Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good start to the new series. As the book opens, Frances is on her way to Scotland for a job tutoring someone in etiquette for a London season. She wasn't given any details and believed her student to be a young lady getting ready for her first season. Imagine her shock when she discovers her student is none other than the laird himself!
Lachlan is not happy when Frances shows up. His mother did the hiring unbeknownst to him. He was contracted to marry an English heiress by his father and hers and is not enthused about the idea. However, he needs the woman's dowry to save his people from starvation, so he'll go through with it. He sees no need to change who he is to do so.
I loved the first meeting between Frances and Lachlan. He is determined to send her home, and she is equally committed to staying, both having their reasons to do so. Frances has a scandal in her past that made it impossible for her to remain in Society and estranged her from her family. Her work as a governess is all she has. Lachlan carries a load of guilt over his father's death and feels that the marriage is also his way to honor his father's wishes. I laughed at the way Frances bargained her way into staying and doing what she was hired to do. There were sparks between Lachlan and Frances from the beginning, and they burned hotter by the day. I loved how comfortable they became with each other and the teasing and banter between them. I ached for them both as they grew closer, and their feelings deepened because both knew that there was no chance for them to be together.
Their situation became even more heartbreaking when the story moved to London. Frances's lessons proved to be invaluable, and Lachlan was wholly accepted. He was still unaware of some of the pitfalls in front of him, and there were a couple of great scenes where Frances kept him from disaster. The more time Lachlan spent with his bride-to-be, the more he realized that neither of them wanted the marriage. I ached to see Lachlan's protectiveness toward Frances and her determination not to interfere with what he needed to do. I wasn't sure how they would find a way to be together. I loved how Lachlan made it happen, perhaps imitating the methods of his ancestors. There were a couple of interesting twists at the end that wrapped up the story quite nicely.
I liked the introduction to Lachlan's friends, who I assume will be the subjects of the other books. I am especially interested to see the next book, as I believe it will be about Lachlan's ex-fiancée and his friend Camford.
Lachlan is not happy when Frances shows up. His mother did the hiring unbeknownst to him. He was contracted to marry an English heiress by his father and hers and is not enthused about the idea. However, he needs the woman's dowry to save his people from starvation, so he'll go through with it. He sees no need to change who he is to do so.
I loved the first meeting between Frances and Lachlan. He is determined to send her home, and she is equally committed to staying, both having their reasons to do so. Frances has a scandal in her past that made it impossible for her to remain in Society and estranged her from her family. Her work as a governess is all she has. Lachlan carries a load of guilt over his father's death and feels that the marriage is also his way to honor his father's wishes. I laughed at the way Frances bargained her way into staying and doing what she was hired to do. There were sparks between Lachlan and Frances from the beginning, and they burned hotter by the day. I loved how comfortable they became with each other and the teasing and banter between them. I ached for them both as they grew closer, and their feelings deepened because both knew that there was no chance for them to be together.
Their situation became even more heartbreaking when the story moved to London. Frances's lessons proved to be invaluable, and Lachlan was wholly accepted. He was still unaware of some of the pitfalls in front of him, and there were a couple of great scenes where Frances kept him from disaster. The more time Lachlan spent with his bride-to-be, the more he realized that neither of them wanted the marriage. I ached to see Lachlan's protectiveness toward Frances and her determination not to interfere with what he needed to do. I wasn't sure how they would find a way to be together. I loved how Lachlan made it happen, perhaps imitating the methods of his ancestors. There were a couple of interesting twists at the end that wrapped up the story quite nicely.
I liked the introduction to Lachlan's friends, who I assume will be the subjects of the other books. I am especially interested to see the next book, as I believe it will be about Lachlan's ex-fiancée and his friend Camford.
