Showing posts with label Three Star

Daring the Duke

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 20, 2022

Daring the Duke
The Debutante Dares #1
by Charlie Lane

A redheaded bluestocking in desperate need of a wealthy husband.

A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.

And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.

Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.

The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.

Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.

Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts

The Plot
This was an enjoyable book...I felt like it was a bit ridiculous at times and I was frustrated by some of the holes left at the end of the book, but overall it was a nice, quick read. What started out as a dare, softened and changed both Tabitha and Arthur for the better. I really enjoyed seeing the changes take place, especially in Arthur, and eventually see them realize they will be a great Duke and Duchess because they care for others and for each other.

The Heroine
Tabitha Hampton is a very smart girl who has a photographic memory.  She basically runs her family household since her mother died and her father is sick. She takes care of her little sisters too. After an investment she made goes wrong and she loses a lot of their money, she is desperate to finally marry...someone rich who can help her family and ensure her sister can afford a Season and get married as well. But Tabitha is older and many men are scared off when they find out about her eccentric mind and her inability to hold her tongue at times. But she is determined to help her family so she convinces Arthur to give her a chance to prove she can be the perfect duchess for him.  

The Hero
Arthur is a bit of a stick in the mud. He father died when he was young and he was raised by his mother, uncle and grandmother, all of whom still hold great power over him. He is determined to marry the perfect woman to be his Duchess because, in order to get his beloved childhood home, his whole family needs to approve of his future wife. His Uncle is very controlling and disapproving of Arthur which has left him with needs to be the perfect Duke with ridiculous tasks. Thankfully, Tabitha came along, got through his façade and was able to help him see that "perfection" is not necessary and you'll be happier once you set that mantle aside. 

The Steam
The steam was okay; I loved that their first time together was in a romantic, meadow setting. 

Tropes
Historical Romance, Regency Era, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Politician Hero, Starchy Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Outdoor Steam, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Dare or Bet


HistoricalRomance, RegencyEra, Season/MarriageMart, TonSociety, Beta/CinnamonrollHero, PoliticianHero, StarchyHero, TitledHero, BluestockingHeroine, SpinsterHeroine, VirginHeroine, WallflowerHeroine, OutdoorSteam, MarriageofConvenience/ArrangedMarriage, DareorBet
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Forgetting the Earl

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 10, 2022

Forgetting the Earl
The Arrogant Earls #1
by Kathleen Ayers

Seducing the Earl of Southwell is the perfect revenge…unless Honora loses her heart.


Honora Drevenport is a young, awkward, barely acceptable young lady when she first meets the dashing Earl of Southwell and falls hopelessly in love. After suffering a terrible humiliation at the hands of Southwell’s friends, Honora’s family forces her to marry. Years later, Honora is no longer unhappily wed but a stunning widow and the toast of London. A woman who has never forgotten the Earl of Southwell or what happened that terrible night.


Honora’s plan is simple; make Southwell fall in love with her and exact her revenge.


The Plot
Honora's story was very different from most historical romances I've read; the humiliation she endured in the beginning was heartbreaking. And then the awful marriage she allowed herself to be coerced into was just a bad. I can't believe she hadn't completely lost her spirit! After the incident at the ball when the man she was infatuated with unknowingly assisted in her humiliation, Honora gave up and married the man her family wanted.  She lived for four years with her husband's and even his awful mother's cruelty until thankfully he died.  

I was frustrated that Honora let the treatment go on for so long, especially after her husband died and she had complete freedom. I kind of wanted her to have all the affairs the Ton accused her of! I wished Gideon would have done better by Honora in the initial embarrassment, even if he had still left, I would have believed the love between the two a little more, if he had at the very least sought her out to apologize before running off somewhere. 
“Is this the end of your groveling?” “No. It will continue for some time. Years, probably. Much of it will be done naked.” He gently rubbed his nose to hers. “At least now I know why I survived the black caiman, why even when the pain was so fierce I wished to die and just be left to rot in the jungle, I struggled to live.” “Why?” She smiled against his chest. “For you. For this. It is worth any price I had to pay.”
The Heroine
Honora was like most teenage girls; awkward in their bodies, blemishes on their face and lacking confidence. But Honora was also a bigger girl and the brunt of most of the Tons teasing. Not only were they cruel to her, but so was her family! After her marriage, she endured more torture from her husband and his mother; they said cruel things to her, kept her locked up in her house and humiliated her at every chance. I felt horrible for Honora; she was a smart, intelligent, sweet woman and just couldn't seem to get out of the grip of people who mistreated her!

