Isabella is a widow who was in an abusive marriage. Her sister, Perdita, was also in an abusive marriage. The book opens with Peridita's husband, the Duke of Ormonde, holding a knife to Peridta's throat. Georgina, their friend was also there. What happens next forms one of the plot points of this book (and the next 2). Someone knows their secret.
Isabella is tasked with going to the countryside to retrieve Trevor, the new duke. She goes to help her sister who is being romanced and is thought to be in love with a new person; the dowager duchess has enough power to end it or let it be. Trevor's dad was the exiled second son of the old duke, the current dowager's grandson. And as a result, he does not like that side of the family.
Anyway, Isabella does well out in the country and forms friendships with Trevor's younger sisters; Eleanor and Belinda. She and Trevor gradually give in to their attraction and fall in love. She confides in Trevor her abusive marriage, the threatening notes she is getting, and her abusive marriage. There have also been attempts to injure/kill her (a damaged carriage, a cut strap on a saddle for example).
I did like the slow burn. The characters were also likable. However, I did find my attention drifting at times and this was easy to put down (and pick up later). And while we do find out who was behind the notes/"gifts" Isabella was getting, we do not know who the primary person is behind the notes that Georgina and Perdita have also gotten.
Isabella is tasked with going to the countryside to retrieve Trevor, the new duke. She goes to help her sister who is being romanced and is thought to be in love with a new person; the dowager duchess has enough power to end it or let it be. Trevor's dad was the exiled second son of the old duke, the current dowager's grandson. And as a result, he does not like that side of the family.
Anyway, Isabella does well out in the country and forms friendships with Trevor's younger sisters; Eleanor and Belinda. She and Trevor gradually give in to their attraction and fall in love. She confides in Trevor her abusive marriage, the threatening notes she is getting, and her abusive marriage. There have also been attempts to injure/kill her (a damaged carriage, a cut strap on a saddle for example).
I did like the slow burn. The characters were also likable. However, I did find my attention drifting at times and this was easy to put down (and pick up later). And while we do find out who was behind the notes/"gifts" Isabella was getting, we do not know who the primary person is behind the notes that Georgina and Perdita have also gotten.
