Series: The Mating Habits of Scoundrels, #4
Traits & Tropes: mistress; trust issues; ruined heroine; wealthy hero; titled hero; slow burn
Publication Date: 05.24.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; London, England
Heat Level: 4
Rating: 4/5
Since a relatively minor misstep saw her labeled as ruined and ejected from polite society, Prudence Thorogood has lost her family and her inheritance as well as her standing. She’s decided to get back what’s rightfully hers, even if it means resorting to larceny. When Lord Savage, ruthless scoundrel that he is, makes her an offer, Prue eventually sees it as her chance to gain the access to society she needs. But soon, what started as simply a means to an end begins to morph into something very different when Prue realizes that there’s much more to the marquess than anyone gives him credit for.
Leo Ramsgate, the Marquess of Savage, has been betrayed too deeply to ever allow himself to dabble in emotion again. He’s distrustful of everyone and certainly not capable of love. He keeps his relationships with women clear cut and satisfying, but short and always with a set end date. But when he meets Prue, he finds himself beguiled in a way he never has been before. For the first time, he wants to throw away his carefully constructed rules and keep someone forever, even if he’ll never admit it. Prue’s plan has always been to leave London for a quiet life in the country at the end of their affair, but she hesitates as she finds herself falling in love with a man who she knows will never love her back.
I didn’t realize this was a mistress trope when I first started it, not sure why but there you have it. I’m glad of that though because the mistress trope often just does not work for me so I’m always trying to go into books now without any biases against the plot devices used. Anyway, I liked this book a lot more than I thought I might. Don’t get me wrong, Leo’s emotional unavailability and need to distance himself from everyone/doubt that Prue was genuine in her dealings with him did get a bit repetitive sometimes, but his thought processes were totally valid. Having experienced virtually zero genuine love in his life, it’s no surprise that Leo doesn’t know how to give or receive it. Given the betrayals he’s suffered at the hands of those who were supposed to love him unconditionally or even just be a friend to him, his behavior does make complete sense, even if it is frustrating at times. Because of this, I found both Leo’s and Prue’s characters to be well drawn and I liked that they were both going on a sort of personal journey of development at the same time their relationship was also developing. This was a slow burn and that suited these two so well. They started getting to know each other on a more intimate level right away, without the impediments of societal strictures keeping stilted formality between them, but also without sex coming into play right away and complicating things. This way, Prue and Leo were able to develop a real rapport and foundation of trust, despite the resistance on both their parts and despite neither wanting to admit their rapidly developing feelings. I think this is the mistress trope done right. Sure, I could’ve done with less miscommunication/general lack of communication. These two were pretty good at even the most awkward discussions before feelings came into play, but given these two characters’ experiences, their reactions to the situations they were placed in did make perfect sense. Also, could’ve done with less other woman drama and more understanding from Leo about why other women would make Prue feel insecure in their relationship. Also, I do wish Leo had done more to put former mistresses in their place and not been quite so nice and generous all the time. In that same vein, I really wanted to see him put Prue’s father in his place as well. Regardless, I really did like that Leo was finally able to experience genuine love and put himself out there enough to give it in return and I’m now very excited that we’re getting a book for Meg. The aunts are possibly my favorite characters so I’m hoping this means more page time for them as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2165020083
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3962650681
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