Series: None
Author: Abbi Glines
Published June 21st 2021
Goodreads Synopsis
Lies, Deceit, Vengeance, Desire, and Hate…
wrapped up in a façade of all that sparkles and shines.
A pretty face, a fetching smile, a fabulous gown, a flutter of lashes at just the right moment – Miriam had been taught she must do all these things to land a wealthy husband. Much preferring the company of books to people, the only thing that stopped Miriam from fleeing to the countryside was her younger sister - who was counting on Miriam to make a match that would ensure she could care for her mother and sister properly.
He knew his duty to his title and he would do as was necessary.
Although Hugh Compton, Earl of Ashington, hadn’t wanted his father’s title at the age of nine and twenty, he gained it two years ago when his father died unexpectedly. The only good that had come of that was Hugh had been able to move his father’s wife to the dowager house.
Now it was time to marry.
Many disliked the arrogant Earl of Ashington but none so much as his brother.
After his mother was sent off as if she were trash to be disposed of, Nathaniel swore he’d even the score. With the intent of charming the boring Lydia Ramsbury right out of his brother’s arms, Nathaniel discovered it was a new face that had captured his brother's attention - a one Miss Miriam Bathurst.
Vengeance had never looked so sweet.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
To take part in a season, and enjoy all the glitz and glamour than London has to offer, would sound like a dream for most people, but not Miss Miriam Bathurst. She would much prefer to stay in the country, reading and caring for her younger sister, but when her father died, leaving the family in debt, and having to let the servants go, she knows she is the only one who can make a good marriage, and find a husband who would help her take care of injured Whitney, and get her the treatment she deserves. And when she arrives in London, she's intrigued by it all. Her aunt and uncle are fantastic, and she's completely amused by her aunt's American ways, and the balls and the social events are a hoot. But when it appears that she has come between the handsome Earl of Ashington, and his vindictive younger brother, Nicholas Compton, Miriam needs to have her wits about her to make it through unscathed.
Now, I haven't read a book by Abbi before, neither do I think I've read a historical romance in first person. I did like this book, but it wasn't one that blew me away, and even though it was only 185 pages, it's seemed to drag for the first half or so. Hugh, the Earl of Ashington, needs a wife to be mother to his young ward, Emma, and to start creating heirs for the title. He has very little to do with his half-brother, Nicholas, who despises him for his perceived treatment of his mother, Hugh's stepmother. Hugh initially has his eyes on the perfect English rose, Miss Lydia Ramsbury, who, though boring, would be a perfect countess, and Nicholas wants to draw her away, and get his revenge. But Miriam takes them both by surprise, and with her breathe of fresh air attitude, it's clear they're smitten. I don't really like love triangles, and didn't in this case either. Nicholas was annoying, and there wasn't any redeeming qualities or scenes. He only wanted revenge, and though he had moments of regret that he could hurt Miriam, he didn't really care. Hugh was aloof to start off with, but as the book progressed, and we saw more of him, Emma, Miriam, and the other characters, it definitely picked up, and made the book. An okay regency read.
Dates Read:
August 6-7, 2021
Rating
3 Stars
