Ratings2
Average rating4
A bargain that was all business . . . and pure passion. Neither wealth nor beauty will help Lady Francesca Gordon win custody of her young niece Georgina, saving the girl from a cruel stepmother; she needs London’s top solicitor for that. But when Edward de Lacey, son of the powerful Duke of Durham, hires away the one man who can do the job, Francesca decides Edward himself must champion her case . . . if only she can melt the dashing lord’s stony heart. Edward has reason to be guarded, though. London’s tabloids have just exposed a secret that could ruin his entire family. When Francesca offers a unique chance to undo the damage, Edward is forced to agree to a partnership . . . and now, each moment together feeds the flames of his scandalous longing for the passionate widow. But when Georgina disappears, fate will test them both . . . and leave their love hanging in the balance.
Reviews with the most likes.
I am SO pleased that my first three reads of 2018 have been stellar so far - this, by far, is one of the best romances I've read. So good, in fact, that after I returned it to the library, I immediately plotted on how to get my hands on it again. I'd love a physical copy of the book but alas - the bookstores don't have it where I live. (To the Kindle I go!)
Why do I love this so much? For one, the characters are wonderful - Francesca is a strong woman who is confident in her sexuality. Edward is serious, controlled and restrained. He may be the “spare”, but he has the weight of his family on his shoulders. When the two meet, sparks fly - and do they! The unresolved sexual tension in this book is quite something. It's definitely a steamy book, but it's not ‘hot' for the sake of titillation; Edward is a wonderfully considerate and romantic lover - Francesca is really lucky to have him. Also, no long-drawn misunderstandings. The two DO communicate like adults, and we don't have forced dramas caused by miscommunications here. And no crazy, jilted lovers either!