kimbacaffeinate
Written on Sep 26, 2018
- First Date: We meet Miss Mari Perkins at one of her lowest moments. She has been bamboozled and arrives late to the employment agency where she has been promised a governess position. Her tardiness makes her lose the position. Fearing homelessness, she overhears another governess who wants nothing more to do with the Duke of Banksford’s heathen children. Mari seizes that information and heads to the Duke’s home. While, she may not be qualified by the ton’s standards she is determined to have that post. From her steely attitude to her first encounter with the Duke, I knew I was in for a treat.
- Second Date: I loved how unconventional both Edgar, the Duke of Banksford and Mari were. From the onset they had terrific chemistry even if they vexed each other. Bell did a wonderful job of sharing their histories and those of the bastard twins Edgar is raising. The story had everything from meddling staff and siblings, to forbidden moments. Secondary stories surrounding Banksford’s inventions and business to Mari’s quest for regarding her parentage I found myself fully invested in the outcome. The twins, a boy, and a girl added interest and brought the couple together.
- Third Date: While Edgar struggled with the employer/staff relationship, the staff and his sister did not. I loved the character growth and inner turmoil. Outside forces provided the obstacles in this romance allowing me to delight in the developing romance. If you love your romances tied up in neat little bows, Bell delivers. While I felt some of it all click into place rather easily, I was more than happy to continue dancing.
