Series: None
Author: Janice Preston
Published June 25th 2020 by Mills & Boon Historical
Goodreads Synopsis
An unexpected inheritance
An explosive reunion
Hardworking architect Adam Monroe’s world is shaken when he inherits an Earldom! Thrust into the ton, he bumps into widow, Kitty Fenton – his lost love. Years before, he’d refused to elope with Kitty to save her from ruin, and was heartbroken she’d married so soon after he left. Perhaps fate has given him a chance to discover the truth – after all beneath the hurt the sparks of attraction are as strong as ever…
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
The Earl with the Secret Past sees Scottish architect Adam Monroe discover that he isn't actually the son of a widowed housekeeper, but rather the late Earl of Kelridge. Now on his way to London to claim his title, he bumps into an old friend, Robert, Viscount Fenton, who invites him to his home and helps him makes his way into upper class society. He's never forgotten his lost love, Kitty, who he had to leave while still an apprentice, and is shocked to discover that she is Rob's stepmother and married just weeks after he had left all those years ago. Being thrown in situations together again and again, will Adam be able to explain why he couldn't marry her as a lowly apprentice, and can Kitty forgive him for not rescuing her in her time of need?
I love stories like this one of new found status and rank, and redemption arcs that lead to love re-blossoming. This book had it all, and it had lovable characters too. Kitty was fantastic, and I really felt for her pain at how she was treated by her father, to how her late husband belittled her lack of children. She loved people wholly, and that was clear with her step-children, who, though close in age, she loved like her own family. Having her heartbroken by Adam leaving when she was 17, and not taking her with him, had always affected her, even when she never thought she would see him again. Having Adam return, in an exalted position, and so close to home - even living in her home at times - really tore at her feelings, and seeing her come to terms with the fact she is still in love was both heartbreaking and wonderful to read. Adam, for his part, had never forgotten Kitty, and if her had known about his true heritage when he was younger, it's plain to see he would've married Kitty straight away. Now he knows he need to win her back, and beg for her forgiveness, and tries everything he could to do so. Their chemistry had never withered, and we knew they would get together, but how this happened was an adventure that was thrilling to see.
Dates Read:
June 11, 2020
Rating
4 Stars
