Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton. She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.
The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.
Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.
Release Date: Jun 20, 2023
Series: Ravenswood
Book: 2
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley
Price: $14.99
Balogh’s latest had so much potential but fell a little flat for me.
This is the second book in the Ravenswood series and involves the eldest daughter, Philippa. Who is in London for her first season, one that she avoided for years after being insulted by a gentleman in her hometown. The insult stems from a family scandal caused by her father, who has since passed. And while my heart bleeds for Philippa, I found her to be an exceedingly frustrating character.
On the flip side, we have the Marquess of Roath, Lucas, who has been tasked with going to London to attend the season in the hopes of finding his bride. He follows the wishes of his grandfather, the Duke of Wilby, who wants to see Lucas married before his passing. Though surprise, surprise Lucas holds a secret that could cause a scandal of its own, not to mention he’s the very one who insulted Philippa.
I wanted to love this story, so much. The backstory between Lucas and Philippa is priceless. They are enemies, but not because Lucas wants them to be. In his callous youth, he spoke ill of Philippa, and therefore he decides to spend his time making up for his mistakes. In his efforts, he appears to be courting our heroine, which is the last thing she wants. Every time they attempt to steer clear of one another, they are drawn back in by family members or a social engagement. As they continue to orbit each other, the ending everyone around them hopes for seems inevitable.
Lucas and Philippa were both frustrating the more I think about this story. Their chemistry lacked the fire we often see between romance hero and heroine. This was also a bit of a slow burn, and I wasn’t sure how this would end with them together. The story had arranged marriage vibes with other characters constantly interfering between them to drag them together. At one point, I wasn’t even sure this could constitute as a romance, but ultimately the characters proved that love can emerge from the unlikeliest of places and isn’t always a grand sweeping passion.
Overall, if you want something that’s a bit different with not a ton of external conflict. An unlikely pairing that proves fate will always bring two people meant to be together back to one another.
~ Landra
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