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.
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This was my first experience with Samantha Holt. I was immediately drawn into the story by the sudden arrival of Viola who intrudes on Julian's hangover, her vibrancy not only wins over Julian, but the reader as well. I found myself thinking "I could be friends with this woman." I also loved the contrast between the personalities of the "written" Julian vs. the "verbal" Julian. The thing I wish had been more developed was Julian's mother, she intrigued me and I would love to see the tete-a-tete between her and Viola. Overall I like this book and am curious about the stories of the other brothers. Well done ( )

A quick satisfying read!

#1 in a new series about the "Cynfell Brothers" and their sinful confessions. #1 in a new series about the "Cynfell Brothers" and their sinful confessions. Seven brothers and seven sins. This is the sin of wrath...

A quick read filled with guilt, passion, and romance. A heart filled with guilt will not let love enter but will love be denied. Another hit for Ms. Holt! Well written with engaging,and flawed characters and a truly unique storyline. Fans of novellas, Historical Romance and a satisfying, enjoyable read are sure to enjoy the Cynfell Brothers and the ladies who capture their hearts. An enjoyable and satisfying read. I read it in one setting and have to say I truly enjoyed how these two flawed characters learn to take another chance with each other and on love. Well done, Ms. Holt!! Will be waiting impatiently for the next installment! Recommend to anyone who enjoys reading unique storylines with flawed, sinful characters.

*Personal Buy*

Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR ( )