The Hero
Gideon, the Earl of Southwell, was a explorer with the Geographic Society and traveled the world discovering new places and mapping them. He seemed to be a good guy, but he also was cruel to Honora. Even though he did it unknowing of the deeper meaning to the bet with his friend, he didn't try to speak with Honora, he just tucked his tail between his legs and left to explore some more. I really wanted to like him, but it wasn't that easy. I think he was sweet to Honora in the end, but he also believed all the lies about her. 
“I adore the dress, by the way. Very fetching. Though, I don’t care for the admiration your bosom is drawing. I’m very possessive where you are concerned. As an only child, I never had to share anything, and I don’t mean to start with you.”
The Steam
Of the few scenes towards the end of the book, they were steamy, but I would have wished for even more passion from Honora. I know her physical relationship with her husband was horrible, but I hoped she would have been more eager and therefore passionate with Gideon. 

Tropes
Victorian Era, Historical Romance, Ton Society, Disabled/Wounded Hero, Explorer, Beta Hero, Titled Hero, Bluestocking Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Widowed Heroine, Abused Heroine, Plus Size Heroine, Unrequited Love, Redemption, Ugly Duckling, Secret Crush, Outdoor Steam, Slow Burn, Secrets & Lies, Second Chance Romance



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Lady, Behave

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 09, 2022

Lady, Behave (Naughty Ladies #2)
by Cerise DeLand

She was a Diamond with a few very tiny flaws—and the desire to be good.
He was a rogue with the sense to reform—and to help her to be bad. 

Adelaide Devereaux flabbergasts most men she meets. She’s a Diamond, petite, mild-mannered—the perfect picture of a demure lady. She has one ambition—to kiss every man she likes until she finds one whose lips make her hear church bells chime. 
In Brighton, she meets confirmed bachelor Gyles, Marquess of Heath, who is felled by her charm. Though he vows to kiss her until she's felt the earth turn on its axis, he cannot claim her unless he fixes his parents’ refusal to accept her. They’re too high in the instep to accept a wayward Irish lass who’s the granddaughter of a notorious rascal.

Pride might stall their romance, and lust might motivate a scoundrel to try to carry Addy away, but when love is the only passion that matters, do not all objections fall before its power? 


The Plot
Addy and Gyles’ story was more enjoyable for me than Imogen and Lex. There were several opportunities for increased drama and I was disappointed to not get them…I won’t spoil the story with details, but a few side plots could have been built up more. Also, it took me a bit to get used to the idea that most of Addys story was occurring right along side Imogene’s. So there was definite overlap of scenes, but it was interesting to see how they were interwoven. 

The Heroine
Addy is a beautiful, petite Diamond of Society, but she desperately wants to be seen for more than her beauty. She smart and interested in alchemy, mixing medicine. She is instantly drawn to Gayle’s and is wooed by his pure attraction to her and his appreciation of her thoughts and talents. She can be very sweet, docile, and polite, but, as several gentleman found out, also very honest and straightforward! 

The Hero
Gyles was imprisoned in Paris for many years in his youth and vowed to live life to the fullest when he escaped! But once he sets on eyes on Addy, he is smitten! He has headaches from his time in captivity and Addy helps him. He also harbors some ill-will towards his dad for not paying the ransom to release him and for his horrible management of his estates. For all that Gyles has to deal with, remarkably, he takes it in stride. He knows he loves Addy and will stop at nothing, including defy his parents wishes, to have her! 

