Review: Perfect for the holidays!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 22, 2013
Originally published at Rookie Romance.The blurb for this book instantly drew me in, although I was worried that the 'ghost/Dickens' element would become kind of weird. But it actually blends in with the story seamlessly. You read Simon and Ivy's story as though you're looking back at it, and you can see Ivy's evolution as she realises how much she needs to let go of the past in order to move forward and find happiness.Ivy is clinging on to bitterness and pain from her past, which means she holds a deep distrust of the peerage. She's an independent, and passionate woman hidden underneath the image of a staid librarian.Simon has his own issues from the past that mean he doesn't trust 'commoners' at all. He's very intelligent and wonderfully arrogant, with a persistence and stubbornness that can't be matched!Despite their mutual mistrust of each other's social classes, Ivy and Simon have so much in common. They're both incredibly intelligent and lovers of literature. Their battles of word and wit were brilliant, and I loved how that's how Simon starts to break down Ivy's barriers. Their chemistry was intense, and crazy passionate! My kindle was steaming up so much, and there was a seductive sensuality woven throughout so much of the story.I loved the 'ghost' aspect of the story, it was very unusual and rather unique. I wish that the conflict between her and her cousin, Caroline, had been explored a little more thoroughly. I was happy with the outcome, but I was still not entirely sure what had happened all those years ago.This is a perfect story for the holidays! It's a quick read, packed with literary quotes, passion, love and forgiveness. A great introduction to Monica Burns, and I'll definitely be reading more from her in the future.*I received a review copy of the book from the author, for my honest review. Thank you!