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mariettula's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very fun read. Lorna is just a fun character to read about; she's strong-willed, intelligent, adventurous, unafraid to speak her mind and rise above her circumstances. Alex too grows immensely throughout the book, starting from a man fearful of all sentiments and mistrusting everyone to someone realizing what is really important.
I LOVED their chemistry, there was quite a bit of insta-love but hey, that's kinda to be expected in most HR. Plus, as soon as they touch each, whoop there goes their sanity .
Things to note
- I liked that both Lorna and Alex had interests other than each other. Made them more of full-fledged people.
- Alex's mom, Louise, Nan and Peter the footman are all excellent side characters and just really cool people to have in your life probably. Small shoutout to the uncle as well, who seems to grow a bit throughout the book.
- Matthews the valet had a very 180 turn, which was a bit weird
- Mary is one of the most unhinged OW I've ever read and I'm glad she ended up
I LOVED their chemistry, there was quite a bit of insta-love but hey, that's kinda to be expected in most HR. Plus, as soon as they touch each, whoop there goes their sanity .
Things to note
- I liked that both Lorna and Alex had interests other than each other. Made them more of full-fledged people.
- Alex's mom, Louise, Nan and Peter the footman are all excellent side characters and just really cool people to have in your life probably. Small shoutout to the uncle as well, who seems to grow a bit throughout the book.
- Matthews the valet had a very 180 turn, which was a bit weird
- Mary is one of the most unhinged OW I've ever read and I'm glad she ended up
Spoiler
in prisonari913's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jaynemae's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amyj91's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alisoun's review against another edition
4.0
Alex and Lorna
Soooo Lorna is a little fool at the start and sleeps with Alex in disguise of a fancy dress party. This wayward character stops existing once we meet her again a few months later, pregnant and living in a hovel.
I v much liked Alex having to effectively kidnap her to bring her back to his castle. I adored his mother as well.
This was just an overall refreshingly different set up for a story
- everyone is Scottish
- big class diff (she might be the granddaughter of an early but she was employed in his house as a maid)
- she sees his castle as a home she can return to
- both scientist brains - he's into studying fingerprints and she is a botanist
- she's pregnant and they don't sleep together again until well after the babe is born
I wish we had gotten a bit more from his running away - a bit more suffering on his part, or a shorter interlude. Three months I think he was gone, and that's a long time.
Three spicy scenes but also not very spicy? I wanted some more boob concentration especially as she is breastfeeding for most of their sexual journey and milk and let down are a reality for most sexually active breastfeeding parents.
Soooo Lorna is a little fool at the start and sleeps with Alex in disguise of a fancy dress party. This wayward character stops existing once we meet her again a few months later, pregnant and living in a hovel.
I v much liked Alex having to effectively kidnap her to bring her back to his castle. I adored his mother as well.
This was just an overall refreshingly different set up for a story
- everyone is Scottish
- big class diff (she might be the granddaughter of an early but she was employed in his house as a maid)
- she sees his castle as a home she can return to
- both scientist brains - he's into studying fingerprints and she is a botanist
- she's pregnant and they don't sleep together again until well after the babe is born
I wish we had gotten a bit more from his running away - a bit more suffering on his part, or a shorter interlude. Three months I think he was gone, and that's a long time.
Three spicy scenes but also not very spicy? I wanted some more boob concentration especially as she is breastfeeding for most of their sexual journey and milk and let down are a reality for most sexually active breastfeeding parents.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent and Grief
teresa_a's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Good book with an unusual plotline. Lorna is the daughter of a gentleman who has fallen on hard times since her father's death. She takes a position of a maid at Blackhall Castle where she becomes intrigued by the Duke. She takes advantage of a costumed ball to dress up and meet him, and maybe have a chance to dance with him. Alex is in a rotten mood the night of the ball. He has just suffered a professional disappointment and is well on the way to drowning his sorrows when he spots Lorna. There's something about her that immediately draws him to her.
Neither one expects the desire that hits them, and they are helpless to resist the passion that overtakes them. But Alex has been burned by passion before and his ability to trust women severely damaged. He accuses Lorna of using her innocence to trap him. She flees, but not before telling him exactly what she thinks of him. Alex is unable to forget her, and spends a fair amount of time looking for her, never noticing that she lives under his roof. However, their encounter has consequences, and when Lorna discovers she's pregnant, she leaves Blackhall, determined to raise her child on her own.
