The Duke's Defiant Cinderella - Parker J. Cole (HH #1682 - Oct 2022)

An arranged betrothal…
By royal approval!
 
As the servant girl who discovered she was the long-lost daughter of a comte, Lilas Moreau is no stranger to scandal. Now, more famous for her art, she won't have her independence threatened by the return of her betrothed, Bastien, Duc de Languedoc. As a new attraction sizzles between them, Lilas is relieved he wants to end their secret marriage contract. But a summons from the queen means they're forced to continue their charade!
 
I enjoyed this unusual historical romance. It isn't often I find one set in pre-Revolution France, and this is the first I've read that involved people of color. When the story opens, Lilas is a servant in the home of the Duc de Languedoc. She came to them from the orphanage she was left at as a baby. As a mixed-race child, she suffered a lot of bullying at the orphanage and later from the other servants on the estate. Her only friend was Bastien, the duc's son, who was also mixed race. Bastien stands up for her when he can and comforts her when he cannot.
 
In the opening chapter, we discover that eighteen-year-old Lilas is the long-lost daughter of a comte, and she is to take her rightful place in her father's home. At the same time, Bastien is informed by his father that Lilas is his betrothed, an arrangement set up by their fathers before she was born. Bastien has a difficult relationship with his controlling father, and rather than accepting Lilas as his wife, he leaves on a Grand Tour. Lilas feels betrayed as her only friend deserts her in her hour of need.
 
Four years later, Bastien returns to France. His father is dead, and he is the new duc. His first order of business is to convince Lilas to break their betrothal. He wants a wife with an impeccable background, not one who used to be a servant. He feels it is necessary to restore the family's honor after his father was banished for marrying a Maroon for love. He also wants someone he would have no chance of falling in love with, as he remembers his father being a broken man after his wife's death.
 
Lilas, whose arrival in Paris four years ago revived the scandal of her parents' marriage, is now well-versed in society's behavior. However, she is now more famous for her art, even gaining the queen's patronage. She's dismayed by Bastien's return and wants nothing to do with their betrothal. Determined to retain her independence, marriage is the last thing she wants.
 
Unfortunately, their betrothal becomes public knowledge, bringing them to the queen's attention. They are forced to play the part until they can find a way to safely part ways. Neither counted on their sizzling attraction, and each fought hard against it. Several times I wanted to reach into the pages and shake Bastien. I thought his treatment of the woman who was once his best friend was unnecessarily cruel. To repeatedly tell her that she wasn't good enough to be his wife was a terrible thing, especially when he would turn around and be sensitive and supportive.
 
Meanwhile, Lilas is caught in a battle with herself. She is still hurt and angry over how he left her, but she can't deny the feelings he stirs in her. Sometimes she thinks he returns her feelings, but then he'll turn cold again. It doesn't help that her stepmother frequently plays on her fears by suggesting that Bastien has ulterior motives.
 
When circumstances make it advisable for them to marry, Bastien suggests a marriage of convenience. One that will remain unconsummated, allowing them to seek an annulment after a while. But being together all the time strains the control Bastien has worked so hard to cultivate. When that control finally snaps, Bastien must decide whether to admit his feelings or continue to fight them.
 
Since their betrothal became public, Lilas has received several warnings that she is in danger. Bastien's unexpected arrival foiled an attack outside the dressmaker's. Someone slipped a sleeping draught into Lilas's drink on their wedding day, prompting Bastien to take them out of Paris to his family estate. There a collapsed balcony railing shows that danger has followed them. Though the culprit was not a surprise, the motivation was not what I expected. The final confrontation was intense and heartbreaking. It had the benefit of breaking through Bastien's fears and showing him his feelings for Lilas. I loved Bastien's emotional confession. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up, giving a glimpse of their lives a year and a half later. 

 

The Highlander's Holiday Wife - Vanessa Kelly (Zebra - Oct 2022)

Series: Clan Kendrick (Book 5)
 
It’s Christmastime in Edinburgh, but Lady Samantha Penwith’s secret mission takes no holiday: the Highlands-born lass vows to find the assailants who murdered her beloved husband, founder of a charitable school for orphaned boys. On her latest undercover excursion, she closes in on a pair of armed attackers and interrupts another assault, then disappears into the darkness, leaving the lone victim mystified—and lucky to be alive . . .
 
