Elysium, part gambling hell and part pleasure palace isn’t the sort of establishment Olivia should ever visit. Her future includes paying calls, taking sedate walks in the park and marriage to a proper, somewhat boring gentleman hand-picked by her grandfather. When a handsome stranger nearly ravishes her on Elysium’s second floor, Olivia is thrilled to have done something daring.
Until she finds the same man seated across from her at the Duke of Averell’s dinner table. Winking at her. A proper gentleman, one with an ounce of decorum, would pretend not to recognize her.
But Mr. Benjamin Cooke, Olivia soon finds out, is definitely not a gentleman. He’s ruthless. Unprincipled. Brilliant. Attractive. And worst of all, American. Cooke wants Olivia with a determination that is as thrilling as it is terrifying. Now Olivia is faced with an impossible decision. Will she be bound by duty? Or sacrifice everything to follow her heart?
Olivia Nelson is the ward of the Duchess of Barrington. She has been estranged from her only family, her grandfather, until recently. He has suddenly taken an interest in her and they have developed a strong familial bond, much to the displeasure of the Duchess. Olivia is a very proper and behaved young woman and loves anything to do with plants and flowers. Her grandfather wishes for her to wed her cousin and become the Countess to carry on her grandfather’s name. But when, Phaedra convinces her to visit the Elysium, the gaming hell owned by their brothers, she stumbles upon a man she won’t soon forget!
Benjamin Cooke is Georgina’s cousin from America. He had a rough childhood before he found out he was the nephew of Jacob Rutherford and his life changed dramatically. He has travelled to London for the birth of Georgina’s baby when he meets the most enchanting debutante at the Elysium. Never thinking he would see her again, they both are surprised to be sitting across the dinner table later that week!
Ben can’t stay away from Olivia and they play a delicious game of back and forth. Olivia is so sweet and trying to make everyone happy with her actions and decisions for her future. But, thank heavens, she realizes that she needs to make that decision; she can’t let other people plan her life out for her! And, also thankfully, Ben still pursues her to a point even though he plays the whole ‘I’m not good enough for you’ card. He doesn’t fight it too hard! I really enjoyed this read and tore through it quickly! Almost too quickly as I’m sad it’s over already!
TROPES
Historical Romance, Victorian Era, Gaming Hell, Country Life, Alpha Hero, Criminal Hero, Illegitimate Hero, Pugilist/Fighter Hero. Self-Made Hero, Unworthy Hero, Orphan Hero, Orphan Heroine, Proper Heroine, American Hero, Virgin Heroine, Angst Romance, Class Difference, Hero Falls Hard, Five Star, Three Flame, Must Do Her Duty Heroine
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