Rating: Good
Source: NetGalley/Audible Escape Package
Description: When Edwin Barlow, the Earl of Blakeborough, agrees to help his best friend’s impetuous ward, Lady Clarissa Lindsey, in her time of need, he knows he’s in for trouble. He’s been hunting for someone to wed, and she’ll just get in the way. Although captivated by the whip-smart, free-spirited beauty, he fears she’d be all wrong as a wife ... if she would even take such a gruff cynic for her husband. Too bad he wants nothing more than to have her for his own.
Clarissa has no intention of marrying anyone—not Edwin, whom she’s sure would be an overbearing husband, and certainly not the powerful French diplomat stalking her. But when matters escalate with the diplomat, she chooses Edwin’s gallant offer of a marriage between friends in hopes that it will deter her stalker. She expects nothing more than an amiable union, but their increasingly tempestuous kisses prove more than she bargained for. When her stalker’s vow to expose the lovers’ deepest secrets threatens to destroy their blossoming attraction, will their tenuous bond withstand public ruin, or will Edwin lose all that’s important to him to protect his bride?
Genre: Romance - Historical
Why I Picked This Book: Sabrina Jeffries is one of my absolute favorites!
My Impression: Sabrina Jeffries is one of my absolute favorite historical romance authors. She's one of the few I trust to tackle some of my least favorite tropes so I figured when it came to one of my favorite tropes (marriage of convenience) it was a surefire win. And it was for the most part. The story was definitely unique with a stalker and the heroine dealing with a past sexual assault (not a spoiler - it's mentioned and regularly discussed in her thoughts from pretty much the beginning). There's a bit of suspense, a good dash of romance, and a bit of spice.
What kept this from being a complete win for me was the characters. I liked Edwin and Clarissa but I never felt like I really connected with them. And I had a hard time really buying their relationship together. I think if the secret had been revealed earlier on I would have been a bit happier and there would have been more time to see their develop and deepen without the dreaded misunderstanding occurring. This is still a good read with a satisfying romance - it is Sabrina Jeffries after all - it just wasn't a favorite.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! While not a favorite this was still a good read and Jeffries is still a favorite.
Would I Recommend this Book? I'd definitely recommend this author and this book would be a good choice if you're looking for a historical romance with a bit of a unique take on a standard trope.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I know she's your fav. I read some of her Hellions of Halstead Hall. I liked it but my library only had so many of the series.
ReplyDeleteMarriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes too. I am not sure if I have read her books or not. Maybe one day!
ReplyDeleteI also really like Sabrina Jeffries. I actually have this book on audio - have for quite some time - so I hope to read it soon. Too bad it wasn't better, but I'm glad you still enjoyed it.
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