Series: The Heart of Bath #3
Author: Jenny Worstall
Published December 21st 2024 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Goodreads Synopsis
A heart-warming romance set in Regency Bath...
Marianne Pembroke has been sent to Bath by her parents to stay with her aunt, the formidable Lady Barrington, for one purpose only – to find a new husband. Widowed tragically young, Marianne’s circumstances mean that she must be successful in the marriage market or suffer the indignity of becoming a governess. But Marianne is determined to remain unwed, for she fears her heart bears so many scars she will never be able to love again.
Edmund Templeton is the heir to his father’s title and fortune. His parents think it is high time he settled down and made a suitable marriage, but he is in no hurry to give up his life of leisure. For where would be the fun in that?
Once Marianne and Edmund discover what they have in common – a wish not to marry – they become firm friends, a situation they are both sure they are perfectly content with. Then events take a dramatic turn with a sudden illness, a duel and the re-emergence of an old enemy of the Templeton family who is not quite what he seems...
Will love save the day?
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Losing her husband so young has left Marianne scarred in multiple ways. Her family are encouraging her to remarry, and have sent her to live with her aunt in Bath for the season with one aim - marry, or become a governess. Determined to never marry without love, and not expecting to find it again, Marianne knows it' futile, but she meets Edmund Templeton, and soon they plot to get their families off their backs. Edmund is the heir of his father's title, and is being hassled to marry and start a family, especially after his siblings weddings. He has no inclination to wed though, and so he and Marianne pretend to be in love to bide their time. However, circumstances soon lead them to wonder if their adamance to not marry is getting in the way of true love?
I liked how the entire Templeton family came together in this book to support each other. Edmund was definitely hard headed, and it took more than a few events for him to see that his growing friendship and camaraderie with Marianne could be his future, and that the feelings he was getting around her were actually feelings of love. I don't think their chemistry was the best in the series, but their friendship was enjoyable to read, and it was clear to everyone that they were a good match.
Dates Read:
November 23-24, 2024
Rating
3 Stars
