Series: Theirs, #2
Traits & Tropes: class difference; snowed in
Publication Date: 02.07.23
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency; Winter, 1813
Heat Level: 7
Rating: 5 stars
When her husband’s death puts an end to her loveless arranged marriage but leaves no jointure for her, Anna, the Duchess of Sedgewick, is forced to seek out the new duke and beg for his financial support. When a storm sees Anna and her faithful driver, Oliver, stranded at the home of reclusive painter Ezra, repressed desires and emotions come raging to the fore.
Oliver has loved Anna for years but has never been intimate with her apart from one stolen moment in a darkened hallway at the Donville Masquerade. When Ezra offers them much-needed funds in exchange for posing for an erotic painting, Oliver sees it as an opportunity to give Anna a bit of security and fulfill one of his dreams.
Since a devastating loss in his personal life, Ezra has been unable to paint for himself, only for commissions, having lost his passion for the art, but the palpable connection between Oliver and Anna inspires him. That desire and inspiration leads to something more than any party anticipated, leaving them wondering if they can overcome their past pains to create the future they want.
Of course, I went into this expecting a steamy read, and it is, but what surprised me was how deeply emotional it was. The dynamic between Anna and Oliver is already extremely layered thanks to the neglect and outright cruelty she suffered at the hands of her late husband and the palpable longing between these two. Oliver is convinced he can never be more than a servant and can assuredly never have anything lasting with Anna, not that she would ever reciprocate his feelings. The addition of intense, confident, but lonely Ezra to the mix served as a catalyst for all three characters to come out of their shells and finally give voice to the needs, desires, and feelings they’d been hiding. Each helped the others face and conquer their fears and past pain to establish a solid and loving relationship in a quick and low angst story. If you like a plot with your steam and want to read something driven by the emotions of the characters, this is a solid choice.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5364020705
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3565204581
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