Historical Romance published by Zebra Books 25 May 21
Sheridan and Vanessa both have their own reasons for engaging in a flirtation. Sheridan wants to get close because Vanessa’s mother is a possible suspect in his investigation of the murders of his mother’s husbands, all while Vanessa loves him but pretends to use him to make one of her suitors jealous. What a comedy of errors, especially since a situation soon devolves and they find themselves married to each other.
I have read one of the earlier books in this series and then missed those in the middle, only to pick up at the end and read the finale. I find the tale of a woman who is the mother of three dukes interesting, especially since her duke husbands have all died under suspicious circumstances. Her sons are determined to investigate the facts and get to the bottom of whodunit, even as they are finding their own significant others.
Vanessa hides her love for Sheridan under the guise of love for a playwright and solicits Sheridan’s help to reel in her suitor. Sheridan has a completely different impression of Vanessa until he comes up close and personal with her on his own quest to interrogate her mother, who is one of the suspects in his father’s murder. He fights his attraction for Vanessa due to losing his beloved at a young age. Can they discover how much they love each other and solve the murder mystery?
The villain was completely unexpected, the reason behind the murders completely off the wall different. The dowager duchess may be pursuing yet another chance at romance, even as her children are birthing grandchildren. What a great way to bring the series to an end.
Grade: B
Summary:
Along with his stepsiblings, Sheridan Wolfe, Duke of Armitage, is determined to finally solve the mysteries behind the suspicious deaths of their mother’s three husbands. Tasked with investigating a possible suspect, Sheridan finds himself in dangerous proximity to her captivating daughter, Vanessa Pryde. But still haunted by a tragically lost love, the duke is resolved to resist the attraction—and avoid any “scheming” husband-hunters. Besides, lovely Miss Pryde seems utterly smitten with a roguish London playwright . . .
Vanessa thinks a little scheming may be in order—for it’s Sheridan she truly has her sights, and her heart, set on. Her theatrical flirtation is intended only to break through his business-like demeanor and guarded emotions. And as Sheridan’s jealousy becomes aroused, the two soon find themselves propelled into a scheme of an altogether different kind, involving a pretend engagement, a secret inquiry—and a perhaps not-so-secret leap into true love . . .
Other books in this series:
I so wanted to like this book, but I ended up bored. Which totally surprised me, because I’ve loved Sabrina Jeffries in the past. But I gave up about five chapters in. I’m glad you liked it, though!