Delia Stratham is an unconventional woman. While other ladies learned proper decorum at finishing school, she composed naughty limericks and admired the gardener’s muscular legs. So naturally when she’s widowed for the third time, she does the unthinkable: she gets a job. Planning events for the Savoy Hotel is perfect for someone with her skills. But her dream career turns into a nightmare when she’s forced to work with the most annoying—and gorgeous—man she’s ever met.
Hotel magnate Simon Hayden knows something fishy is going on at the Savoy: the hotel is constantly busy, yet the books say it’s in the red. He’s determined to root out the fraud and its perpetrators, and that means spending time with one of the most likely suspects: the delectable, infuriating Lady Stratham. She’s definitely getting in his way and under his skin and he can’t decide whether to fire her or kiss her until she stops arguing. But when the sparks between them flare into flame, Simon must choose between his love for Delia and his duty to the hotel. Will his choice bring them together or tear them apart?
Release Date: Jun 18, 2024
Series: Scandal at the Savoy
Book: 2
Heat Level: Hot
Publisher: Grand Central
Imprint: Forever
Price: $11.99
Less grump-meets-sunshine and more have-not meets have.
Guhrke’s latest release in the Scandal at the Savoy series kept me flipping pages. Though the grump vs. sunshine trope is a bit overplayed. I feel this was more of a class warfare trope. When fraud is discovered at the beloved Savoy hotel where Delia, a sophisticated aristocrat, works, new acting manager Simon, aka hotel magnate, is determined to investigate and discover her part in the scandal. Too bad they are both attracted to one another.
This book really conquered in the enemies-to-lovers department. There was plenty of speculation on both sides, this constant battle of wits between the main characters kept me reading far too late into the night. The atmosphere of the hotel provided a different type of story, especially since Delia is a widow and no blushing debutante. Having an FMC (female main character) with so much agency is always joy in historical romances, and I thoroughly liked Delia’s character. Equally, I loved the amount of growth Simon has to go through, pushing past preconceived notions and ideas.
I also loved the plot, which isn’t contrived, and the author even provided some background history that inspired the story. The setting is perfect for book three and the next couple, and there are plenty of throwbacks to the first book in the series. The world-building is seamless, as only Guhrke can do.
What slowed things down for me? The slow burn. It seems like every romance I pick up lately is all about burning so slowly that I think I may combust before we get to the good stuff. While I don’t mind that, I may be experiencing slow-burn fatigue. For those who love it, then let me say this will definitely be the book for you.
Overall, fans of Eva Leigh and Lisa Kleypas will enjoy this one, and I highly recommend reading the first book in the series to experience the full effect of the Savoy.
~ Landra
Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Google Play