I've really enjoyed Josi Kilpack's Mayfield series and the new installment, Rakes and Roses, got moved to the top of my to-read list when it came out!
In this one we meet Lady Sabrina who is struggling through a pregnancy and is helped by a kind stranger in a garden. When she meets that kind stranger again, she is a widow without children, and he has developed some struggles of his own, including gambling and alcoholism. Sabrina wants to help him, and does so anonymously, but in a strange turn of events, he is beaten and ends up in her care at her estate. But Harry isn't an easy patient and Sabrina doesn't know if he can overcome his alcoholism. As they come to know each other a friendship forms, but will Harry's vices always stand between them? Could their friendship become something more?
This slow-burn romance had a little bit of intrigue to it that helped move the story along. The author is realistic in her portrayal of alcoholism, and at times it is hard to like Harry as a hero when he is so mired in his own selfishness. He does get a nice redemption arc at the end, however, that will satisfy readers. Sabrina is also dealing with demons of her own and I was hoping throughout that these poor tortured souls would eventually find solace in each other. I don't know that I would really call this a romance, per se, since nothing really happens between them beyond caregiving until the last quarter of the book, but I did like the ending and the sweet words between our hero and heroine as they worked to overcome the obstacles between them. I closed the book with a smile and am looking forward to the next one in the series!
Get your copy here
Here's the back copy:
Lady Sabrina endured an abusive marriage, a miscarriage, and early widowhood to emerge as a smart, successful, confident woman who found a way to make her mark in a man's world. She has friends and purpose, but cannot hide from the emptiness she feels when the parties are over and the friends have gone home to families she will never have.
Harry Stillman may be charming and handsome, but he's a gambler and a rake who has made a mockery of his privileges. He turns to the mysterious Lord Damion for financial relief from his debts, but still ends up beaten nearly senseless by thugs and left in an alley.
When Lady Sabrina comes upon Harry after the attack, she remembers the kindness Harry once showed to her six years ago and brings him to her estate to heal. Though their relationship begins on rocky footing, it soon mellows into friendship, then trust. But Lady Sabrina needs to keep Harry at a distance, even if he is becoming the kind of man worthy of her heart. After all, she is keeping a secret that, if exposed, could destroy everything she's so carefully built.
No comments:
Post a Comment