ASIN: B072MFVC7S
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Sold by: Macmillan
Blurb
Julia Bishop has led a very sheltered life. Protected by her family from those who might ridicule her for her secrets, she stays hidden away in the country. But she longs for more, if only for an evening. To kiss a rake in full view of the stable boy. Unchaperoned picnics. Romance. But she knows she’ll never experience any of those things.
That is, until a handsome duke with a mysterious past of his own arrives…
Duke Jasper DeVere left London to grieve his grandfather’s death privately, away from the prying eyes and gossips of the ton. Seeking solitude at a friend’s country manor, he’s surprised he finds himself drawn to the company of the shy beauty determined to present the epitome of proper behavior.
That is, until the mysterious woman makes an indecent proposal…
Julia can’t believe what she’s suggested to the duke. Nor that he agrees a distraction is what they both need. But what will happen when Jasper must return to his duties and leave Julia behind? Will the memories of their time together be enough for a lifetime of solitude for either of them?
Because Julia can never leave her country haven and a duke can never stay…
Review:
This follow-up to Bell’s The Importance of Being Scandalous matches outspoken, risk-taking, Julia Bishop with roguish, handsome Jasper DeVere. I couldn’t get enough of these two in the previous book, so how thrilled I was to be given an arc to review. Oh Happy Day!
Julia has a secret, a well-kept one considering she’s been sheltered in her home all of her life. She has a very supportive father and sister, but for health reasons, she’s been pretty isolated, only sneaking peeks of guests through keyholes and around corners. The first time she sees Jasper, he becomes the object of her affection and hidden desires. She wants a great love-affair, but she never imagined she’d actually have one.
Jasper is running. He’s not ready to be Duke, so taking shelter at his friend’s home is quite an easy decision, especially since said friend is away on his honeymoon. Jasper expected a little peace and quiet, but what he gets is far better. His and Julia’s chemistry is off the charts, and their witty exchanges intensify their charm.
The story is well-plotted, unpredictable, and believable. I was pleased to have another historical romance that doesn’t spend a lot of time in the ballroom (not that I don’t love those, because I do). This was a nice change of pace just like it’s predecessor. The story concentrates on the couple finding peace within themselves while getting to know and offer support to each other, rather than centering on everyone’s else’s perceived reaction to their union. The struggles are internal and evokes a lot of emotions. Bell has created to very strong, likeable characters with noticeable flaws that makes it easy to relate to them. I rooted for these two from beginning to end. Actually, I started cheering from them in The Importance.
Rating system: Cups of Coffee (the less the better)
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 0 cups of coffee