Community Ratings (1)
Description
Scarred from a fire, at two-and-twenty, Philomena Pomfrett is resigned to spinsterhood. But to ease her dying brother’s fretting, she reluctantly agrees to attend a London Season to acquire a husband. If she fails, when he dies, with no family and no money, her future is perilous. Betrayed once, Philomena entertains no notions of a love-match.
Newly titled, Bradford, Viscount Kingsley, returns to England after a three-year absence. When he stumbles upon Philomena hiding in a secluded arbor during a ball, believing she died in a fire he doesn’t recognize his first love. Yet something about her enthralls him, and he steals a moonlit kiss. Caught in the act by Philomena’s brother, Bradford is issued an ultimatum—a duel or marry Philomena.
Bradford offers marriage, but Philomena rejects his half-hearted proposal, convinced he’d grow to despise her. Then her brother collapses, and she’s faced with marrying a man who deserted her once already.
Caution: This Regency historical romance contains a jaded lord whom the ladies adore, a scarred spinster, willing to sacrifice everything for her dying brother, a feisty, portly cat, and an audacious aunt who say precisely what she thinks.
This is a quick read that had tears in my eyes at times as well as smiles. It is a second chance at love for two people kept apart by circumstances. I loved Philomena’s determination to please her brother despite her own belief that no one will love her. Once Bradford realized what is happening, he became a hero I cared for. As the two spend time together, the revelations of the past tugged at my heart. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series.