Published by Zebra Books on August 25, 2020
Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Victorian, General, Action & Adventure
Pages: 352
Format: eBook
Source: ARC
Lady Emmeline Hartley has overcome every obstacle life has thrown her way. A spinster, disappointed in love, Em is on the brink of a marriage of convenience, when the man who rejected her heart reappears in need of her help. It gives Em a chance to escape, put to use one her most unusual talents—and perhaps convince him once and for all to risk his heart . . .
Adam Montclair--one of the most successful agents at the Home Office--rubs elbows with the highest levels of society. Even so, he wasn’t to the manor born. No matter how much he desires Em, as a match he is completely unsuitable. While it pains him to be near her, it’s a punishment he richly deserves. Now on a mission to uncover a plot against the government, Adam knows Em's uncanny ability to recall voices will be essential. Yet as the two thwart the dangers in their path, it may become impossible to deny that Em is essential to happiness itself . . .
Praise for the Muses’ Salon series “A feast for the imagination.” –Publishers Weekly “Rachael Miles’ knowledge of the time period she writes about adds a depth of authenticity that enriches every page.” –Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author “A delicious, original read.” –RT Book Reviews
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I’ll admit, I am new to this author’s work but I was craving a historical romance with diverse rep and was excited to see a heroine with a physical disability. That sure sounds grim and weird, I know. But, I enjoy reading about diverse heroines, and Miles certainly delivered with Lady Emmeline. After a horrific carriage accident that resulted in the passing of her mother and siblings, Emmeline is left with a brain injury and a mangled leg. The addition of a support animal, Queen Bess, was so much fun to see. Honestly, I loved Bess the most. Adam was every bit the chameleon you would expect from an agent of the Home Office. A former lover of Em’s while he was undercover, there is plenty of tension between the two when they reconnect.
Unfortunately, I think I was expecting more intrigue going in. I was surprised, and a bit disappointed, to see it was primarily a character-driven story and light on plot. We spend a lot of time inside Adam and Emmeline’s heads but this plot against the Crown was very much a secondary, or even tertiary component. Additionally, I didn’t particularly care for either of the characters. Miscommunication was rampant on both sides of this relationship with flimsy reasoning to boot. It drove me up the wall each time they chose to keep something from the other party needlessly. I loved Em’s recall ability and I wish it played a bigger roll. I found myself forgetting this remarkable ability repeatedly, especially during an unnecessary tutorial in crafting. I’m a knitter and have dabbled in spinning but I just didn’t think it fit this story and it threw off the pace.
I would definitely try the author’s work in the future but unfortunately, this story just didn’t work for this reader. I do recommend for fans of character-driven historical romance with fade to black intimate scenes and lovers of the second-chance trope.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed a review copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