Braden Kendrick may be the sensible brother, yet the dedicated doctor routinely ignores the dangers of his late-night calls to the city’s slums. But when a fleet-footed rescuer saves his life, he’s determined to uncover the stranger’s identity. And once he does, he’ll find himself facing his own past loss for the first time—and more than willing to risk his heart again, just in time to make the Clan Kendrick’s Christmas celebrations more festive than ever . . .
 
I loved this book. The fifth book in the Clan Kendrick series features Braden, the "boring" Kendrick. From the time he was a child, Braden was focused on his goal of becoming a doctor, motivated by a desire to help his younger brother. Though Ryan was healthy by the time Braden reached his goal, Braden had found his calling. Unlike his rambunctious brothers, he had always been a quiet, serious man but has been even more so recently. He devotes long hours to his work with the poor in Edinburgh, where we find him as the book opens.
 
Braden has never had a problem with his safety wandering the streets of Edinburgh's slums late at night until now. Unfortunately, two armed thugs seemed determined to end his "interference," and it seemed likely they would succeed. Luckily he's rescued by a pair of avenging angels - one massive, and one small, quick, and - female? He is thankful, intrigued, and determined to discover who she is.
 
Lady Samantha Penwith is a widow on a mission. Two years ago, her husband was murdered, and no one could be bothered to investigate. With her faithful servant by her side, she prowls Edinburgh slums, looking for the truth. She's recently added another quest - children are disappearing from the orphanage/school her husband founded. The last thing she needs is a nosy doctor poking around.
 
Braden and Samantha are brought together by a mutual friend, Dr. John Blackmore. John suspects Samantha's mission and worries about her safety. He is also a member of the board of the Penwith Foundation and is one of the few members backing her plans for the Foundation. John believes Braden will be an additional voice for good on the board, and the scenes involving his attempts to convince Braden are pretty amusing. Meanwhile, Samantha wants nothing to do with Braden, afraid he will figure out she is his rescuer. In fact, it takes little time for Braden to do so.
 
Braden and Samantha are determined, independent, and intelligent. He quickly realizes that nothing will stop Samantha from her mission. Instead of trying to stop her, he listens to her concerns, suspicions, and ideas and then offers to help her. He is also the voice of reason that balances her impulsiveness. There is a fair amount of push-and-pull between them as they delve deeper into their searches.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Both have the pain of love lost in their pasts and a reluctance to risk their hearts again. However, neither can deny the attraction that grows between them. Braden is the first to realize the truth of his feelings for Samantha but is sensitive enough to give her the space and time she needs to adjust to their growing relationship. Samantha's instinctive trust in Braden goes a long way toward opening her heart to him.
 
Samantha has another problem in her life. Her husband's grandfather is a controlling old man who has never approved of Samantha. She and her husband cared for his deaf younger sister, Felicity, while Lord Beath would instead have confined the girl to his estate. With Roger's death, Lord Beath constantly threatens to take Felicity away from Samantha if she does anything to bring scandal to the family name. I heartily disliked his attitude towards and about Felicity, especially when he appeared and started making threats again. It didn't help that he despises the Kendrick family. I loved seeing the family rally in Samantha's support and laughed out loud as they spiked the man's guns by using their more significant connections.
 
Lord Beath gets his licks in, though, when he stumbles on Samantha and Braden sharing a passionate kiss. Braden had already suggested one surefire way to keep Felicity with Samantha - marry him. Lord Beath's appearance expedited the necessity. I loved watching Braden and Samantha settle into married life. By this time, Braden is head-over-heels in love with Samantha, exercising great patience and restraint while he waits for her to love him back. When that point is reached, though their intimacy is closed door, there is no doubt about their feelings.
 
The mystery of the murder and the missing children is never far from Braden and Samantha's minds. I enjoyed following their progress as they chipped away at the puzzle. When a question about the Foundation's finances raises a red flag, Braden and Samantha recruit his brother Logan to help. The pieces come together quickly, revealing a more elaborate scheme than previously suspected. The intensity ramped up when Felicity was taken, and I was on the edge of my seat as I watched Braden, Samantha, and the Kendricks work together to bring her home. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, and I loved that Samantha was in the thick of it. The epilogue was great and an excellent conclusion for the book.
 
