Review: A Sweet Novella
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 4, 2013
A story about lovers reunited, this book was so sweet. Days of Rakes and Roses was a lovely historical romance novella and a wonderful read.Lydia and Simon were in love and intent of being together years ago. However, Lydia's father found out and tore the couple apart. He sent Simon away and made sure that Simon knew that pursuing Lydia further meant ruin for him and him family. Heartbroken for 10 years, the lovers are finally back together and things get interesting. Throw in regret, resentment, and a stuffy fiance, and you have this lovely story.Lydia was an okay heroine. I liked that she was a strong woman and didn't wither in the face of her father's anger after he found out about her and Simon. Instead, she picked her life back up and became a perfect lady. I got a little annoyed with her, however. I didn't understand why she blamed Simon for leaving her. It's not like he had a choice. It was either leave her or ruin both of their lives. If we really want to play blame games, why didn't she go after Simon when he was banished? And I didn't get why she was so intent on marrying her bore of a fiance after she was reunited with Simon and found out why he stayed away so long. It was just frustrating. But, it wasn't a major problem, since Lydia did see the light and get over her "proper" ways closed to the end. Overall, I liked her character, despite the issues I had with her. She just wasn't my favorite heroine.Simon, on the other hand, I adored immediately. When I say he was brokenhearted after leaving Lydia, it's almost an understatement. The poor man was utterly destroyed after being forced to leave the love of his life.  That made him a very sympathetic character. Add to that he was totally sweet and adorable and determined to win back the woman he loved, and we have a perfect hero. I thought he was wonderful. Loved him!The romance was adorable. I thought it was sweet how neither of them ever fell out of love with each other after all those years. On the contrary, they were as in love as ever when they met again. And, they definitely had some serious chemistry. When it finally exploded, it was very hot. They were a wonderful couple.The plot was fast paced. I was interested the entire way through. And the ending was perfect.Days of Rakes and Roses was a lovely historical romance novella. Lovers of the genre, you should definitely read this wonderful book.*Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Yours for a copy!