Series: League of Dukes, #5
Traits & Tropes: spies; titled hero; working heroine; class difference; heroine in trouble
Publication Date: 01.28.20
Genre/Setting: Historical; Victorian; London, England, 1883
Heat Level: 5.5
Rating: 4/5
Narration Rating: 5/5
Since the death of his beloved wife, Felix Markham, the Duke of Winchelsea, has poured everything into his work for the crown and raising his young daughter. With railway bombings plaguing London, he’s determined to lure the mastermind behind the attacks out into the open by any means necessary.
When she was a young girl, Johanna McKenna reinvented herself to escape her violent father, adopting a French accent and becoming Rose Beaumont, New York City’s favorite actress. She’s successfully avoided her family for years until her brother finds her and drags her back into his web of lies and violence, leaving her trapped until she receives an offer to come to London for a six-week tour at a famous theater.
Felix has a clear-cut plan. Lure the famed Rose of New York to London, woo her into being his mistress, and thereby draw his true quarry to London with her. But the more time Felix spends with Johanna, the clearer it becomes that he’s been wrong about some key facts in this case. Soon Felix believes Johanna is an innocent pawn in her brother’s schemes and he’s equally convinced that she’s the woman for him. When Felix does eventually learn the entire truth, it may be too late to ensure the safety of both London at large and his newfound love.
This story surprised me with its emotional depth. Johanna had been on her own for a long time and had no idea how to trust or rely on someone else. Though this did make her a bit frustrating at times, she did have good reason to mistrust Felix a bit. I think at times she took this too far, but I enjoyed seeing Felix patiently show her what it is to be loved and trust in those feelings for another. In turn, Johanna helped Felix’s grief stricken and previously dormant heart heal and learn to love again. Felix acknowledged his feelings and did everything he could to protect Johanna and secure them a chance at a future together and I loved him for that. He was also adorable in his role as father to Verity, though her resemblance to his beloved late wife pained him at times. In short, it was impossible not to root for Felix and I was glad to see him settle down with someone who loved him and begin living life without thought of scandal or the duty that had bound him for the previous years and kept him from truly living. Though Johanna did have to grow on me, I did enjoy this story and the action of it kept me wanting to listen ceaselessly.
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/2493439073
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2964492232
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