The Steam
Even if I didn’t fully fall for the installed, the steam was definitely there between the two. They had great dirty banter and the few scenes were steamy!,

Tropes
Georgian Era, Historical Romance, Season/Marriage Mart, Ton Society, Rake Hero, Titled Hero, Virgin Heroine, Instant Attraction, Kidnapped/Abducted 



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Highland Flame

in , , by Duchess Bethany, May 09, 2022

HIGHLAND FLAME BY ELIZABETH ROSE
Highland Outcasts #2
Gluttony, lust, pride, and greed might sound like deadly sins. However, they are nothing compared to the wrath of Old Callum MacKeefe if you break his rules while drinking in his tavern!

The Accused: Highlander Cam MacKeefe.
He’s been called lustful because he stole a kiss from a lassie.

The Crime: Cam likes the lassies a little too much. A wild night of celebrating has brought him trouble when he steals a kiss from a girl in the tavern. Old Callum MacKeefe has a rule in the tavern about no touching, pinching, or kissing the lassies unless they are whores.

The Punishment: Cam’s been sentenced to escort a widow to a priory, and to stay there in repentance. Spending time on his knees praying instead of playing is not to his liking. His lust for the lassies needs to be controlled but, to his dismay, the nun-to-be has his thoughts as well as his libido working overtime.

The Abbot’s Sister: Yvaine’s husband is dead and her only regret is that she was the one to kill him. It was done in self-defense, but it doesn’t matter. Being a woman, she will die for her deed. Yvaine is the pregnant wife of a chandler, and must leave town in order to save her unborn baby. If her terrible secret is revealed, she will be sentenced to death. Her brother is the abbot at a priory where she’ll hide until she can figure out what to do. A Highlander needing redemption is her escort, and somehow the fool has the idea she is going to be a nun. She lets him believe it, only to keep him at arm’s length while she continues the family’s business making candles within the cloistered walls.

A Highlander looking for redemption from his lustful ways is attracted to a widow on the run. They both have dark secrets of the past that can destroy them. But can the flames of passion that burn between them help them to stop living in the shadows once and for all?

Review
As with the first book in this series, I had a hard time getting into this book and believing the romance between Cam and Yvaine. She is an abused, pregnant woman who, in an effort to protect herself, she kills her husband and must flee to her brothers monastery for sanctuary. Cam's punishment is to escort her and stay at the monastery to atone for his sins. But, in a weird twist of fate, he finds out he has a daughter who's mother has died and left the daughter to Cam. He is a horrible father and wants nothing to do with his daughter, he is rude & lusty to Yvaine, and he and his friends are so, so immature. I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. 


Tropes

Historical Romance, Scotland Romance, Forced Proximity, Low Steam, Rake Hero, Illegitimate Hero, Highland Warrior, Widow/Widower, Working Class, Damaged Heroine



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Baron of Rake Street

in , , by Duchess Bethany, March 10, 2022

Baron of Rake Street
Sisterhood of Secrets #2
Jennifer Monroe

Andrew St John is in big trouble; he has lost all his family fortune in gambling and is desperate to get it back. He has been talking young girls out of their money by having them invest in his various schemes. When he over hears Emma Hunter telling a tale about her rich father, he thinks he has found a way out of debt: Emma is beautiful and wealthy, so he sets about wooing her for a bride. Emma is infatuated with Andrew and reluctantly plays along with the lie so he will stay interested in her.  While spending time together, Andrew realizes that he is falling for Emma, with or without her money, and that she sees him for himself, not a Baron with holdings. Emma gains confidence to stand up for herself and go after what she wants. Between Emma’s betrothal to a mean, old man and Andrews financial woes, they find that love is stronger than money and find their happy ever after.  

The Plot
I enjoyed the storyline, even if all the lies were incredibly frustrating at times. I also am loving the way Ms. Monroe uses each book as a way to reveal how Mrs, Rutley sneakily helped each of the girls find their happy ever after. Very creative! Emma was wonderful, short of the lying, she was a well developed character and I enjoyed reading her story. Andrew, however, drove me nuts with his lying and wafting between being a drunk, gambling scoundrel and his redemption. I just wished I felt more of a strong pull toward his redemption, instead it felt anticlimactic when he finally figured it out. The story of the prince and princess was a definite highlight for me and made the end that much sweeter!

