by Jess Michaels
★★★★★
🖤🖤🖤🖤🤍
Once upon a time, a handsome duke was madly in love with a beautiful courtesan. But when his grandmother manipulated him into marrying for position, rather than love, they were torn apart. Now Edward, the Duke of Lockhart, is widowed, out of mourning and ready to pursue the love of his life again.
But Sophia Russell was brokenhearted when she lost him before and she sees no way that it can work out this time any more than it did before. Still, Edward’s seduction is something she cannot…will not resist. So she creates elaborate rules of their affair and hopes she can keep her heart separate this time.
Passion has always been easy for these two, but love will be hard. Especially when a terrible danger becomes clear and their fight for each other becomes one they may die from if they lose.
But Sophia Russell was brokenhearted when she lost him before and she sees no way that it can work out this time any more than it did before. Still, Edward’s seduction is something she cannot…will not resist. So she creates elaborate rules of their affair and hopes she can keep her heart separate this time.
Passion has always been easy for these two, but love will be hard. Especially when a terrible danger becomes clear and their fight for each other becomes one they may die from if they lose.
The Plot
This book wrecked me, wooed me, made me cry, made me so anxious, scared me and then tied it all together with a happy ever after. Sophia and Edward had a short liaison that was cut short because he had the duty to marry for the Dukedom. But the love lost when they separated broke both of them. When Edward's wife dies, he returns for Sophia determined to win her back in to his life...forever! He spends the whole book trying to convince her he means marriage, kids and everything and that they can stand up to the scrutiny of the Ton and his horrible Grandmother, the Dowager. Seriously, finished this in less than 24 hours. I couldn't put it down. One section had me so sad and feel a horrible pit in my stomach (you KNOW what I'm talking about), then I was swooning as they made love, then I was frustrated with Sophia for not letting herself go and just love Edward, then I was scared of the Dowager, and then the cycle started all over again.
I know this makes no sense and I am rambling but seriously, I was on the edge of the page the whole time!
The Heroine
Sophia Russell is a courtesan that had a rough childhood, although I don't recall much detail about it. She is beautiful and the sweetest woman to everyone. Its no wonder Edward (and many other men) adored her! But when Edward had to walk away to fulfill the duties of the Dukedom, she was crushed. It took her a long time to get past the pain, but she did eventually and took other protectors, but none compared to Edward. So when she reconnected with Edward, she had to protect her heart from something that she thought could never be. She was truly trying to protect him as well, but slowly Edward was able to break down the wall around her heart.
The Hero
Edward, the Duke of Lockhart is now my new favorite book boyfriend. Hands down. He had very little choice but to walk away from Sophia and get married, but it was a difficult marriage as he and his new wife were in love with other people. When she died, he felt horrible that her short life was so miserable. But he was able to return to Sophia and convince her to love him. He was so sweet to give her space when she needed it and obey her 'rules' she put in their liaison. So patient! Ugh, he was the best and I was rooting for him the whole book, just hoping Sophia would see reason!
The Steam
I mean its Jess Michaels, OF COURSE there is steam and in the best way!
Tropes
Regency Era, Steam Hot, Steam Carriage, Beta Hero, Titled Hero, Mistress Heroine, Courtesan, Experienced Heroine, Angst Romance, Second Chance Romance, Courtesan Romance, Class Difference, Betrayal, Five Star, Four Flames
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