Lorna is very stubborn and independent. Her life after leaving Blackhall is not easy, especially as she is not married. I loved her friend and fellow maid, Nan, who worries about Lorna's safety. I loved how she took matters into her own hands and ratted out Lorna to Alex's mother. The scene between Alex and his mom was hilarious, as she takes him to task. He doesn't want to believe what he's told but eventually, goes to see Lorna. It doesn't go well for him, and I loved how Lorna stood up to him, his attitude, and his accusations. But she is also guilty of a bit too much pride and doesn't want to admit she needs help. That becomes especially obvious when she runs afoul of the more puritanical townspeople. Alex arrives just in time to save her from danger.
I loved the development of their relationship. Alex's fascination with her has not abated, and it has him rather freaked out. He moves her into a cottage on the estate grounds to take care of her. He can't stay away from her and finds himself spending more and more time with her. He's intrigued by the way her mind works, her independence, and the talent he sees in her artwork. He discovers that he likes spending time with her and wants to share so much of his life and thoughts with her. What disturbs him the most is that the emotions he had walled off since his late wife's betrayal and death are starting to resurface. Lorna also finds that her feelings for him are changing. Before she had been infatuated, but what she feels now is deeper and stronger. When Alex's mother convinces them both that they should marry for the sake of the child, they agree.
I got a bit frustrated with Alex here because as soon as the wedding was over (just in the nick of time), he runs away. He can't handle the torrent of emotions that he's experiencing and leaves to bury himself in his work. This leaves Lorna to deal with her new circumstances without his support. I loved that she had his mom and her maid thoroughly on her side. She spends the next several weeks settling in, and I loved the changing and maturing that she experienced. I completely enjoyed that Alex was miserable. He redeemed himself a little with his reaction to what his gossipy valet told him. The surprise arrival of his uncle was an additional motivator.
There are great changes once he arrives back at Blackhall. I loved seeing Alex become enchanted by his son. There are several really sweet moments between the two of them as Alex's emotions continue to reassert themselves. He and Lorna grow closer as he begins to accept the way she makes him feel, though he still refuses to put it into words. I also liked that Lorna lets him know that disappearing again isn't an option.
But there is someone at Blackhall who isn't happy about Lorna's place there. Someone destroys her supply of herbs and so on, and later tries to poison her. Alex is determined to discover who it is. There are several possibilities. Could it be Thomas, angry that he is no longer Alex's heir? Maybe Matthew, Alex's valet, who has made no secret of his disdain for the maid turned duchess? Or could it be Mary, sister of Alex's late wife, who was hoping to snag Alex for her own? Things get very intense when the baby disappears, and they must find him before it's too late. The final confrontation was the catalyst that opened Alex's eyes at last.
The secondary characters were all very well done. Thomas was an interesting character that kept me guessing as to his real intentions. I love to see him get a story of his own. I loved Alex's mom, Louise. She was a such a warm-hearted woman, and her immediate acceptance of Lorna was great. I also liked the way that she had of straightening Alex out. Mary was a straight up bitch of the first order. She was selfish, mean-spirited, and ultimately quite vicious. Definitely a character I loved to hate. Lorna's friend and fellow maid Nan was wonderful. She was a good balance to Lorna at the beginning, trying to keep Lorna out of trouble. She also proved herself to be a true friend when she overrode Lorna's wishes and informed the duchess of Lorna's pregnancy.
Neither one expects the desire that hits them, and they are helpless to resist the passion that overtakes them. But Alex has been burned by passion before and his ability to trust women severely damaged. He accuses Lorna of using her innocence to trap him. She flees, but not before telling him exactly what she thinks of him. Alex is unable to forget her, and spends a fair amount of time looking for her, never noticing that she lives under his roof. However, their encounter has consequences, and when Lorna discovers she's pregnant, she leaves Blackhall, determined to raise her child on her own.
Lorna is very stubborn and independent. Her life after leaving Blackhall is not easy, especially as she is not married. I loved her friend and fellow maid, Nan, who worries about Lorna's safety. I loved how she took matters into her own hands and ratted out Lorna to Alex's mother. The scene between Alex and his mom was hilarious, as she takes him to task. He doesn't want to believe what he's told but eventually, goes to see Lorna. It doesn't go well for him, and I loved how Lorna stood up to him, his attitude, and his accusations. But she is also guilty of a bit too much pride and doesn't want to admit she needs help. That becomes especially obvious when she runs afoul of the more puritanical townspeople. Alex arrives just in time to save her from danger.
