Beth Howell needs to find her dowry, post haste. After her good-for-nothing first husband married her―and two other women, unbeknownst to them all―she’s left financially ruined and relegated to living with her brother, who cares more for his horses than he does his blood relatives. If Beth fails to acquire her funds, her brother will force her to marry someone fifty years her senior and missing half his teeth. She’d prefer to avoid that dreadful fate. But her now-deceased husband, Meri, absconded with her money mere days after their illegitimate marriage. To find it, Beth will have to leave town and retrace Meri’s steps if she’s to take her future into her own hands.
Julian Raleah, Marquess of Grayson, cares not a whit for social norms and generally growls at anyone in his path. Grayson has had a heart of stone ever since his engagement to Beth Howell went down in flames―long before she married that cad, Meri, and sealed her own fate for good. But now she’s on his doorstep, asking for use of his carriage and accompaniment on the hunt to find her lost dowry. Surely Grayson cannot go on the road with the woman who has occupied his thoughts for the past decade. Yet, knowing she needs him, how can he resist helping her this one last time? And maybe that’s just enough time to change the ending to their over-too-soon love story.
THE REVIEW
Beth Howell and Julian Raleah were once in love and hoped to marry, but Beth’s brothers refusal of the match sent Julian away without a word to Beth. Beth was devastated and confused; Julian was embarrassed and ashamed.
Years pass and Beth is forced to face Julian and ask for his help in recovering her dowry that her deceased husband, Meri wagered. Beth was the third wife of Meri and left in the worst position of the three.
Julian Raleah was devastated to be denied a marriage with Beth but he has never stopped loving her. So when Julian hears about her fake marriage and she shows up at his door asking for help, he is optimistic that he can win her back! What ensues is an adventure across the British countryside in an attempt to retrace Meri’s path and find her dowry!
Julian and Beth were so cute! I felt for both of them and the positions they were put in. BUT I will say, I hate a miscommunication trope! I find it so frustrating when years of happiness are lost because they didn’t simply TALK! I was able to get past my frustration in this book, however, because they were able to recover a friendship quickly and neither was overly angry with the other. They had cute banter and believable sexy times! The adventure was fun and added to their ability to actually communicate with each other.
BUT then my other hated trope of a second act break-up popped up. Ugh. This one bothered me because I didn’t understand Beth’s reasoning for refusing a future with Julian. She made it sound like she had no choice, but Julian was the one with the title and in need of funds, so if he was MORE than willing to overlook the concerns, she should be too!
This wasn’t my favorite of the series, but I did run through all the emotions (even some teary eyes) and I liked how everything was settled with what Meri had left his wives.
TROPES
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Scientist Hero, Protective Hero, Titled Hero, Damaged/Tortured Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Independent Heroine, Widowed Heroine, Second Chance Romance, Road Trip Trope, Second Act Breakup, Bath/Shower Steam, Four Star, Three Flame
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