OVERVIEW
This is a ‘nice’ Regency story. There is little to object to about it. However, I found it very similar to her first book in this series.

STORY
Isabel is a young woman whose family has fallen on hard times. Her father has recently died and left debts.
When Francis, Earl of Bengrave asks for her hand in marriage, she sees it as a way to help her family, and agrees to marry him, although she barely knows him. What she does know, is that he has a reputation as a rake, and has a long-term mistress, Mrs Morrell.
Francis needs to marry to secure an heir for his title and fortune, and has picked Isabel as a likely candidate.
The couple agree not to interfere with each other’s lives too much.
The story is told from the POVs of both Isabel and Francis.

CHARACTERS
Isabel. At the beginning, Isabel is naturally nervous of the unknown man she has married, but gradually, as she learns her husband is basically a kind and generous man. As she grows in confidence, so she asserts herself more.
Francis. He is naturally worried his lifestyle will be impacted, but tries hard with his new wife, giving her gifts, although he is reluctant to join in with the Regency society.
I did feel that he was very similar to the protagonist in her first book,

WRITING
Although well-written from the point of view of grammar and spelling, I felt the story was a little too simplistic. There was little tension. The protagonists didn’t have to struggle much to discover they had fallen in love with each other. Nor did Francis have too much difficulty in getting rid of his mistress. That could have been made much more of, and becomes built around ‘will he, won’t he’ get rid of her.
The other thing I felt was that the protagonist in this book was almost interchangeable with the one in her first.
Nevertheless, it was a pleasant and easy read.

I give it 3*



My ranking of books.
In order to get a particular number of stars, it is not necessary to meet all the criteria. This is a guide only.
5* Exceptional. Wonderful story. Setting well drawn, and characters believable–not perfect, but with flaws. Will keep you up all night. No typos or grammatical errors.
4* A thoroughly enjoyable read. Great and original story. Believable setting and characters. Very few grammatical errors or typos.
3* I enjoyed it. Good story. Characters need some development. Some typos or grammatical errors.
2* Not for me. Story not very strong. Unbelievable and flat characters. Setting not clearly defined. Many typos or grammatical errors.
1* I hated it. Story almost non-existent. Setting poor. Possibly couldn’t finish it.