Series: The Rakes of Mayhem #3
Author: Anna St. Claire
Published March 18th 2022 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Goodreads Synopsis
He saves her from a runaway horse. Too late, she realizes her hero is the man she left years ago for another.
Lucas Pemberton, the fourth Duke of Dorman, enjoys the freedom life affords him and has no plans for marriage, having experienced the fickle nature of women years ago. On the way home, a woman’s piercing scream and an out-of-control horse grab his attention. He rescues her, only to discover that she is the woman who had spurned his affections years ago in favor of another.
Unexpectedly, he becomes guardian to two young women—a forgotten promise made long ago. A confirmed bachelor, Lucas finds himself wholly unprepared for the challenges his wards create and force him to seek a solution.
Newly widowed, Lady Harriett Dudley flees her dead husband’s home, and vows to never relinquish her freedom to any man. Distracted by threats from his family, she is almost killed when something spooks her horse, only to be saved by the man who had professed his affection the very day her father betrothed her to another.
Did she owe him an explanation? Would he understand? Could forgiveness revive a long-ago courtship and give them an opportunity to experience everlasting happiness?
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Years ago, Lucas Pemberton, Duke of Dorman, was ready to marry the woman of his dreams. But as he goes to her home before the wedding, he's told that she's already left and married another. Angry, and heartbroken, he buries himself in parties and fun, and is a consummate rake. Now, racing after a woman on a runaway horse, he realises that the woman he's just rescued is his ex-fiancee, Lady Harriett Dudley, returned home after being widowed. The angry and pain has returned, but when he finds two orphaned children on his doorstep, in his care due to a past agreement, he needs Harriett's help. Harriett never wished to marry her late husband, but was forced into it by her weak father, and found herself at the hands of a monster. Widowed, she vows never to fall into the hands of a man again, and welcomes her freedom for the first time in her life. Reconnecting with Lucas, and remembering all that she lost, it's hard, but she starts to care for the girls, and struggles to keep her feelings to herself. Will they both be able to get over their past hurt, or will the danger on the horizon keep them apart?
I loved this book, and it's definitely my favourite of the series. Lucas and Harriett have loved and lost, and due to actions wholly out of their control, were forced apart. They may have grown, but they both have demons which are hard to face, and being in each other's company is hard, but not impossible. I really liked how they were willing to let go of the past for the girls, and though some of the actions made to push them together were questionable, I was pleased with the ending! A great way to finish off the series.
Dates Read:
May 8-11, 2022
Rating
3 Stars