I loved the development of their relationship. Alex's fascination with her has not abated, and it has him rather freaked out. He moves her into a cottage on the estate grounds to take care of her. He can't stay away from her and finds himself spending more and more time with her. He's intrigued by the way her mind works, her independence, and the talent he sees in her artwork. He discovers that he likes spending time with her and wants to share so much of his life and thoughts with her. What disturbs him the most is that the emotions he had walled off since his late wife's betrayal and death are starting to resurface. Lorna also finds that her feelings for him are changing. Before she had been infatuated, but what she feels now is deeper and stronger. When Alex's mother convinces them both that they should marry for the sake of the child, they agree.
I got a bit frustrated with Alex here because as soon as the wedding was over (just in the nick of time), he runs away. He can't handle the torrent of emotions that he's experiencing and leaves to bury himself in his work. This leaves Lorna to deal with her new circumstances without his support. I loved that she had his mom and her maid thoroughly on her side. She spends the next several weeks settling in, and I loved the changing and maturing that she experienced. I completely enjoyed that Alex was miserable. He redeemed himself a little with his reaction to what his gossipy valet told him. The surprise arrival of his uncle was an additional motivator.
There are great changes once he arrives back at Blackhall. I loved seeing Alex become enchanted by his son. There are several really sweet moments between the two of them as Alex's emotions continue to reassert themselves. He and Lorna grow closer as he begins to accept the way she makes him feel, though he still refuses to put it into words. I also liked that Lorna lets him know that disappearing again isn't an option.
But there is someone at Blackhall who isn't happy about Lorna's place there. Someone destroys her supply of herbs and so on, and later tries to poison her. Alex is determined to discover who it is. There are several possibilities. Could it be Thomas, angry that he is no longer Alex's heir? Maybe Matthew, Alex's valet, who has made no secret of his disdain for the maid turned duchess? Or could it be Mary, sister of Alex's late wife, who was hoping to snag Alex for her own? Things get very intense when the baby disappears, and they must find him before it's too late. The final confrontation was the catalyst that opened Alex's eyes at last.
The secondary characters were all very well done. Thomas was an interesting character that kept me guessing as to his real intentions. I love to see him get a story of his own. I loved Alex's mom, Louise. She was a such a warm-hearted woman, and her immediate acceptance of Lorna was great. I also liked the way that she had of straightening Alex out. Mary was a straight up bitch of the first order. She was selfish, mean-spirited, and ultimately quite vicious. Definitely a character I loved to hate. Lorna's friend and fellow maid Nan was wonderful. She was a good balance to Lorna at the beginning, trying to keep Lorna out of trouble. She also proved herself to be a true friend when she overrode Lorna's wishes and informed the duchess of Lorna's pregnancy.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Read for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.50
Audio Rating: 4.00
Quick Thoughts: I admit that in the beginning I had a hard time with the troupe but the characters won me over. I really loved Lorna and came to root for Alex. Alex's mom though is the BEST MOTHER-IN-LAW EVER! This ended up being a very pleasant listen :)
Audio Thoughts:
I don't think that I have listened to Tim before but I very much enjoyed his performance. His accents and emotions were pretty spot on. His female voices were pretty good too. I will listen to him again in the future.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.50
Audio Rating: 4.00
Quick Thoughts: I admit that in the beginning I had a hard time with the troupe but the characters won me over. I really loved Lorna and came to root for Alex. Alex's mom though is the BEST MOTHER-IN-LAW EVER! This ended up being a very pleasant listen :)
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Tim Campbell / Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins
I don't think that I have listened to Tim before but I very much enjoyed his performance. His accents and emotions were pretty spot on. His female voices were pretty good too. I will listen to him again in the future.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
smithrachaelynn's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What I liked:
- Surprise pregnancy, this was the only reason I read this book and it completely exceeded my expectations.
- Incredible cast of characters, they were all so good! Even the ones I didn’t like were so detailed and intricately described that they felt vivid. Most of the characters were ones I really fell in love with.
- Believable storyline, for what this situation is, I thought the progression that the romance took made so much sense and I sympathized with Lorna a lot.
What I didn’t like:
- Mostly minor nit picky things like not seeing his mom as much toward the end
- Wanting more of an epilogue
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry, Sexual content, Classism, and Kidnapping