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bhavani's review against another edition
4.0
This is Leopold's story. He's back in England at his ancestral estate in Hampshire after 10 years in search of his siblings, who were separated and thrown to the four winds by his cruel and calculating uncle, the Duke of Romsey. He believes the estate holds clues to their whereabouts and needs to convince the current Duchess---Mercy, his cousin's wife---to allow him to search for this information.
On the other hand, Mercy is struggling to manage the estate after the steward left. In addition, she's been getting threatening letters and gifts that make her worry for the safety of her 4-year old son. So they strike a deal: he can stay at Romsey to search for the info if he helps her with the estate.
Leopold is a hero with his back to the wall from the start. His family is missing, and he has complicated feelings related to what the old duke blackmailed him to do to ensure their safety. But his growing love for Mercy and her child makes his plans to just find the information and leave the estate shaky.
Mercy is a modern heroine; she's accepting of so many family secrets that people of the time generally didn't tolerate and she enjoys intimacy.
There are some descriptions of India and Indians that I frowned upon (the cloying smell of Indian spices, a reference to an Indian prince doll as an infidel, and a reference to Leopold's mistress in India as exotic), but I'm going to go on good faith and trust this is because these are terms generally used to describe Indians and India in the 19th century. I'm not sure if these descriptions were necessary though.
On the other hand, Mercy is struggling to manage the estate after the steward left. In addition, she's been getting threatening letters and gifts that make her worry for the safety of her 4-year old son. So they strike a deal: he can stay at Romsey to search for the info if he helps her with the estate.
Leopold is a hero with his back to the wall from the start. His family is missing, and he has complicated feelings related to what the old duke blackmailed him to do to ensure their safety. But his growing love for Mercy and her child makes his plans to just find the information and leave the estate shaky.
Mercy is a modern heroine; she's accepting of so many family secrets that people of the time generally didn't tolerate and she enjoys intimacy.
There are some descriptions of India and Indians that I frowned upon (the cloying smell of Indian spices, a reference to an Indian prince doll as an infidel, and a reference to Leopold's mistress in India as exotic), but I'm going to go on good faith and trust this is because these are terms generally used to describe Indians and India in the 19th century. I'm not sure if these descriptions were necessary though.
madlenka's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 / I never thought I'd say this about a book that I only got because it is free on Amazon -- but I really enjoyed this! The main romance was way too instant for me and I wasn't really buying the 'physical connection' thing. Also, the main character Mercy was likeable but she was obviously written for a 21st century reader. Nothing she did would fare well in 1800s. However, unlike many (regency) romance books, this one actually has an interesting plot besides the romance! First, the threats to the Duke and second, looking for the Randall siblings. That will span over the whole series. I think I will continue reading to see what happens!
addy1991's review against another edition
3.0
If you truly didn't have a happy marriage, why would you decide to romantically pursue the cousin of your deceased husband? True, he is a better prospect than the pesky want-to-be suitor who is annoying in his lecherous regard. What kept me from giving up on the main character in disgust is that she is a wonderful mom and her husband's family harbors a number of secrets. In time and over the series, these secrets should be revealed. I admit to being curious to know how things unfold.
27rae's review against another edition
4.0
I liked it enough to buy the remaining three books of the series. It’s a bit unrealistic the way that Mercy is so bold, but I liked it. Didn’t see the whole ending coming.
georgiewhoissarahdrew's review
2.0
OTT plot, further let down by 2-D inconsistent characterisation. Dubious period detail. Fluently enough written, but this just didn't grab me.
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