Series: The Rakes of St. Regent's Park, #4
Traits & Tropes: reformed rake; damaged hero; class difference; working heroine
Publication Date: 11.29.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Victorian; London, England; July, 1898
Heat Level: 3
Rating: 4/5
With his father’s sudden passing Damon Cranston is saddled with the title and responsibilities of the Duke of Chellenham. His amoral father was only interested in indulging in his debauched lifestyle and left the dukedom in disarray. Recognizing the need for help, Damon goes to Althea Galway, co-owner of the Galway Investigative Agency, for her aid in untangling the disorder he’s been left with. Damon hasn’t been able to stop thinking of Althea since he met her months ago, completely taken by her intelligence and compassion.
Althea Galway has no interest in wealth or titles, but she can’t deny that handsome Damon caught her notice from the first time they met. He’s arrogant and possessed of a terrible reputation, but Althea suspects that beneath the surface Damon is lonely and scarred but hiding a deep sense of honor.
As they uncover the depth of the duke’s depravity, Althea and Damon spend a great deal of time together. Adding in a personal crisis for Althea and there seem to be entirely too many obstacles standing in the way of any chance at a future for these two, but neither can deny the deep connection growing between them and they’re soon determined to do whatever it takes to make things work.
Damon is the ultimate reformed rake hero and probably one of the most well-written ones I’ve read. He’s been living in his wastrel, amoral father’s shadow without even realizing it and I loved seeing him finally freed from that upon his father's death. Damon is very much learning who he is and who he wants to be in this story, working to establish the life he’s always wanted but which has eluded him. He spends this book going through immense emotional awakening and a ton of upheaval, but he never shies away from it, instead embracing his feelings and working to surround himself with the family he’s always wanted and to be a better person. I loved that aspect. Althea is where this story faltered a bit for me simply because she did grow a bit repetitive in her cautiousness when it came to her relationship with Damon. She was frustrating to me because, on the one hand, she was the one person who saw the good in Damon even before he did, but on the other, she was also quick to forget it and treat him poorly for no apparent reason. She was right there with him helping him find his siblings, a goal that was inherently unselfish, meanwhile he’s doing all these small but thoughtful things for her, yet she still characterizes him as thinking only of himself. That was bizarre for me and a bit off-putting early in the story. I also had no idea why she would assume marriage would mean giving up her agency when it didn’t mean that for her sister and Damon had assured her he didn’t want to change her. Nonetheless, Althea did overcome her doubts and I liked seeing her learn to listen to her heart for a change and Damon’s treatment of her was especially romantic. These two created a lovely found family and that made it a heartwarming read for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5132627068
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1016988108
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