You can't have a Clan Kendrick book without involving other family members. In this case, it is mostly Logan and Donella, as Braden lives in their house. I loved the interactions between Braden and Logan. It was fun to see Logan attempt to get Braden to add a little balance to his life, and Braden agreed with Logan and then did as he wished. There is no doubt of their love and respect, but each has the Kendrick stubbornness. I loved Logan's thirteen-year-old son, who can talk rings around his father and is well on the way to being as intelligent as his uncle Braden. Life at the Kendrick home becomes even more chaotic when their boisterous and mischievous grandfather shows up. Angus is always good for a laugh over his self-delusions and antics; this was no exception. There is also no doubt about his love and loyalty for his family, even as he creates chaos around them. The youngest Kendrick, Kade, has a prominent role in this book, and I can't wait for his story.

Cinderella's Last Stand - Michelle Lindo-Rice (HSE #2934 - Sept 2022)

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Book 2)
 
If she wants a happy ending
 
She'll have to write her own story
 
Working as Hollywood heartthrob Axel Harrington's personal assistant isn't exactly a fairy tale come true for Maddie Henry. Despite crushing on his Prince Charming looks, Maddie has had enough of Axel not recognizing her value. Well, this Cinderella is shattering the glass slipper to pursue her dream career! The "Sexiest Man Alive" has two weeks to find a new assistant. And to realize that Maddie is the key to his happily-ever-after.
 
Good book. After reading the beginning of this book, I wasn't sure how Axel would redeem himself. He is a Hollywood heartthrob who is all about what he wants, no matter if it inconveniences someone else. The person he most inconveniences is his personal assistant, Maddie. Both characters frustrated me at the start.
 
Alex thinks nothing of dragging Maddie into whatever he thinks he needs, from mattress shopping to buying gifts. She was hired to manage his schedule and other career-related activities, yet he always manages to make any request about his career to get around her objections. She is on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
 
Maddie lost any romantic ideas about Axel early in her career with him. She's frustrated by his thoughtlessness and lack of respect for her time. She is ready to leave on a long-planned and awaited vacation, during which he's promised not to contact her. When he gets into trouble, the next thing Maddie knows, he is on her doorstep, begging to stay with her, completely blowing off his promise. Maddie did what she always does - caved in and gave him what he wanted.
 
After a few days, Maddie finally has enough. I loved seeing her stand up to Axel and tell him she quit. He has two weeks to find another assistant. In the meantime, his brother Lynx (Rivals at Love Creek) asks Axel to fill in as the drama teacher at his school for a couple of weeks. I enjoyed this segment. Axel and Maddie are great with the kids, and Axel gets a taste of "normal" life. He also begins to see Maddie in a new light after hearing his brothers talk about her. At the same time, Maddie sees a different side of Axel, one that she likes. I liked seeing them grow closer, though both fought against putting a name to their feelings.
 
Maddie has some self-esteem issues because of what she perceives as her model mother's disappointment in her "plain, ordinary" daughter. There is no way she can believe that Axel would be interested in her. But Axel has deep-seated fears about committed relationships, thanks to his birth father. Maddie and Axel move on when the two weeks are up, each pursuing new career opportunities after sharing a fantastic night. I loved seeing Maddie come into her own, doing what she loves with a boss/mentor who appreciates her. I loved the boost to her confidence and what came out of it.
 
Meanwhile, Axel gets caught in the manipulative claws of his ex-girlfriend. I understood why he caved in to her blackmail, but the effect on Maddie was devastating. I liked the support Maddie received from her friends, family, and Axel's family. I rooted for Axel to find a way to free himself. The ending was well done. Axel's emotional conversation with his adoptive father opened his eyes to the truth of his feelings for Maddie. I loved seeing them find their way back together. I look forward to seeing more of them in later books.

Montana Storm - Josie Jade and Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Oct 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 5)
 
Kill first, ask questions later.       
 
It's the instinct former-SEAL Jude Williams must fight every time someone touches him. His six months being tortured in an enemy prison camp may be long over, but he's got scars -- all over his body and mind -- keeping that time at the forefront of his psyche.
 
So how could he even consider giving in to the desire he has for the town's coffeehouse owner?
 
Lena Mitchell has big gray eyes and a bigger smile -- she's full of life, right down to her purple and teal streaked hair.
 
There are so many reasons Jude should stay away from her. So many ways he's bad for her. But when danger shows up on Lena's door, keeping his distance is no longer an option.
 
He'll protect her from any threat.
 
But who will protect her from him?
 
