Series: Unsuitable Brides, #4
Traits & Tropes: virgin hero; wealthy heroine; class difference; spare son
Publication Date: 06.24.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Victorian; London, England 1891
Heat Level: 4
Rating: 4/5
Joseph Rathborne-Paxton is tired of living in his brothers’ shadows and being underestimated at every turn. He took his father’s pious teachings to heart more than his other brothers did and was the most affected when it all turned out to be false. He’s tired of being seen as merely the dutiful child and is eager to prove himself and he can think of no better way than ruining the villainous Montrose for good.
Ellen Garrett, an American ‘Dollar Princess’ is in London hoping for a new start and seeking a husband. But she’s too loud and free spirited to be a success in London society, making her even more determined to become the perfect English miss, with Joseph’s help. Ellen turns out to be exactly what Joseph needs to come into his own as a man and her fortune and skill at cards may be just what his family needs to come back from their ruination.
I think this is my favorite story in this series, mostly because I found this couple to be so wholesomely likable and the angst was low. Ellen has pursued Joseph for a couple of books now, but it was nice to see him agree with her that they belonged together, and I enjoyed seeing the two of them make that happen. I think we can all relate to the feeling of belittlement Joseph endures at not being taken seriously and I could definitely relate to Ellen’s dismay at not fitting in with the ladies of society. I loved that Joseph and Ellen both matured so much during this story, with him coming into his own as his own man, outside the influence of his father and brothers, and her realizing she could make her own society and had no need of false friendships with catty women. These two were a couple I could root for, and though they each had moments where they annoyed me, those thankfully didn’t last long, and their chemistry still shone through. I really started enjoying this one when Ellen and Joseph realized they had each other and that was enough, and they had no need to change themselves for anyone else. It will never not bother me that a book so well-researched in other respects still refers to the sons of a marquess as mere misters, but otherwise I have no real negatives on this one. It was satisfying to see Montrose dealt with and I found this to be a nice series wrap-up 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/4799641225
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3960963668
Comments
Post a Comment