Review: Good story for fans of childhood romance and second chance plots
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 10, 2014
Edward and Lady Katherine are torn apart by her father's refusal to allow them to wed. The prologue describing their disappointment and Edward's announcement that he's leaving to join the military is heart breaking. Edward hopes to distinguish himself in battle so he can be more than just a second son and win Katherine's father's approval to wed her. He accomplishes his goal and earns the title of Earl as a great strategist under Wellington, but six years later, Edward returns a changed man. He suffers from PTSD and no longer feels he'll be a good husband for Katherine. He wants her happiness above all else and tries to stay away from her in support of her betrothal to Laurie, Viscount Sinclair.Lady Katherine and Lord Sinclair appear to be the perfect, golden couple. They are both popular and admired by society and Sinclair is smitten with Kat. Everyone thinks it's a love match. They certainly like and respect each other, but Kat's heart is not engaged since she has never gotten over Edward. When Edward, now Lord Randolph, returns to London, Kat tries to win him back to no avail. Edward is too afraid his PTSD will make Katherine suffer as his wife. When Edward finally decides he wants to live his life courageously and above all he wants Katherine, will it be too late? Will he be able woo her back after pushing her away?Katherine, Edward and even Lord Sinclair are mostly likable characters who are worth rooting for to see their HEA. Katherine's cousin Toby was under Edward's command during the war, and he plays an integral role in the story. Katherine demonstrates her depth as more than just a society darling through spending time with injured veterans and choosing quiet walks over being seen in popular Hyde Park. The story mostly takes place in London at balls, dinner parties and outings with a few scenes in the country at house parties and the Harvest Festival. The conflicts in the book mostly arise through the scene stealing character, The Maid of Malagon, a Spanish temptress who's in London to receive commendation from the Prince Regent for her heroism in the war.Overall, the writing is natural and well edited and there's a good balance of dialogue. I liked this book, but it wasn't a favorite. It's worth a read if you're looking for a quick diversion and an escape to another period in time. Even though PTSD is a serious subject, the author handles this topic with a light hand and keeps the story moving forward at a brisk pace. The real star of this book is Kat's and Edward's enduring love for one another and their chemistry practically leaps off the pages. Readers will be rooting for them to be reunited.