Victoria Carson is nothing if not practical when it comes to matters of marriage. She knows she must marry a man with an impressive British title to appease her mother's societal ambitions. She also knows that although her American wealth will be appreciated by a fiscally challenged fiancé, her lack of pedigree will not. Andrew Hargrave, the Earl of Dunnley and heir to the Duke of Waring, is enraged at being forced to marry to save his family from ruin. Making matters worse, he quickly learns how the duke lost the last of the family fortune, thanks to Victoria's father. Andrew's contempt for Victoria is obvious, but she is taken aback by his overt animosity. Yet each feels an undeniable pull toward the other that provides a glimmer of hope that their marriage could be more than in deed only, but deceptions exacerbate their fragile union and drive the couple apart time and again.
Verdict Weaver (
This Book Will Change Your Life) doesn't allow Victoria to fall into the role of victim but instead creates a strong and resourceful heroine, though one who can be vulnerable, making Victoria immensely accessible to readers. The sexual encounters between Victoria and Andrew are skillfully rendered with spine-tingling tension. This exceptional series opener is a must-read for Regency romance fans; highly recommended for public library collections.
This review was originally published in Library Journal Xpress Reviews: E-Originals, November 5, 2015.
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