Series: Gentlemen of London, #1
Traits & Tropes: enemies to lovers; damaged hero; reformed rake; groveling
Publication Date: 09.29.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; September, 1812
Heat Level: 2
Rating: 3/5
Since her father’s death Lady Margaret has been responsible for the care of her two younger siblings and her family’s estate while her wastrel half-brother, Edwin, the Earl of Bucksleigh, depletes the family coffers with his profligate lifestyle in London. When Edwin dies, Meggy is distressed to learn that she and her siblings have been left with nothing and she must share guardianship of them with a man with a notoriously rakish reputation.
Lord Nicholas Burton, Marquess of Holbrook, isn’t thrilled to be saddled with a debutante and two children, but he owes Edwin this debt of honor. He just has to find Meggy a husband to take over his role and his debt will be repaid. Unfortunately for him, Meggy isn’t at all what he thought she’d be and as he comes to know her, he begins to wonder if she could change everything he expected for his future.
This book is perfect for those who like the period-focused, detail-oriented style of Mary Balogh, especially if you prefer more steam (a feature I’m always a fan of.) I liked the setup of the wastrel brother’s not quite friend having to work with his younger sister to be guardian to the two younger siblings. I liked that this was a higher steam book, though that relationship development between these MCs would’ve been stronger for me if their intimacy hadn’t devolved so often into a fight. There was clear chemistry between Meggy and Nicky (I’m not a fan of either of these names), but she did get frustrating after a bit with her rigidity. For his part, Nick was often an idiot and deserved the vitriol Meggy threw at him. She was a bit too inclined to be a martyr and some of her inner monologues grew a bit repetitive, though I think this was a deliberate choice to show us as readers how she was trying to convince herself of Nick’s unsuitability when she no longer believed in it. Nick was definitely not that likable for much of the story, but I am inclined to give him credit for trying and his character development was very strong. He cried quite a lot, but I was glad to see him be willing to be open and discuss his feelings with Meggy, though I’d have loved it more if she’d done the same. I wish we’d seen a bit more of this sort of growth from Meggy instead of just getting her wake up as a sort of epiphany near the end. Nevertheless, I was satisfied to see Nick finally get some unconditional love; after his tragic past, he definitely deserved it and the family he and Meggy created together was quite endearing.
This story was very dramatic, and character driven in a way that will appeal to many readers. The writing is very strong and well done and this is a new author I will try again.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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