Historical Romance published by Kensington Books 24 Nov 20
I fell in love with this cover, along with the cute book blurb and picked up what I thought was a new-to-me author. Interestingly enough, as I read about Gabriel’s mother and stepfather, I had a feeling of deja vu, But, in actually, dear readers, I had read Ms. Spencer before, which happened to be Gabriel’s mother’s love story. What does that have to do with Gabriel and Drusilla, you might dare ask? Why nothing at all, other than it solidified that I had made a good choice when I picked up this tale.
Drusilla is a shy, awkward heiress with distinct opinions on the role of women in society, being an ardent follower of Mary Wollstonecraft. From the time she met her best friend Eva’s handsome brother, she’s been tongue tied in his presence. The last thing she expects is to be compromised in society and forced to accept an offer of marriage from her hero.
Gabriel Marlington was brought up in the decadent kingdom of Oran as the heir destined to have hundreds of concubines in his harem and absolute control over his kingdom, but circumstances caused him to leave it all behind and become the proper polished English gentleman of the ton, grandson to a duke and stepson to a marquess. When circumstances cause him to offer Drusilla his hand in marriage, he’s determined to make the best of it.
Candid conversations between Gabriel and his mother as she offers him advice, first on handling his mistresses and then handling a virgin bride, add a nice touch of humor, particularly given his embarrassment and chagrin at having such a conversation with his mother, and subsequently when he almost wishes he hadn’t shut his mother down when she was offering her advice. His relationship with his wife runs the gamut from fiery to cold to passionate.
This is a cute, fun story with a nice touch of intrigue and drama to keep it lively. I enjoyed it quite a bit and can’t wait to see how Gabriel’s sister Eva – or Evil as he likes to call her – makes out when it’s her turn at bat. I definitely want to go back to read more from this author and am glad to have re-discovered her.
Grade: A
Summary:
The cure for a willful wife . . .
Drusilla Clare is full of opinions about why a woman shouldn’t marry. But that doesn’t stop the rush of desire she feels each time her best friend’s brother, notorious rake Gabriel Marlington, crosses her path. So imagine her dismay when she finds herself in the clutches of a scoundrel, only to be rescued by Gabriel himself. And when Gabriel’s heartless—and heart-pounding—proposal comes, it’s enough to make Dru’s formidable resolve crumble . . .. . . is a smitten husband.
She’s sharp-tongued, exasperating—and due to one careless moment—about to become his wife. Still, something about Drusilla has Gabriel intrigued. First there’s the delicious flush of her skin every time she delivers a barb—and then the surprisingly sensual feel of her in his arms. Gabriel even finds himself challenged by her unusual philosophies. And when he discovers a clandestine rival for Dru’s affection, his temperature flares even hotter. But the real threat to their happiness is one neither of the newlyweds sees coming. If they’re to save their future—and their very lives—they’ll need to trust in each other and their growing love.
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