Author:
Theresa Romain
Publication
Date: May 6, 2014
Publisher:
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Series:
The Matchmaker Trilogy # 2
Caroline, the
popular widowed Countess of Stratton, has no wish to remarry. But when the
brilliant, reclusive Duke of Wyverne—her counterpart in an old scandal—returns
to town after a long absence, she finds herself as enthralled as ever.
Michael must save his family fortunes by wedding an heiress, but Caroline vowed that she would never sell herself in marriage again. The only way she can keep him near is to help him find the wealthy bride he requires.
As she guides him through society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart again. But if she pursues the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the life that she holds dear. And if Michael, who has everything to lose, ever hopes to win her hand, he must open his long-shuttered heart.
Michael must save his family fortunes by wedding an heiress, but Caroline vowed that she would never sell herself in marriage again. The only way she can keep him near is to help him find the wealthy bride he requires.
As she guides him through society, Caroline realizes that she’s lost her heart again. But if she pursues the only man she’s ever loved, she’ll lose the life that she holds dear. And if Michael, who has everything to lose, ever hopes to win her hand, he must open his long-shuttered heart.
Clever
woman, to supply him with her name so smoothly.
“The
money is gone, Your Grace.”
This
was a mad idea. Or perhaps it was genius. Or perhaps it was nothing but a frail
hope. “Will you marry me?”
Two
ludicrous proposals in less than half an hour. Even for Caroline, this was
developing into an unusual evening.
I
am such a sucker for the beautiful covers of books, and this one was no
exception. I also have a weakness for a good historical fiction romance about a
saucy Countess and an arrogant Duke; I guess I got my wish with this one.
Caroline Graves is the popular widowed Countess of Stratton who has vowed to
never remarry after her husband, her senior of forty years, passes away.
Caroline also has another motive never to remarry. A motive that was planted by
Michael Wayward, the arrogant Duke of Wyverne. They both played a part in a
scandal that happened many years before, in which they were both caught in a
passionate and heated kiss, just before Michael fled town leaving Caroline in
quite a shameful situation.
Michael has been handed down the title of Duke
after his father’s passing. However, it is the year of 1816 and winter is very
harsh, causing spring not to come and crops not to grow and flourish. Michael
is extremely impoverished, whereas Caroline was left quite a large sum of money
by her late husband. She has become quite a powerful, wealthy woman who has
taken many suitors and lovers over the years. Michael is convinced that he must
find a wealthy heiress to marry, so against his better judgment he returns to
London. Caroline has always harbored feelings for Michael and that does not
falter when he returns to ton. She agrees to help him with his mission to find
a wealthy heiress, but only if he will help her silence the rumors that still
spread about their decade old scandal.
Caroline and Michael are as different as night
and day. I was very absorbed in both of their characters. Michael’s character
more so than Caroline because of his so called “madness”, which I eventually
learned all about. I will say that this story had me feeling all types of emotions,
and that was completely unexpected. I think I enjoyed it so much because of all
the character depth that was added and brought to life. I recommend this book
to anyone who needs a nice escape and is a fan of intriguing and pivotal
character development!
***A free copy of this book was provided to me
by the publishers at Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for my honest review***
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