Another entry into my Romance Rereads - I didn't enjoy this at all as much as I remember.

Part of it I think is because it's so utterly AWFUL what happened in the past and the fact basically the guy gets off with a slap on the wrist.

This was also heavily contingent on miscommunication and assumptions on both Lucinda and Douglas' parts at the end. His belief that, despite everything Lucinda said previously, she was turning him away because he was penniless was eye-roll worthy. Her seesaw attitude about how he must care for her but may he doesn't but I'm sure he does but then again he can't is grating.

Lucinda just because a guy won't compromise you it doesn't mean he doesn't love you. BEING COMPROMISED DOES NOT = LOVE.

Between her odd beliefs about how a guy proves his love and his casual sexism* I was just done.

In the end even though as a mystery it was interesting (if horrifying) at times, it failed as a romance for me.

(*) After he ah takes some liberties - which she is fully endorsing and encouraging - he tells her it's all his fault and it's his responsibility to know better. The implication being that as a man he should know her boundaries better and protect her when she's being reckless. ( )

Freebie on kindle 26/02 2015