Samantha Holt

The year is 1895. Viola is a brassy, strong-willed American and travels to England all by herself in order to meet the nobleman she’s been corresponding with via mail for the past six months. She’s fallen half in love with the charming marquis and plans to accept his marriage proposal. The man she officially meets, however, is nothing like the man in the letter. And she soon learns he didn’t propose to her.
Julian, Marquis of Lockwood, is a grumpy, temperamental recluse after the deaths of his three wives. The gossipy townsfolk believe he’s cursed, and he thinks this as well. He never expected the woman he’s been sending letters to would come to England, and though he knows he should send her away for both her safety from him and to protect her reputation, he just can’t do it. Like Viola, he’s fallen for her, too, but does not intend to honor his heart.
This is a beautiful love story. Julian’s fear of himself and his shame of losing each woman he had promised to take care of will clench your heart in a vise. He’s such a hurt, stubborn man, and he needed a strong woman to help him break from his shell. Viola has her own problems and past shames, but Julian didn’t mind. They both needed each other and found a love match.
Though this is a novella that focused just on the H/h, I really wish I could’ve met one or more of Julian’s younger brothers. I definitely didn’t like his haughty mother and wished I could’ve seen Julian put her in her place, instead of just being told he did so. The servants in the household were kind, decent and loyal, and I really liked their interactions with both Viola and Julian.
Written in British English, all POV shifts had proper scene/chapter breaks, and I don’t think I noticed any typos. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and would love to read more stories in the Cynfell Brothers series.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
… (plus d'informations)

Angelina Ashdown withdrew from the eyes of high society after a scandal, and now she makes her living writing an etiquette column for a London newspaper. After a disgruntled reader writes to the paper and challenges Angelina to live up to her proper advice and find a husband before New Years, Angelina has no choice but to attend a Christmas house party in an attempt to find a husband. If she doesn’t secure a proposal, she could lose her job, her home, and her independence.
Benedict Britton attends the party to secure funding for his invention. Though he’s quite intelligent, his reputation as a rake precedes him. He never expected Angelina, the only woman he’s ever loved, to be at the party. The problem is, she hates him, and he doesn’t blame her for it. Stuck together at the snowy estate, Benedict and Angelina soon realize not everything is as it seems, and that there’s fine line between love and hate.
This is a really cute story. Both the H/h are very likable and have great chemistry. They’ve made mistakes and are willing to make amends, and that shows how they grew throughout the course of the novella.
4 Stars

Disclaimer – I downloaded this book from Amazon and volunteered to review it. I am not compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
… (plus d'informations)