stacey_is_sassy
Written on Apr 5, 2020
****3.5 Stars****
Again, I find myself writing a review where I absolutely loved the hero but really struggled with the heroine. Unfortunately, while Emily was extremely intelligent, she came across as bratty, egotistical and self-absorbed. Hamish was too good for her and I hated that, because of his good character, he married Emily to save her reputation.
I enjoyed most of the story and the study of astronomy was interesting. Emily's devotion to her father while he was ill, was sweet and I hated that she was left to care for him single-handedly.
Hamish had great respect for his former mentor and I loved that he stepped in to make his final days easier. While the characters were friendly (or not so friendly) enemies when we 'meet' them, it was obvious that there was an underlying attraction.
I think there will be a few things that will have readers eyes twitching as mine did. Hamish is an experienced lover and he refers to them (not by name) when comparing to Emily. It took me out of the story, and while I don't particularly like Emily, she didn't deserve that. Even if she asked (because of her innocence and enquiring mind), he should never talk about his previous conquests to his wife. I also struggled with the length of their separation. Yes, she asked him to leave but considering what she had just been through, he should have stayed around long enough to see if she needed him.
This was not my favourite in the series but it did keep my interest from start to finish and I came to the end with a smile on my face. Anna Campbell is one of my favourite historical romance authors and I will definitely be reading more of her stories in the future.