"A Proper Scoundrel" by Esther Hatch
Synopsis
As the successful owner of multiple railroad lines, Diana Barton is all too accustomed to fending off suitors seeking to stake their claim on her wealth. In order to keep the wolves at bay, Diana has contrived the perfect plan: appeal to the most notorious rake in London, the Baron Lord Bryant, to ruin her reputation and scare off the worst of the time wasters. The ruse will be no hardship—she’s secretly been fascinated by the man for years.
Lord Bryant is well aware of his questionable reputation. Indeed, he has cultivated the image carefully, and the last thing he wants is a wife. But when he’s approached by the younger sister of a business associate, he tells her in no uncertain terms that he cannot help. However, when he sees for himself what she is up against, Bryant grudgingly offers his assistance. Faced with his most complicated entanglement yet, Bryant is firm in his conditions—and Diana knows that to get romantically involved with Bryant would spell certain heartbreak. But as the counterfeit couple grow ever closer, the line between truth and lies becomes blurred, threatening both Lord Bryant’s well-laid plans and the future of Diana’s railroad business.
My review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance, clean, period; series, but stand alone read
Diana, and Everton's story was such a gorgeous read! The little details, small moments and the thoughts, and feelings that were so beautifully detailed to make you 'feel' the characters thoughts and emotions were so well drawn. E.H. detailed the rail office workings, the machinations of other characters to try to subvert and undermine Diana's plans and expansion hopes, her devotion, and love of the job she has undertaken, and her commitment to Mrs. R. that made the setting and motivations so compelling.
Everton, Lord Bryant, was a wonderful character. His help to other young women, his pained heart, and broken emotions from his marriage, and the death of his wife, made his story all the more heartfelt. The gradual unfolding of his emotions and motivations over the course of the novel, and as Diana, opened her heart more fully to him, was beautifully detailed. The final details of their story and romance, pulled together so well.
For fans of period romance, and determined, strong, women in a novel, this is a wonderful read.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
Previous novels in this series!
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading my blog! I hope to get back with your quickly!