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webbsusa's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. That doesn't seem like quite the right word to use, as parts of the plot are heartbreaking, but I truly liked this book. I found this portrayal of Black life in London during the Regency era fascinating--these are untold stories, and it's important to finally hear them. I haven't read many romances that deal with the issue of passing (Beverly Jenkins' Forbidden is a notable exception), and it was fascinating to see that explored in this era. My only problem with this book was the choice to switch between a first person narrator (the heroine) and a third person narrator (who spoke from the hero's perspective). This choice did not work for me at all. This was the first book I'd read by this author, and in spite of my complaint about the narration, now I am excited to go back and read her previous work.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All my opinions are my own.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley. All my opinions are my own.
jackiehorne's review against another edition
I am just going to stop trying to read Riley's books; despite really wanting to read Regency-set stories with POC, it's clear that the plotting and pacing in her books just does not work for me.
jillmlong's review against another edition
3.0
Grab your tissues, you will need them! This story of second chances was truly heartbreaking. The main character, Ruth, has been through so much and yet she is still standing. Her strength through so many hardships was the pinnacle of the story for me. However, I did not have any good feelings towards Adam. He was deceitful. I couldn't get past that.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.
madele's review against another edition
3.0
I don't know that this book was for me. There's nothing wrong with it per se? Just not for me. Honestly I finished it because I hated the antagonist so much I wanted to see their comeuppance and not for the romance which is... not the best sign
izziede's review against another edition
4.0
It's okay.
A bit choppy in parts.
Mystery over the events during the separation esp concerning the heroine.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
A bit choppy in parts.
Mystery over the events during the separation esp concerning the heroine.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
HEA.
catgood's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled a bit on how to rate this. I almost put the book down - the first few pages were way too over the top for me. I stuck with it. I just have a hard time when lies are the basis of the conflict for a story, especially when the lies in this book were so unnecessary. I would have enjoyed it more if the book had been about developing trust again after the initial lie but no, we just continued with the lying.
lianareadsblog's review against another edition
4.0
A second chance interracial love story that will keep you wanting more and more from this couple.
It's been a while since reading a historical romance and i wasn't disappointed in this new to me author and story.
Like many marriages, not everything goes planed and the couple has to overcome so many twists and turns throughout the story, some things may trigger some readers but they needed to be said as real-life can be even worse than the fictional one.
Good writing, great characters and overall a great story that shows how love can overcome any obstacles if it's meant to be.
It's been a while since reading a historical romance and i wasn't disappointed in this new to me author and story.
Like many marriages, not everything goes planed and the couple has to overcome so many twists and turns throughout the story, some things may trigger some readers but they needed to be said as real-life can be even worse than the fictional one.
Good writing, great characters and overall a great story that shows how love can overcome any obstacles if it's meant to be.
shameless505's review against another edition
3.0
This book was okay. I liked the FMC as she was very resilient for what she had gone through, especially considering for years no one believed her. The MMC was okay. I’m slightly annoyed by the length of time he kept his identity secret from the FMC. I also found it strange that FMC took so long to put two and two together with how much he knew about her. I was positive she would have figured him out earlier on, however his fake identity drags on for the majority of the book.
jessenreadsromance's review against another edition
3.0
I was all the sad while reading this one. Seriously, I can't explain how heartbreaking it was to read about Ruth's situation.
After eloping, Ruth witnesses her husband's death by highwaymen and is discovered in a brothel. She ends up pregnant and nobody believes that she was really married since there is no proof of "Adam Wilky" existing. Her family doesn't even believe her and they sit by while others are openly cruel to her! My heart was BREAKING!
And then... the lies. Adam Wilky is not Ruth's husband's real name. He hid his identity for reasons and also downplayed the amount of danger he was in from his uncle. They both think they witness the other's deaths. Four years later when he returns to reclaim his barony, Ruth doesn't recognize him (she has impaired vision and he's beefed up) so HE LIES and says he's Adam Wilky's cousin!
Nope, I can't really forgive him for constantly deceiving Ruth. She deserves better.
After eloping, Ruth witnesses her husband's death by highwaymen and is discovered in a brothel. She ends up pregnant and nobody believes that she was really married since there is no proof of "Adam Wilky" existing. Her family doesn't even believe her and they sit by while others are openly cruel to her! My heart was BREAKING!
And then... the lies. Adam Wilky is not Ruth's husband's real name. He hid his identity for reasons and also downplayed the amount of danger he was in from his uncle. They both think they witness the other's deaths. Four years later when he returns to reclaim his barony, Ruth doesn't recognize him (she has impaired vision and he's beefed up) so HE LIES and says he's Adam Wilky's cousin!
Nope, I can't really forgive him for constantly deceiving Ruth. She deserves better.