Whew! Another RWR book sucked me in from the first page and didn't let go until I turned the last page. At least this time, I started the book early enough in the day that I finished it before midnight! Jude and Lena have been dancing around each other since the guys started the ranch. Everyone from the ranch to the town can see that they have it bad for each other.
 
Like the other men of the RWR, Jude has PTSD. He spent six months in an enemy prison camp being tortured and hearing his friends being tortured. One was rescued early, and the other was rescued after Jude. He feels terrible guilt over the latter's extended torture and later suicide. Jude has daily nightmares that leave him screaming and fighting ghosts, to the detriment of his bedding and walls. The violence of his dreams keeps him from pursuing Lena because he fears hurting her. That doesn't stop him from wanting what he won't allow himself to have.
 
Lena is the proud owner of the town's coffee shop, Deja Brew. She bakes all the goodies she serves herself and provides custom orders. Lena is cheerful and friendly to everyone, but Jude holds a special place in her heart. She wants him and is pretty sure he wants her too, but she doesn't know what is holding him back. In the first book of the series, Montana Sanctuary, she was kidnapped along with her friend Evelyn and has had nightmares about her experience ever since. Lena is the kind of person who makes other people feel better and hesitates to share her problems. She always thinks others have it worse, so she buries her feelings. Then her car breaks down near the kidnapping spot, and she has a panic attack. The first person she thinks of to call is Jude, and he comes running. But when she takes her courage in hand and kisses him, he shuts down and leaves. Leah is devastated by his rejection.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Leah and Jude finally take off. Jude has been so afraid of hurting Leah that he is miserable. His friends have tried to help, but he's caught up in his fears. I loved how Daniel gave him a metaphorical kick in the pants, giving Jude a different perspective. When he witnesses a special moment between a friend and his lady, Jude finally realizes he can no longer fight his feelings. I loved seeing him take a chance and go to Lena. As he explained his actions and what was behind them, the rawness of emotion was heartbreaking. I loved Lena's reaction and immediate support and understanding.
 
Once Jude decided to take a chance, he was all in. After three years of friendship and flirtation, the ease of their connection was fantastic. I loved how perceptive Jude was when it came to Lena and how he could always tell when something bothered her. Communication was a vital part of their relationship, and I loved how open and honest they were with each other.
 
I ached for Lena when she started having problems at her business. For someone who cares so much about the people around her, having her baked goods suddenly go wrong was devastating for her. The first incident with the cookies could be chalked up to an accident, but the episode with the pies said something else was going on. The answer was not what I expected, and I felt Jude's fear for Lena when he figured it out. The situation with Lena at the bakery was terrifying, and I was on the edge of my seat until she was safe. The final confrontation was fantastic. The epilogue was a great wrap-up for this book, and I loved seeing the changes in Lena and Jude.
 
I love the close friendships among the men of the RWR. Because of their shared experiences, they know when to get involved and when to back off. There is some hilarious teasing back and forth, especially when Jude and Lena finally get together. The women's friendships are also tight. Lena and Evelyn are especially close due to their shared trauma. It's fun to see the ladies get together and share the joys of their relationships but also get support when things don't go so well. I can't wait to read Daniel's and Liam's stories. 

 

Eagle Mountain Cliffhanger - Cindi Myers (HI #2105 - Nov 2022)

Series: Eagle Mountain Search and Rescue (Book 1)
 
A fight for survival in the snow
While on the trail of a killer
 
Responding to the reports of a car accident, newcomer Deputy Jake Gwynn finds a murder scene instead. Search and rescue paramedic Hannah Richards tried to care for the likely suspect before he slipped away -- and now he's gone from injured man to serial killer on the loose. Jake hadn't planned to put down roots in this quiet little town, but his need to protect Hannah may be more than just professional…
 
Terrific start to the new series focusing on Eagle Mountain's Search and Rescue unit members. The book started with a rush and kept me hooked to the end. Hannah, an EMT with the SAR unit, was the first arrival at the scene of an accident. A white box van had gone over the edge of the road into a ravine. As she called down to let them know help was coming, she saw an injured man climbing up. But when she looked away to see a deputy arrive, the man disappeared. When the rescuers climbed down to the van, they discovered both remaining victims were dead - with one obviously murdered. They later found out the man she saw was an escaped serial killer.
 