The Heroine
Emma Hunter is a sweet, shy girl who is picked on at school and embarrassed by her short stature and lack of wealth.  She is destined to marry an older man per her parent wishes, but she is infatuated with Andrew, Baron St John. She is desperate to spend time with him, so she carries on with the lie that her father is wealthy.  Through the book she grows as a character to a mature young woman who is confident in herself and her choices. 

The Hero
Andrew St Johns is a young, naive man who was thrust into being Baron too soon when his father died. Overwhelmed by the responsibilities, he turns to drinking and gambling, bankrupting his estate, Desperate to fix the mess, he swindles people to invest in various schemes. He doesn’t like it, but believes it’s necessary to recoup his loses. Through getting to know Emma, he realizes that she is truly interested in him, not his title, not his holdings, but she found HIM interesting and believes he is a good, honorable man. He finds himself wanting to be that man, for Emma.

The Steam
This was a clean romance, but there was definitely some romantic words exchanged. 

Stand Out Moment
When she goes to say good bye and he asks her to run away with him; she wants her prince to face the storm with her!

Who Would Like This
Anyone looking for a clean, sweet happily-ever-after romance. 

Final Thoughts
This was a good read, not a favorite but I enjoyed the story.

Tropes
Georgian Era, Clean Romance, Historical Romance, Country Life, Unworthy Hero, Blackmail, Anti-Hero, Gambler, Fake Relationship, Class Difference, Secret Identity, Titled hero, Tortured hero, Virgin heroine, Unworthy hero, Fortune Hunter Hero, Betrayal, Redemption, Secrets & Lies



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Highland Soul

in , , by Duchess Bethany, March 04, 2022

Highland Soul
Highland Outcasts #1
Elizabeth Rose
★★★☆☆

Gavin MacKeefe, a Highland Warrior, is banished from his clan along with several friends because they broke the rules in Cullim MacKeefe’s tavern. In order to be redeemed and allowed back into the clan, Gavin must go to town and assist the cordwainers daughter since her father is injured and unable to work. Gavin helps Davita when she desperately need it; work is far behind, her sister is too flirty and her brother is a thief. Gavin and his friends are sometimes are more work than worth, but they help Davita in their own way. Little does Gavin know that he will fall in love with Davita and her family.  

The Plot
Gavin and his friends make a mess of the clans tavern and Gavin’s punishment is to help the cordwainer’s daughter at her fathers shop. He knows nothing about shoemaking, but he does find other ways to help her around the house so Davita can focus on work. Poor Davita is dealing with taking care of her injured father, her rebellious sister, her brother thieving, the new cobbler harassing her, and the guilds upcoming inspection. They both helped each other grow: Gavin to mature and quit drinking and overindulging and Davita to rely on others to help her at home and at work. 

The Heroine
Davita is strong and selfless, spending all her time and energy into helping keep her fathers business going while he injured. She struggles to be a mother to her rebellious siblings and also run the household. When Gavin arrives, he can tell she desperately needs someone to look after her! Although very mature when it comes to her responsibilities, Davita was very immature when it came to relationships and naive about men especially Gavin. 

The Hero
Gavin was very immature until he arrived at Davitas home. Spending all his time fighting, drinking, or eating. But almost instantly upon seeing Davita, he turns into a relatively mature, protective man. Almost as if he just needed a reason to ‘grow up’ to be a responsible man. He definitely struggled with the changes, but he was very sweet and patient with Davita and her family. 

The Steam
There was a  scene or two but it wasn’t very steamy to me, more awkward. 

Stand Out Moment
When Davitas brother runs away and Gavin searches to find him and we learn a lot more about Gavin’s story. 

Who Would Like This
If you’re looking for a good factual history lesson with a little romance thrown in the mix. 

