ReviewsByErin

Things change forever when Meg Burton-Smythe meets Ivo Beresford. He's the son of her father's most hated rival, but Ivo is not what one might expect. He is kind and compassionate and interesting. Not to mention handsome and alluring. Despite knowing the trouble it might get them into with each of their parents, Meg and Ivo form a friendship that soon builds toward romance.

Meg and Ivo are both young and impetuous, and that fits with the tone of this Romeo-and-Juliet style story. After decades of passionate dislike between these two families, it will take a lot more than sweet talking to get them to ever consider coming together.

Although I have read two of the other books in this series, I confess I had mostly forgotten what exactly stood between the Beresfords and the Burton-Smythes, and after reading some other reviews on this book, I think that worked in my favor. I didn't have sharp dislike or unforgiveness for Sir Frederick myself, as the sins of the past were hazy in my mind. Based on how much that bothered some other reviewers, I might even encourage you to read this book first or as a standalone.

For my part, I thought the story was easy to read and almost too simple because it lacked a real cast of characters. Also, I read almost exclusively Christian fiction, and I know Mimi doesn't claim to be Christian fiction, but there seemed to be more swearing and language than I remember from her other books. If one set that aside, the romance is gentle and clean, the families are fiery, and the hurts and dreams of these young characters are sweetly on display.

Recommended for fans of Victorian romance or Romeo and Juliet stories.

I received my copy of the book from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.

When Margaret Honeywell was sixteen years old, her best friend and first love—who also happened to be the stable boy—runs away after being falsely accused of stealing her jewelry. Nicholas Seaton believes his father was the notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim, and sets off to find the man and a place to truly belong.

Maggie has never forgotten Nicholas, though a decade has now passed. Grief and illness have changed her life, and she's near to accepting the marriage proposal of her odious neighbor Frederick Burton-Smythe in order to fulfill the terms of her father's will. It's not what she wants, but she'll do anything to keep Beasley Park. When she hears Fred has challenged the mysterious Lord St. Clare to a duel, she pleads with him to call it off. Fred refuses, and Maggie calls upon her spirited upbringing to visit Lord St. Clare herself.

But Lord St. Clare looks shockingly familiar—and yet not familiar at all. He protests her claims that he's her childhood friend come back to her at last. But is he really? Has her first love returned, or will the cold and aloof stranger turn out to be someone else entirely?

This gripping story held many twists, turns, and delicious layers. If you're a fan of Mimi Matthews or Regency romance, you are going to want to check out this title.

Content warning: This is not a Christian fiction book, which I knew ahead of time. There is quite a bit of PG-rated swearing. If you're familiar with any BBC shows like Poldark or Downton Abbey, it's very much in line with what you would hear there. Use your own discretion.

I received my copy of the book through NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

Phyllida Satterthwaite has newly arrived in London under the care of her uncle. Having a simple and somewhat lonely country background, Philly brought her favorite companions with her—her four dogs. She loved country life and has a gift with animals, but when the grandfather who raised her passed away, it was on to Town to find a match on the marriage mart.

Philly makes a splash on the social scene, not because of her gentle personality but rather her uncommon beauty. She has heterochromia, or one brown eye and one blue eye, and combined with her auburn hair, people have never seen anything like her. Society begins to call her The Work Of Art, and she is courted by an older and mysterious duke known as The Collector. Rumors abound as to what happens when The Collector does not get what he wants, and he certainly wants The Work Of Art.

Captain Arthur Heywood rarely ventures into Town. The wounds he suffered during the Peninsular War have left him reliant upon a cane and unable to enjoy most of his former pursuits. He's struck when he meets Miss Satterthwaite—not only by her beauty, but her generous heart which sees beyond his woundings to gain his friendship. She senses his loneliness matches hers.

When Philly becomes fearful of the marriage that is being pushed upon her by her uncle, she turns to Arthur for help. What can he do? Sidelined by infirmity, with nothing great to recommend himself, his options are limited. But he would do anything to protect her—and she is grateful that her only friend will help her when she needs it most.

There were several things I enjoyed about this book. Philly is so kind and good, and her bond with her dogs and other animals in the story really sets her apart in the heroine category. Arthur's limitations, fears, and insecurities make him an atypical hero, as well. These characters actually talk about their problems and rely on one another to face them together—a refreshing change from a lot of romance stories of any genre. 

I felt the first half of the story was much stronger than the second. Certain storylines all but died away, Philly seemed almost too perfect, and there was some content beyond what I usually read. There were enough positives that I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author, and I truly enjoyed the unique slant she gave to the story overall.

Content warning: This is not a Christian fiction book, which I knew ahead of time. In the second half of the story there is some PG-rated swearing, and there are also bedroom scenes between a married couple which are not explicit but you definitely know what's going on. If you're familiar with any BBC shows like Poldark or Downton Abbey, it's very much in line with what you would see there. Use your own discretion. Arthur's description of the war is also a little graphic and could be unsettling for some readers.