Jake is new to the Eagle Mountain Sheriff's Department. He plans to get experience there before moving to a larger department. He has handled everything from speeders to stray animals, but a manhunt for a serial killer is new. I loved the scene of Jake trying to catch the stray dog. I was not surprised by what happened with the dog, though I laughed out loud at the scene in the jail. Also new is his interest in the pretty EMT.
 
The suspense of the story was fantastic. From the moment Cutler escaped, the race was on to catch him. The process is complicated by Cutler's military experience with extreme weather. I could feel the frustration of the sheriff's department as they always seemed to be a step behind him. The search hits particularly close to home when it becomes evident that Cutler has fixated on Hannah as his next victim. The intensity ramps up as Cutler taunts his pursuers by showing how close he can get without being caught, even causing an avalanche. As the threats against Hannah grow, Jake is determined to keep her safe. The final confrontation is a nail-biter involving weather, a hair-raising rescue, and a fight on the side of a cliff.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Jake and Hannah. Hannah was a little wary at first because she knew Jake didn't plan to stay in Eagle Mountain, and she had no interest in leaving. But they have a lot in common, and their attraction is undeniable. Besides spending time together and getting to know each other, they frequently work together at accident scenes. I loved that Jake was protective yet respectful of Hannah's capabilities. I liked seeing their feelings for each other deepen. Hannah dreamed of a future together but worried about what would happen if Jake got a job offer that would take him away. The ending is perfect and shows a bright future for them.
 
I loved the setting of a Search and Rescue unit in the Colorado mountains. Each member has a unique personality, and I look forward to learning more about them. The rescue situations portrayed in the book felt realistic and kept me interested in their actions. I also liked Hannah's father and found his backstory as a competitive climber intriguing. His willingness to help Jake at the end was critical to the successful resolution of the confrontation.

Rivals at Love Creek - Michelle Lindo-Rice (SSE #2922 - July 2022)

Series: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Book 1)
 
Her biggest rival
Is also her greatest temptation…
 
Shanna Jacobs has ambitions to be the next superintendent. But when a cheating scandal rocks her school, she's put under the supervision of her sexy ex, Lynx Harrington. Also a school principal, Lynx has his eye on the same job. Working to clear an accused cheater's name -- albeit a beautiful one -- only complicates the plan. But their attraction is undeniable. And Shanna's kisses are a perfect ten. Maybe their fledgling partnership will make the grade after all?
 
Good enemies to lovers story and start to the new series. Shanna is a high school principal with ambitions to become the next superintendent. Those plans hit a road bump when several students and teachers are caught cheating on the SATs. Though she had nothing to do with it, Shanna is under intense scrutiny while the investigation continues. This includes being placed under the supervision of rival principal Lynx Harrington. Not only is he her former high school boyfriend, but he is also in the running for the superintendent job.
 
Lynx is not happy to be in charge of Shanna. His memories of their high school breakup make it difficult for him to trust her. His attraction to her only complicates matters.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Shanna and Lynx develop. Their antipathy toward each other is evident in every word of their initial encounter, but they have no choice in working together. Lynx, who had plans to attend an out-of-state auction that week, invited Shanna to go along and make it a working vacation. Shanna was wary but willing to try. The trip started a little rough, with Lynx and Shanna sniping at each other until the subject of their high school relationship came up. They finally cleared up that misunderstanding, leaving Lynx to realize what a jerk he'd been. With that out of the way, the door is open for Shanna and Lynx to rekindle their friendship and maybe a little more.
 
I liked how Lynx helped Shanna see the benefits of a life/work balance by planning fun activities for when they weren't working. Not only did they get to know each other better, but their attraction also grew until they could no longer resist it. It is clear that their feelings for each other grow stronger. But the investigation hanging over Shanna's head raises some issues between them. Lynx is a fixer and wants to do anything he can to help her with her situation. Unfortunately, he tends to jump in with a solution instead of talking to Shanna about it. Shanna is intelligent, independent, and stubborn, and she sees his actions as a lack of trust or belief in her.
 
When Lynx takes his "fix it" attitude too far, Shanna is furious. Their relationship had been going well until then, with both thinking about a future together. This blow splits them apart. I ached for Shanna but felt she was being a bit unreasonable. A conversation with her best friend brought up some ideas Shanna hadn't considered. I liked that Shanna's self-examination showed her that Lynx wasn't the only person in the wrong. Meanwhile, Lynx misses Shanna. He's had an eye-opening conversation with his mother, showing him he has a lot to learn. I enjoyed seeing him search for the best way to show Shanna how he felt. I loved his solution - it was a beautiful expression of his feelings and understanding. The ending was terrific.
 
