Reviewed by phyllish on
Bells, bodyguards, and beaux
Lady Carrolton thought herself to be an invalid (or did she?) She was thrilled with Yvette’s suggestion of getting a bell to call for someone when she had a need. Much to his chagrin, the butler found an old cowbell for her which her ladyship learned how to use…
I loved the characters! Yvette was a fugitive spy from France and was hiding out. Lord Carrolton, Gregory, through his friendship with Julian and Harry, who are introduced in prior books of the series, was chosen to help hide and protect her. So she was given the dubious honor of serving as companion to Lady Carrolton, Gregory’s mother.
Yvette was strong, opinionated, and perhaps a bit bossy. She had a great wit and was bold. I loved the way she handled Gregory’s mother and sister who were arrogant, prejudiced, and more than a bit rude. If you read Never Borrow a Baronet you will know that they are the ones who drove Patience away, causing her to seek a new situation. Fortunately for Yvette, they more than met their match in her.
Gregory, Lord Carrolton, was my favorite character. Described as being a mountain of a man without guile, he was unable to prevaricate without that fact being loudly announced by the expression on his face. Moreover, he knew it, so he stuck with the truth. He was protective, tender and gentle with his sister and his mother, despite their rudeness. Gardening was a great love of his, yet he felt he needed to hide it because of the way his father had berated and disparaged him for it. “Gentlemen should never get their hands dirty”. He reminded me of a big gentle teddy bear.
I was glad to see Julian and Meredith again, though I have to say that it feels like the author is dragging out their story. I’m not complaining, just observing. ;) Trust once broken is hard to restore, and that is what is needed between them. I have a feeling that it is going to take a while, though, because so far we have only seen a Duke, a Baronet. and an Earl. The next book will be about a Viscount which leaves a Marquess. Might we also see a Prince or a King, a Laird or a Gentleman or even a Knight? Time will tell. . .
This has been a great series, with a mix of romance, suspense, and adventure. The characters are fun and the author’s wit never ceases to make me smile. The stories, while complete in themselves, are also intertwined so I recommend reading the entire Fortune’s Brides series.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Regina Scott for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
Reading updates
- Started reading
- Finished reading
- 30 July, 2018: Reviewed