Michelle's Thoughts
The Bedding Proposal is the first installment in Tracy Anne Warren’s The Rakes of Cavendish series. The heroine is Lady Thalia Lennox. She was pretty scandalous for that day because she was a divorcee. Unfortunately, Thalia was ostracized for her status and forced to live a life with few frills away from her few friends. Lord Leo Byron sees her and is determined to take advantage of her divorced state and sordid reputation by acquiring her as his mistress.
The book got off to a slow start. The hero seemed very shallow. Thalia seemed shrewish, sad, and overwrought. I just felt like she went overboard discouraging his advances. There didn’t seem to be any chemistry between the two of them. I think the story just moved very slow and seemed to be repetitive. He would send her a gift, and she would return it. He would try to visit, and she would rebuff him. After a while we get the point and want to move on to see what happens next.
BUT……I am so glad I didn’t stop at the beginning. I loved reading about Leo and Thalia’s romance. I still think Thalia was a little overly dramatic (but I definitely know women like her). I think Leo scored major points when he refused to give her up. When he faced death but still acted to protect her I almost wept. Their romance was white hot. The chemistry between the two of them was nothing short of amazing. I loved that they thumbed their noses in the faces of society by choosing to live according to love. Leo’s family was nothing short of incredible when they welcome Thalia into their family.
When Thalia’s ex-husband got his comeuppance it took my delight to another level. Ms Warren is definitely a great storyteller. I look forward to the next book in the series.
This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books.