Final Thoughts
It was a cute story, but I didn’t feel a huge connection between Davita and Gavin other than the need to take of each other, not a lot of passion. 

Tropes
Virgin heroine, Class Difference, Medieval Era, Stuck together,  Scotland, Highland Warrior


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Duke of Madness

in , , by Duchess Bethany, March 02, 2022

Duke of Madness
Sisterhood of Secrets #1
Jennifer Monroe
★★★☆☆

A duke searching for luck.
A woman looking for love.
And a romance of two opposites that definitely attract.

After watching his parents’ marriage collapse, Matthew Colburn, 5th duke of Elmhurst, has outright dismissed the notion of love. After all, if he is destined to become as mad as his father had been why make any prospective bride suffer? Delving into work to avoid the reality of his future, Matthew focuses on an ever-growing empire, all due to the luck he gleans from a family heirloom – a simple gold pocket watch.

Miss Julia Wallace does not believe in luck, nor any other such absurdities. Fate and personal strength drive what happens in life. Unless one considers her father, who is determined to choose her husband whether love is included or not. When a reclusive man known as the Duke of Madness comes to her school, Julia is immediately taken by his handsomeness. And when she foolishly collides into his broad chest, he does more than take her breath away — until he accuses her of theft.

Matthew is horrified to learn the very trinket that gives him such wonderful good fortune is missing. He has no doubt that the beautiful young woman used her alluring smile to distract him while picking his pocket. With an important upcoming party and his lucky watch missing, Matthew is at a loss as to what to do. The headmistress of the school insists her pupil is no thief, but rather a woman with a great deal of luck in her own right. Julia will accompany him to the party as a replacement for his missing watch — as his new lucky charm.

As the two become better acquainted Julia sees not a duke who is on the verge of madness but rather a man who is lost. And Matthew begins to believe love may have a place in his life after all – though he cannot help but think that it may take more than just luck to bring them together.

The Plot
Matthew Colburn, the Duke of Elmhurst will never marry for fear his wife will go through the agony his mother did watching his father become mad and then die. Until he bumps into Julia and he can’t stop thinking about her. Fate intervenes when he accuses her of stealing his pocket watch and through some meddling by her teacher, she agrees to provide the Duke with some luck with his business dealings. But spending time together brings them closer and feelings of attraction start to develop. While Julia embraces the love, Matthew keeps holding back because of his fears, fears his awful uncle is fanning the flames of! They must overcome his uncles meddling, Julia’s jealousy and her parents wishes to make it work! The plot was very well executed and a creative way to bring to opposite people together. The story held my interest with the uncle and Lady Dyer’s trying to dominate Matthew, but it was also very frustrating to see Matthew just believe everything everyone told him and also for Julia to see it, but not speak up! But I still was hooked, finished the book, and am looking forward to the nest in the series!
After several moments of silence, Julia whispered, “If this night is a dream, I never wish to awaken.” Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, he said, “I can assure you that this night is no dream. This is our eternity.”
The Heroine
Julia is a leader for many of girls at her school. She is a smart, no nonsense girl, who looks after the others. She underestimates her worth because her father verbally abuses her and her mother. She is very afraid that she will end up in a marriage like her parents where she becomes meek and fearful. Through Matthew, she realizes there is hope for love and respect in a marriage.

The Hero
Matthew is a troubled man after having watched his father become mad before he died. He is certain that is his fate as well. His horrible uncle made sure of that! At first it bothered me that he had no backbone as I don’t care for meek men, but I see the value in the changes he went through to be the man Julia deserved, to stand up for himself.

The Steam
This was a clean, non-steamy book.

Stand Out Moment
Ugh, I hate to say it, but when he broke off the engagement with Julia. I will admit I cried, ugly cried. But I also cried when he came after her…

Who Would Like This
Anyone looking for a clean, sweet romance between two unlikely people.
“Each day we are apart,” he continued, “I find myself lost and searching for the happiness that I’ve come to realize only exists when I’m with you. Without you, my hopes and dreams disappear, closing up like a white daisy after dark.”
Final Thoughts
I did enjoy this book; it was well written and defining hit the sweet romance mark for me, but I usually like more passion, even if it’s not physically displayed, between my hero & heroine.