Family is an essential theme in this book. Shanna has her mother and her younger sister. Mom has dementia, and the scenes of Shanna's visits with her are heartbreaking. Shanna's biggest worries during this book are losing her job and being unable to provide for her mother. She also helps support her younger sister, Yanni, who is in college. I liked the closeness between Yanni and Shanna.
 
Lynx is part of a large family. When they were young, he and his brother Hawk were adopted by the Harringtons. Lynx and Hawk are white, and the Harringtons are Black, but that never made a difference when they were growing up. He is also close with his five other brothers. I enjoyed the scenes with the brothers together. There is a lot of teasing, but the support is unquestioning. I look forward to reading their stories.
 
There is a fair amount of time spent showing the issues Shanna faces as a Black woman in her profession. Her anger and hurt at her treatment are understandable. The incident at the convenience store was well-portrayed and disturbingly realistic. I was happy to see Lynx wanted to understand - his conversation with his mom was especially enlightening.

The Officer's Convenient Proposal - Joanna Johnson (HH #1668 - Aug 2022)

Is a paper wedding
…the only solution?
 
Returning from battle, Officer Jonah Grant is shocked to find his frail sister abandoned by her husband and their life savings squandered. Which is why a chance encounter with wealthy independent neighbor Frances feels like fate! He and Frances both find it hard to let down their defenses, but take refuge in each other's company. If they are willing to risk their newfound friendship, a convenient marriage could be a savior for them both…
 
Good book about two lonely and stubborn people. Frances inherited her uncle's farm when he died. Frances is the illegitimate daughter of her mother and a married man, a man who abandoned her mother when she needed him most. Uncle Robert raised Frances to be independent and wary of trusting any man after her mother's death. Frances was bullied, ostracized, and ridiculed all her life because of her mother. Now she is left to work the farm alone, exhausted at the end of every day.
 
Lt. Jonah Gray returned from Waterloo to find that his brother-in-law stole their life savings and abandoned Jonah's sister and two children. With what little money Jonah had left, he purchased a dilapidated cottage and hoped to find a way to support them all. After meeting Frances, he thinks that marrying her may be the path to a better life for Jane and the children if he can win her favor.
 
Neither Jonah nor Frances ever planned to marry. Frances has severe trust issues regarding men - and who can blame her with the way she is treated? Jonah saw enough of the bad side of marriage from his abusive and negligent parents and Jane's marriage to swear off the institution. The first meeting between Jonah and Frances wasn't promising. Jonah is a handsome man and used to women chasing him, but his attempt to charm Frances falls flat. The next couple of encounters don't go well either. It isn't until Jonah comes to her defense against an obnoxious man that she begins to soften slightly. Jonah realizes that he needs to win Frances's trust before anything else.
 
While Jonah thinks he's being practical and calculating in his pursuit of Frances, he's disturbed by the protectiveness he feels toward her and his inability to keep his mind off her. Frances suffers from the same malady. She doesn't understand why he stirs feelings in her that she's never felt for anyone else. The sparks of attraction between them were evident from the start, as was their dismay about it. Jonah is smart enough to back off any indication of his attraction and offers Frances simple friendship as a way to get his foot in the door. The attraction still simmers under the surface, but Frances relaxes a little in his company. I loved that Jonah didn't push too hard but showed Frances the benefit of occasionally accepting help. It isn't easy for Frances to go against her training and her struggle is obvious.
 
Eventually, circumstances make it necessary for them to marry. Jonah suggests it as a business partnership, as neither wanted a spouse. There are certain benefits to marriage that they indulge in, claiming that it is practical, too. When friendship and attraction grew into love, neither believed the other could feel the same way. As Jane's health worsened and Jonah became desperate to find a solution to her housing situation, he made a boneheaded decision. I wanted to shake him and yell at him to talk to Frances and tell her the truth. The solution was right in front of him. Instead, his plan would betray Frances in the worst way possible. I ached for her when she found out about it; her pain leaped off the pages. I had high hopes that Jonah would do the right thing after all. I loved the ending, as Jonah had a very moving, emotional grovel scene while Frances made him work for his forgiveness. The final chapter was a good wrap-up for the story.