Description
Return to the drama and intrigue of New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Hoyt's Greycourt series with a breathtaking enemies-to-lovers historical romance!
Ambitious, sly, and lethally intelligent, Gideon Hawthorne has spent his life clawing his way up from the gutter. For the last ten years, he's acted as the Duke of Windemere's fixer, performing the duke's dirty work without question. Now Gideon's ready to quit the duke's service and work solely for himself. But Windermere tempts Gideon with an irresistible offer: one last task for Messalina Greycourt's hand in marriage.Witty, vivacious Messalina Greycourt has her pick of suitors, so when her uncle demands Messalina marry Mr. Hawthorne, she is appalled. But Gideon offers her a devil's bargain of his own: protection and freedom in exchange for a true marriage. Messalina feigns agreement and plots to escape their deal. Only the more time she spends with Gideon, the more her fierce, loyal husband arouses her affections. However, Gideon's final deed for Windermere may be more than Messalina can forgive.
5++ STARS
Wow, what a story!! It was outrageously, out of the ordinary good! But for me , this book is a keeper! I will want to read it again.
It had fascinating main characters, especially Gideon Hawthorne. I was prepared to hate him especially when the opening chapters began. I have to admit it made for quite an unusual chapter. Messalina's uncle, the Duke of Windermere was without a doubt rotten to the core. He shows it throughout the book starting with the forced marriage between Gideon and Messalina. He is gleeful when he can harm someone or make their lives miserable. People have learned to keep their expressions blank in front of him so that he can't see anything to use against them.
I liked that we got both of the main characters points of views. It also helped the reader see some of the motives that Gideon kept hidden. The cost that Gideon must pay to wed Messalina is a surprise and a nasty one at that. He isn't told what it is until after they marry. It was quite the shocker.
This story kept me involved every step of the way. It was intense with dangers, plots and lies but also a developing affection between the two main characters. That affection blows up in their faces more than once though. People are so busy interfering in their business. But some of it was because they cared about her. Her sister is one of those people. They are tight and have always had each others back. Her sister Lucretia was quite the bold, mischievous young woman, who I hope gets her own story.
There is dangers that come at Gideon and
Messalina. One of those dangers come from an unexpected person in a surprising twist. But both of our main characters get their H.E.A. When you think throughout the story how in the world could that happen?
Many things are solved but there is one person who has caused problems is only stopped for now. Looks like more book could be in the offing which I will be looking for.
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The Bonus Novella was "Night of the Scoundrel" by Kelly Bowen and was really an excellent addition. This book was full and didn't feel like a novella at all.
King was a dangerous man, with a lot of underworld lackeys and contacts. He also auctions off priceless goods to a certain, select wealthy clientele.
Adeline Archambault is just as dangerous in her own ways. She made quite the worthy opponent to King. Both main characters were compelling, with each carrying their own pain.
The story had depth, attraction, resistance to a romance especially on King's part. People had taught him not to trust anymore. There were only a select few who got that close to him.
The whole thing comes to a good conclusion.
"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
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