Phoebe, Lady Clare, is just coming out of two years of mourning when she attends her brother's wedding. There she meets her late husband's nemesis, Weston Ravenel. Phoebe is prepared to dislike him. West bullied Henry while they both attended Eton. But the man she meets is nothing like the guy who Henry described. West is warm, utterly charming, and quickly makes friends with Phoebe's two sons. In the few days leading up to the wedding, West talks to Phoebe about his job as Estate Manager at Eversby Priory. She begins to understand that changes need to be made at her home in order for her son to inherit a viable estate with his title when he comes of age. Needing assistance with this endeavor, Phoebe turns to West for help.
As we've come to know the character of West Ravenel while reading this series, I couldn't wait till he got his own book. Well, I certainly wasn't disappointed. West proves that he has changed drastically from the drunken, debauched rake we were introduced to in the first book. West threw himself into the job of estate manager to help his brother. He learned how the farms worked and what technology would benefit the tenants and aid in working the land. He became a friend to the tenants who were living in homes badly in need of renovations. I really wanted to see him have a "happily ever after".
Phoebe was the right woman for West. She is the daughter of Sebastian & Evie (Devil in Winter). While mourning her husband, she let the running of her husband's estate up to his cousin. Now she realizes that she should have had a hand in the process and needs to take control of the estate...and her life. Phoebe sees West as her equal, but he knows she is well above him in station and his past could hurt her and the boys.
I just loved this story. Not only did I like the main characters, but we got to see more of Sebastian and Evie, and even got a quick visit with The Wallflowers. I highly recommend. My rating: 5 Stars.
As we've come to know the character of West Ravenel while reading this series, I couldn't wait till he got his own book. Well, I certainly wasn't disappointed. West proves that he has changed drastically from the drunken, debauched rake we were introduced to in the first book. West threw himself into the job of estate manager to help his brother. He learned how the farms worked and what technology would benefit the tenants and aid in working the land. He became a friend to the tenants who were living in homes badly in need of renovations. I really wanted to see him have a "happily ever after".
Phoebe was the right woman for West. She is the daughter of Sebastian & Evie (Devil in Winter). While mourning her husband, she let the running of her husband's estate up to his cousin. Now she realizes that she should have had a hand in the process and needs to take control of the estate...and her life. Phoebe sees West as her equal, but he knows she is well above him in station and his past could hurt her and the boys.
I just loved this story. Not only did I like the main characters, but we got to see more of Sebastian and Evie, and even got a quick visit with The Wallflowers. I highly recommend. My rating: 5 Stars.
I liked these characters and the story. The main thing I like about this genre: I know there will be a happy ending. There is no stress during the 'dark alley' scenes. Also, they are fast reads for me because I skip through the intimate scenes between the H/H. I have never thought they added much to the story.
I really liked West from previous books. Phoebe had an appearance in a previous book(s); she is Sebastian and Evie's (Devil in Winter) oldest daughter. Phoebe happens to be a widow, having married her childhood sweetheart. Henry was sickly as a child and an adult, so it was not a surprise when he failed and died. She and her sons (2) picked up the pieces and are surviving. She doesn't like West because of the way he treated Henry while they were away at school.
Phoebe does quickly realize that West is not the same person he used to be. He's grown as a person. He owns his mistakes. She does change her judgement and realizes he is a completely different person now. With West encouragement and support, she takes control of her deceased husband's estate and realizes the changes she will need to make to save it and make it profitable. I enjoyed them together.
Ripped Bodice Bingo HEA (free space) square.
Phoebe does quickly realize that West is not the same person he used to be. He's grown as a person. He owns his mistakes. She does change her judgement and realizes he is a completely different person now. With West encouragement and support, she takes control of her deceased husband's estate and realizes the changes she will need to make to save it and make it profitable. I enjoyed them together.
Ripped Bodice Bingo HEA (free space) square.