Tropes
Virgin Heroine, Titled hero, Tortured character, Friends to lovers, Blackmail, Opposites attract, Bluestocking Heroine


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The Duke Goes Down

in , by Duchess Bethany, February 16, 2022

The Duke Goes Down
The Duke Hunt #1
By Sophie Jordan
★★★☆☆
🖤🖤🤍🤍🤍

The Bastard Rogue...


Peregrine Butler's privileged blue-blooded world is rocked to the core when it is revealed he was born before his parents' marriage and, therefore, is not the legal heir to the dukedom. Facing ruin, Perry must use his charm and good looks to win an heiress—all the while, ignoring his fascination with the one interfering and alluring chit who is intent on sabotaging his efforts.

The Lady Vicar...

Everyone knows Imogen Bates, the virtuous daughter of the senile vicar. She can write a sermon in a day and spot a rogue in a second, so she sees right through Perry's seductive façade. But Imogen's plan to protect the heiresses of her beloved Shropshire from the erstwhile Duke of Penning, the bane of her existence since childhood, soon turns into something altogether unacceptable for the proper lady... who suddenly finds herself longing to keep his heated glances and tempting kisses all to herself.

The Plot
Imogen Bates and Peregrine Butler, the Duke of Pennington have hated each other since they were children. Ten years later, he returns to Shropshire when he loses the dukedom. Imogen is still angry and tries to thwart his efforts to find a wife by spreading several rumors about him. Eventually, they realize the attraction to each other.

The there was lots of internal dialogue which seemed repetitive and dragged on. I don’t like admitting it, but some pages I just had to skim through to get to more dialogue and character interaction. There were also many side stories that I didn’t see how they fit in the story and abusive husband next door…it was distracting and I found myself literally shaking my head.
“You never know where life may take you, but you must be open to opportunities as they present themselves. You must be ready to take the leap, or else you will go nowhere.”
The Heroine
Imogen Bates is a simple girl who’s father is the town vicar. She had her feelings hurt by Perry when they were younger and she also had her heart broken by a suitor while in London for a season, so I understand her pouting attitude. But she really bothered me with her bitterness and grudge-holding. I felt like she was whinny the whole book. And she was kind of a jerk to Perry for just a couple of rude comments about her.

The Hero
Peregrine Butler was the Duke of Pennington until his title was taken from him and he lost everything. He moved back to hide and find himself a somewhat wealthy wife since he was penniless. For me, Perry was the only reason I kept reading the book. I enjoyed watching him accept his new station in life and realize that he was better off without the pressure of being the duke. And he is MUCH quicker to forgive than Imogen!

The Steam
Eventually, there are a few steamy scenes, two of which include Perry scaling the side of her house and into her bedroom!
“You said a year from now you won’t cross my thoughts, and I need you to know that’s not true.” “You can’t know that,” she whispered. “I can. I do. You’re under my skin. A fire in my blood. I’ve never felt this . . . never wanted a woman the way I want you.” He stepped forward, slowly closing the distance between them. “I’ll never forget you.”
Stand Out Moment
I suppose the steamy scene by the River where he shows Imogen how he could offer ‘ pleasure’ to his future wife.

Who Would Like This
Honestly, there are so many good historical romances out there, I would steer them in a different direction.
And yet every pore, every fiber of his being was humming and vibrating, consumed by this kiss and proclaiming him a liar. Whatever this had started out as, it was all about desire now.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this book was…okay. I had thoughts of walking away and giving up, but I hate doing that to books! Also, the cover bothered me as the scene could not have occurred in the story.

Tropes
Historical Romance, Country Life, Steam Outdoor, Titled Hero, Rake Hero, Illegitimate Hero, Virgin Heroine, Independent Heroine, Childhood Crush, Enemies to Lovers, Class Difference, Loss of Nobility, Redemption
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