Review: 4.5 Satisfying Novella with nice leads
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 7, 2014
Jade Lee's novella, The Groom's Gamble, has an astonishing bit of development in the characters for such a short story.  I felt as if the leads had enough background that I knew who they were and understood their actions, although the hero could have had a little more space devoted to his backstory.Caroline Lyncott is a housekeeper and she has been enamored with her employer for years.  She is a sincere, educated woman who is professional and generous.  Her employer, Gregory, the Earl of Hartfell is an introspective scientific man who has been intrigued by Carolyn for a long time.  He also has a  wayward sister and believes that elevating Carolyn from housekeeper to companion for his sister will keep her out of trouble.Carolyn has secrets and they keep her chained to the past.  Yet she cannot resist the chance to attend balls and the theatre as a companion for the Earl's sister.  The reader can feel her uncertainty and yearning.  Even better is the connection Carolyn and Gregory have.  From their first dance, there is an air of romance that surrounds them.  Their honesty is refreshing and they exhibit compassion and gentleness.  This is a very good story.