
When their family friendship is rekindled through her sister-in-law, Viola learns just how greatly her loss affected Gracewood. He’s spiraled into the depths of grief, pained by a war injury and struggling with a laudanum addiction, so much so that Viola barely recognizes her old friend. She decides she must help him but the closeness that necessitates makes it difficult for her to hide her true feelings. They were impossible then and even more so now, but she can’t seem to help herself all the same.
Having never read this author nor read anything like this book, I had no idea what to expect. I’m happy to say I was pleasantly surprised, and I found the narrative to be quite comforting. This was definitely an excruciatingly slow burn at times but given how character driven the story was I think that fit, even if it did slow the pace considerably. Viola did get frustrating sometimes just because of the frequent occurrence of the same inner monologues, though her fears were well-founded. On the other hand, sometimes I think she was too quick to be angry with Justin and didn’t give him enough grace to understand that there were times that he just needed a moment to process what he was learning. I loved the fact that Justin saw what was needed for his happiness and seized it, determined to use the power of his lofty status to smooth any wrinkles this incurred. Sure, this may strain plausibility a bit in places, but I think that’s what made this book so charming. It also must be noted that the cast of side characters in this novel is just delightful on the whole. I listened to this on audio, and I think it was well worth the time.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4272300628
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4744064641
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