Mrs. Peabody and the Unexpected Duke by Grace Callaway | ARC Review

Series: Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels (Novella)
Traits & Tropes: second chance; titled hero; hidden identity; road trip; villains; protector hero; cinnamon roll hero
Publication Date: 
Genre/Setting: Historical; Victorian; December 1851
Heat Level: 3
Rating: 5 stars

Hawker and Mrs. Peabody shared a night of passion together nearly a year ago and have been dancing around one another in a cloud of animosity ever since. She’s afraid of what he asks of her and he’s reluctant to push her for more than she’s ready to give, but when they’re sent on a mission together, they will be forced to face their feelings for one another head on.

This may be a short novella, but it certainly packs a punch, and I loved it. Hawker was just the sort of hero I adore: a bit surly and gruff, large and intimidating, but a complete cinnamon roll underneath. It also didn’t hurt that he was completely gone for the heroine, sure about the future he wanted with her, and determined to woo her, but sensitively, so as not to scare her. Pearl was rather surly and prickly, but Hawker was able to see beneath that façade to her need to be loved and he helped her overcome those feelings of inferiority and unworthiness in the best way. I loved that these two, after a bit of convincing on Hawker’s part, were ready to take on the world together, despite the seeming oddity of their pairing and without concern for any potential naysayers. Hawker’s steadfastness in pursuit of the future he wanted with Pearl was incredibly endearing to me, and this book’s fast pace and inclusion of a villain had me not wanting to put it down. This is only the second Callaway book I’ve read, but I look forward to many more after this.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.