My Lord Protector
Series: The Beresford Adventures #2
Author: Cheryl Bolen
Published October 12th 2021 by Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.

Goodreads Synopsis
No one must know her true identity—especially not the handsome earl who’s employed her.

Welcome to book 2 from New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Cheryl Bolen!

On the most horrifying night of her life, Charlotte Robinson discovers the murdered body of the mysterious woman who's engaged her as a companion at a remote Cornish manor house. Then, in her bedchamber, Charlotte finds the hidden note from the dead woman that tells her to flee, to change her name, to not trust anyone or she, too, will be killed. Along with the note is her employer's journal. She speedily packs a valise, the money she's saved, and the dead woman's journal and sets off in the dark of night. She eventually arrives in London using the name Caroline Rutherford and manages to secure a position as a companion to the youngest sister of the Earl of Devere.

London's most sought-after bachelor, Devere has never met the woman with whom he wants to be shackled, but for reasons he cannot understand, he becomes obsessed with his sister's companion, the quiet Caroline Rutherford, a woman of mystery. So many things about her don't add up, but nothing he says or does will loosen her tongue—not even his stolen kisses which he knows she enjoys as much as he.

When she narrowly escapes a murderous plot, the terrified woman confesses all to him, and together they set out to learn the identity of the murderer of her former employer . . . if only they can stay alive.
Goodreads

Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

When Charlotte Robinson's employer is killed in a remote Cornish home, and the murderer flees the scene, she knows that she's at risk of being killed too, unless she hides. Back in London, but now under the guise of Caroline Rutherford, she takes up a position as companion to Harriet Beresford, the sister of the Earl of Devere, and life is greater than she could've imagined for a woman in her position. However, her growing feelings for the earl, Henry, and the murderer still hunting for her lead Charlotte to have to make a choice - love, or her life?

After reading Lady Mary's Dangerous Encounter I was hoping to learn more about her family, as we only heard snippets about them, apart from the brief encounter with Henry in the first chapter. I loved the whole family dynamic of this book. Charlotte was the daughter of a middle class politician, but when her father died, she took a position as a companion, and was well placed until the murder. Now with only her former governess to help her, she is lucky to land on her feet as another companion, with Lady Harriet, and be respected and welcomed by her employer. I really loved that Henry and Harriet treated her like a member of the family, not a servant, and valued her thoughts and opinions. The feelings that grew between the couple didn't hurt either, and I honestly preferred this book, and this love story, to book 1. The mystery was great too, as was the way in which the characters really grew and developed as the story progress. A solid second book, and definitely one setting the stage for book 3!

Dates Read:
November 27-28 2021

Rating
3 Stars