Barbara's rating: 3.7 out of 5 Stars
Series: Chronicles of the Westbrook Brides #3
Publication Date: 7/3/23
Period: Regency (1826) - Lymington
Number of Pages: 163
Adolphus Westbrook, the Marquess of Edenhaven, heir to the Duke of Latham, is hiding out in the quaint sea village of Lymington. He wouldn't agree that he is hiding out, he'd tell you he was monitoring some of his investments in the area – and he is, but he is also hiding from the constant barrage of scheming matchmaking mamas and their spoiled debutante daughters. He just needs a break and what better place than this quiet village where people only know him as Ab Westbrook? Here he can be himself, relax, meet real people, and not worry about which debutante might be hiding around the next corner.
Aurelie Lemieux once lead a privileged life in France, not an aristocratic life, but very comfortable. After her step-brother was falsely accused of treason and hung, she had to flee France with his two children and nothing but the clothing on their backs. She took refuge with an ailing, elderly aunt in England. Since they couldn't afford the upkeep on her aunt's home, they all moved to a more affordable cottage in Lymington. It was a lovely, quiet place and the cottage was respectable and quite lovely. However, the very best part was the lack of aristocrats – she despised them. Aristocrats took everything from her – her hopes, her dreams, her home, and they made orphans of two of the sweetest children on the earth. No, the fewer aristocrats she saw on this earth, the better she liked it.
From the 'meet cute' to the HEA, this was a lovely tale with endearing characters and only the slightest hint of a villain. Not really even a villain – more a bully – and quickly dispatched. Adolphus slowly chips away at Aurelie's disdain for aristocrats with each kindness he shows others – with each generosity given. On the other side, Aurelie slowly whittles away at Adolphus' belief that she is just another female out to trap him into a marriage he doesn't want.
If you are looking for a well-paced, nicely-written story with lovely characters and no steam, this is the book for you. You'll quickly come to care for all of the characters as you root for them to find the family and love they are craving. I hope you will enjoy meeting Aurelie and Adolphus along with Nathalie, Remi, Aunt Marie, and Antoinette the cat (who made it all happen). Happy Reading!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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