Gaele Hi
Oh how I love a story that starts with a ‘forbidden’ promise: the matchmakers of the Bourne Matrimonial Agency have a rule –NO falling in love with the clientele – even one as lusciously intriguing as Crispin, Duke of Rydstrom, now a client in need of a wife with a large dowry and no desire to share space, air or even a residence with him. Curious as to the why, and sure that there is something major (and potentially devastating) that he is hiding, unwilling to answer some of the most ‘basic’ personal questions, Jacinda decides more investigation is needed and hies off to his estates to ‘uncover’ the truth. Unwilling and unwelcoming to the invasion of his privacy, Crispin wants to keep himself to himself. The need for money is self-evident – as his home is always in need of repair, and aside from money issues – there is a huge secret that he’s determined to conceal. His gruff and grumbling manner does keep all but the most determined at bay, yet it doesn’t stop Jacinda. Catching her ‘snooping’ in his study, the two find themselves at odds – her determination to protect the agency’s reputation and her client, him from being ‘overly scrutinized’ should something hint to the secret. With a flash of skirts, she’s left – carrying a name, the biggest clue to the secret. When he chases her down – he finds her gone, until she turns up bruised and bedraggled on his doorstep, with no memory and an edict from the doctor to rest and recover. Even with her amnesia, Jacinda’s natural curiosity and penchant for spying has her investigating Crispin, even as the two are drawing closer. She’s smitten, he’s smitten – and things couldn’t be more perilous for them both. She’s all kinds of wrong , and despite the fact that he wants her beyond all reason – he’s got to keep things moving along on his carefully designated path. She’s frustratingly unwilling to rest and recover – all to his dismay and delight – the latter he’s convinced will lead to no good. Of course, with her memory loss, while he’s still gruff and a bit out of his depth, his real, caring personality shows, and it’s not long before the two are finding themselves in love. Heated arguments lead to passion, and the ultimate reveals – where both share secrets and finally give in to the inevitable. Now, with his aunt, the Duchess of Holliford appeased with the marriage and half in love with Jacinda herself becomes a patron of the sisters’ agency – things are starting to look up. A lovely start to a new series with three clever and determined sisters making their way in the world to the best of their abilities. Full of laughter, passion and some characters that fairly leap off the page in their need to be understood and cheered on – this new series from Lorret is sure to please many this summer. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
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