Series: None
Author: Lucy Ashford
Published December 23rd 2021 by Mills & Boon Historical
Goodreads Synopsis
Returning from battle
To a mansion in disarray!
When James, Viscount Grayford, returns home with his reputation in tatters, the last thing he needs is incompetent new housekeeper Emma Bryant! But beneath her drab gown and ugly cap is a pretty young woman of quality, forced to work by straitened circumstances. She proves steadfast and courageous in helping him clear his name, and James can’t help but want her―even if what burns between them is utterly forbidden…
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Returning home as the new Viscount, James needs to have his house in order, so that he can restore his reputation. So finding the beautiful new, and incompetent, housekeeper, Emma Bryant, is more than a problem. Emma is clearly someone of quality, though she hides the truth - that she's actually a member of the ton, the daughter of an impoverished scholar, and grand-niece of an Earl. She needs to work to help her family, and luckily she gets a position at the nearby estate. However, the staff who remain at the estate are actively working against her, and undermining her responsibility at all turns. James doesn't know whether to trust her, or get rid of her, but when it's clear she is loyal, and wants to help him clear his name. And the growing friendship, turning to love, isn't difficult to miss either.
I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. The characters were lovable, and though mistakes were made, and it was a little cliched at times, it was gripping, and a fun, quick read. Emma had a difficult time of it as housekeeper, as she was clearly of a different class, and not respected by her staff, but she has a spine of steel and won't give up without a fight. I liked the romance, though it wasn't the most smooth of courtships, but all in all, James and Emma were right for each other, and came out stronger on the other side.
Dates Read:
December 20, 2021
Rating
3 Stars
