Sophie Wembley is about to discover two hard truths: When planning a rushed betrothal, one must not be picky; and when the perfect earl happens by, one must not be shy.…
After receiving word that her sister has eloped, even ever-optimistic Sophie has trouble staying positive. She needs to secure her future before the scandal destroys her prospects, although she doesn’t relish the idea of a hasty marriage. But her longtime crush has just shown up for the summer festival in Bath. He may be the key to avoiding disgrace and getting a happily ever after…if she can bring herself to pursue him.
John “Evan” Fairfax, Earl of Evansleigh, is one of the most popular bachelors in the ton. However, his easygoing ways hide a dark past he’s determined to keep secret. Evan has always kept acquaintances at arm’s length for self-preservation, but there’s something irresistible about Sophie…and her seductive charms may well sway the confirmed bachelor to seize a chance at love.
Other books in the Prelude to a Kiss series:
Remember the movie North and South, with that dashing man Richard Armitage? No! *gasps* Then I suggest you get to watching. It’s free for Amazon Prime Members… oops, sorry I’m not trying to pimp out a service. Anyway—this book is like North and South, sweet, tension-filled and an oh-so-satisfying ending.
Let’s talk characters. In one corner we have Sophie Wembley, who’s family is about to be broiled in scandal. She’s an oboe player, and not the social butterfly or ballroom belle. No, she’s rather plain and in desperate need of a husband. This is a girl who somehow finds courage to take risks and I have to love her for being optimistic and willing to put herself out on the line, even if the ending is going to result in a broken heart.
Side note: I will say I don’t penalize the book rating for this, but if you’re going to give me a heroine that’s more curvy than the typical gal the cover should reflect this.
As for the hero. Oh he’s tortured, but such a gentleman. I really enjoyed Evan Fairfax and his good intentions, even though they get him in the very situations he’s trying to avoid. A true hero through and through, he can’t stand to see Sophia be treated poorly by anyone or anything. So he becomes her champion and friend. Friendship soon blossoms into deeper feelings. Feelings poor Evan can’t possibly act on.
The tension, it kills me and the leisure development of true love without sex being involved. Knightley has a true talent for sweet historical and I love it. Pacing, situations, and even secondary characters are lush and fitting for the time period. Speaking of secondary characters, Sophie’s mother made me want to strangle her. The woman was too much, and while I appreciate Sophie’s decision to be respectful because that’s the type of person she is, if I’d been this woman’s daughter she would’ve been getting a mouthful. Very reminiscent of Mrs. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. If there ever was a scheming distrustful woman I wouldn’t know.
As for plot, I loved the story. The scandal forcing Sophie to find a husband fast, the scandal Evan is keeping that prevents him from falling in love, and even the secondary plot with Evan’s sister. The only reason this book didn’t get a five is because there is a huge bomb dropped near the end and I would’ve liked to see that played out a bit more, especially the hero’s reaction to it. At the same time this rift is rather minor because the love story needed to dominant over the other situations.
Overall, if you love Jane Austen than you better start reading Knightley’s Prelude to Kiss series. She knows how to bring all the wonder and excitement of the historical genre while keeping the stories tension-filled, with a dash of humor, and a hefty spoonful of heart. P.S. You can’t go wrong with an author who makes me long to go to Bath. I’m adding the location to my bucket list.
Reviewed by Landra
Heat Level: Inspy
I just picked this up the other day. Erin’s Sealed With a Kiss series was excellent & I am looking forward to reading this!