Review: 3.5 since it felt like a soap opera more than anything
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 02 6, 2012
Duke was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. I liked how honorable he was but he was too perfect - he knew how to handle every situation fairly and flawlessly. It wasnt until he finally learned the truth of his wife's past that he started to be more human and suspecting everything around him and questioning what he stood for. At first I felt he lusted after Faith, but he definitely showed through his actions that he cared for her, Cora and Adam than she did for him. He went through so much for her and her family and I didnt like that she felt she needed to marry him for security. Yes she was attracted to him but ultimately married him for protection - I dont blame her for it but I wish she had told him the truth before marrying him. I didnt like her lies - I understand her story but Duke proved by not just his words but by his actions as well that he can be trusted and even if she fear he wouldnt marry her - he was still a good man who would have helped her. I thought Faith was a bit selfish and some things could have been avoided had she been completely honest - at least after the truth came out and even then she only told part of it, it was disappointing. In the end I felt Duke loved her, Cora and Adam but I had wanted Faith to redeem herself more than just taking care of him when he was wounded.The children were lovely. Cora was so adorable. Adam and Rebecca (Duke's niece) were so young and yet showed more feelings towards each other at real love than Duke and Faith. In fact, I kept wanting to read about them and though they are barely 14, their connection was so deep and true that you can tell when they are of age they will be together - thats how wonderful they were written. (SPOILER) I didnt like however that Adam was adopted when he had a chance to connect with his real father and I didnt think that was needed to prove that Duke cared for him. If anything I wish Adam would have turned him down, humbled and please with the offer but now willing to get to know his real dad.The aunts - I dont know how I felt about Faith aunts. I did like their boldness and how hard they tried to please Faith and be something they were not. Their past is sad and they deserve happiness but what a coincident that 3 of of the 4 found love just as fast as Faith - ok with the exception of Iris but only because she was stubborn. I dont mind the love at first site thing, even if Im not a fan but to have all the men already know these women were the one just at first glance had me rolling my eyes. I want to see a love gradually grow in order to believe they are in love not in lust. In the end though her aunts had more spunk than Faith. I think though that having 4 more women with her was a bit too much - then again how else would she run the business?Duke's family was amazing and the town they lived in was really great. Even the so called villian in town could admit to his own mistake and I really liked that -this was a town with decent people- for the most part.Overall, I did like the book. It was a bit long but I liked that it had so much going on - though I wouldnt have gone through some of the routes the author took (especially the things they didnt do after knowing the real villain could potentially return). Nonetheless a good read but not enough for me to start reading the rest of the series.  Though I havent read the first 3 books - you wont get lost, this book reads well as a stand alone and you get enough briefing of the past Grayson's brothers and how they found love to easily follow the story.3.5/5 stars