Veena’s review of Boundless (The Shaws, Book 3) by Lynne Connolly
Historical Romance published by Lyrical Press 04 Dec 18
This story highlights the divide between the glitter of the ton and the seamy underbelly of London, particularly orphans. I have enjoyed how Lynne Connolly has explored how the various characters in this series have broken society’s rules in their own quiet way to pursue their own interests and romance. While this series overall has appealed to me tremendously, this particular story is my favorite, with the sweetness and spice and how the tables are turned on His Grace, the rake.
Lady Livia Shaw is content to be a wallflower, doing good and works hiding in plain sight in penance for breaking the rules when she was a young girl. An adventure to a seedy part of London brings her into the sights of Adrian, the Duke of Preston. Adrian is the complete opposite to Livia. He’s a rogue and content to smash all of society’s boundaries in the pursuit of pleasure. I absolutely enjoyed his reaction when he finds out that his peccadilloes are tame in comparison to Livia’s past.
Both characters are carrying a heavy load of baggage. Adrian’s story, when told, is a revelation that I totally did not expect, particularly with the buildup to his reputation. Livia’s story and sadness is well told, even though she’s not alone in falling into the trap that she does. When her past catches up, I love Adrian’s reaction when he finds that he’s in the position to accept her mistakes rather than needing her to accept his risqué past. Despite Adrian’s reputation, his rescue of the young boy from the orphanage and his treatment of the same is a true revelation of his character.
Lady Shaw, as always, plays a delightful supporting role in her child’s romance. I love the run-up to the wedding where she turns into Adrian’s biggest supporter, after originally urging her daughter to stay far away from his scandalous past. All in all, I love the new characters that are introduced into the story and how neatly the bad guys are foiled and everything comes together nicely.
Ms. Connolly, I hope this does not mean an end to this time period and these characters? I look forward to seeing more stories involving the delightful characters we’ve met in the series so far.
Grade: A
Summary:
She’s the unlikely wallflower of the extraordinary Shaw family. A woman who will never marry, but not for the reasons you might think . . .
Attacked on the streets of London, Lady Livia Shaw is relieved when a gentleman comes to her aid—and startled to discover her rescuer is Adrian, the Duke of Preston, a notorious rogue. But their association—and instant attraction—does not end there, much to the Shaws’ distress. For Livia was robbed of a memento—one that is both her most precious possession and a reminder of a shameful secret. It is a secret she knows will cause her to lose Adrian forever, yet he is determined to track down the thief . . .
Adrian never wanted to be anyone’s hero, but now he’s finding the prospect as pleasing as he does Livia’s company, and her beauty. Certainly he wants her in his bed, but what surprises him is how much she comes to mean to him. Which is why the revelation of her scandalous past is nearly his undoing. Arrogantly, he had assumed only he had the power to shock. But it is too late to turn back, and now Adrian may have to risk everything for Livia, even his heart . . .
