Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good book. Alex is at a society ball and is constantly accosted by matchmaking mamas trying to interest the widower in their daughters. He has no interest in remarrying, preferring not to risk repeating the devastating grief of losing his wife. But when he encounters a young woman fighting off the advances of a man determined to ruin her, he can't help getting involved. He doesn't expect to hear himself declare that the woman is his fiancée!
Emma is an heiress who has no interest in marrying any men who show an interest in her, or more accurately, her money. While she dreams of a true love match, she holds out no hope of it happening. After watching her parents' marriage collapse over the vast differences between them, Emma would rather be independent. While Alex saves her from one unwanted marriage, she's not happy to be forced into marriage with him.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Alex and Emma. Initially, Emma does her best to dissuade Alex from carrying through on his announcement. She doesn't want either of them to endure an unwanted union. But Alex quickly convinces her that avoidance is not an option. I liked their honest discussion about how neither wants to marry before Alex arrives at a compromise. They will marry, but it will be in name only. Emma will gain control of her inheritance and can live as she pleases, while Alex gains a mother figure/governess for his three sons.
Neither expects their attraction or friendship that develops as they spend time together. Alex fights his feelings, avoiding Emma whenever possible, but it does no good. When they are thrown together, whether building snowmen with his sons or visiting neighbors, it becomes harder to resist the sparks. When he gives in, he's overcome with regret and fear that he's already too deep. In an attempt to protect himself, he pulls further away.
Emma had hoped they could at least form a working friendship and is dismayed that Alex does everything possible to avoid her. Determined to make the best of her situation, she becomes involved with Alex's sons. I liked seeing her work past their antagonism (the spider scene was hilarious) and become an important part of their lives. I loved seeing her get involved in estate affairs and laughed out loud at Alex's surprise when he encountered her at one of his tenant's homes. Emma has a good heart, and it shows in her thoughtfulness. It doesn't take long for her to realize that she's falling in love with Alex even though she knows he won't return her feelings.
I ached for both as their feelings grew. Emma wants Alex's love but believes he's still in love with his dead wife. All she can do to protect herself from devastating hurt is remove herself from the source, so she plans to leave. Alex realizes the truth of his feelings, but his fears keep him from saying anything to Emma. Something he overhears Emma saying to his sons breaks through the walls around his heart, and a conversation with an elderly tenant opens his eyes further. But has he waited too long? The ending was great as Alex pursued Emma and hoped his feelings would be returned. I loved the scene at the inn and seeing Alex open his heart to Emma. The epilogue was terrific.
#netgalley
Emma is an heiress who has no interest in marrying any men who show an interest in her, or more accurately, her money. While she dreams of a true love match, she holds out no hope of it happening. After watching her parents' marriage collapse over the vast differences between them, Emma would rather be independent. While Alex saves her from one unwanted marriage, she's not happy to be forced into marriage with him.
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Alex and Emma. Initially, Emma does her best to dissuade Alex from carrying through on his announcement. She doesn't want either of them to endure an unwanted union. But Alex quickly convinces her that avoidance is not an option. I liked their honest discussion about how neither wants to marry before Alex arrives at a compromise. They will marry, but it will be in name only. Emma will gain control of her inheritance and can live as she pleases, while Alex gains a mother figure/governess for his three sons.
Neither expects their attraction or friendship that develops as they spend time together. Alex fights his feelings, avoiding Emma whenever possible, but it does no good. When they are thrown together, whether building snowmen with his sons or visiting neighbors, it becomes harder to resist the sparks. When he gives in, he's overcome with regret and fear that he's already too deep. In an attempt to protect himself, he pulls further away.
Emma had hoped they could at least form a working friendship and is dismayed that Alex does everything possible to avoid her. Determined to make the best of her situation, she becomes involved with Alex's sons. I liked seeing her work past their antagonism (the spider scene was hilarious) and become an important part of their lives. I loved seeing her get involved in estate affairs and laughed out loud at Alex's surprise when he encountered her at one of his tenant's homes. Emma has a good heart, and it shows in her thoughtfulness. It doesn't take long for her to realize that she's falling in love with Alex even though she knows he won't return her feelings.
I ached for both as their feelings grew. Emma wants Alex's love but believes he's still in love with his dead wife. All she can do to protect herself from devastating hurt is remove herself from the source, so she plans to leave. Alex realizes the truth of his feelings, but his fears keep him from saying anything to Emma. Something he overhears Emma saying to his sons breaks through the walls around his heart, and a conversation with an elderly tenant opens his eyes further. But has he waited too long? The ending was great as Alex pursued Emma and hoped his feelings would be returned. I loved the scene at the inn and seeing Alex open his heart to Emma. The epilogue was terrific.
#netgalley
