Regina (virgosun) reviewed If Ever I Should Love You (Spinster Heiresses, Bk 1) on + 886 more book reviews
I haven't been fascinated with a Maxwell book to this degree in a long time. The obstacles in Leonie and Roman's marriage of convenience were born from tragic consequences in their earlier acquaintance and the very real problem of Leonie's drinking. It's not often that romantic heroes suffer from alcoholism, but it's even rarer when the heroine is the one afflicted. Watching the two of them grapple with resentment over the past, anger over broken promises, and fear for their future made them very human. I admired Roman for recognizing that he loved his wife early on despite her addiction, but I also couldn't help but wonder just how happy their ending would be. Would he regret loving her? I could only read on to find out. Things felt a little choppy and rushed toward the end, but overall, the way Maxwell approached the difficult topic was worth it. 4 stars.
Very good book. I loved that the heroine, Leonie, was not the typical historical spinster. She has real life problems that stem from a tragic event, I would even go so far as saying she has PTSD. I was cheering for her and Roman, the hero, throughout the entire book. I also loved that most of the book was not spent in ballrooms with the women playing catty mean games
Leonie Charnock is one of the season's "Spinster Heiresses." Life is so boring that she takes a nip from time-to-time. Leonie has a deep secret from her time in India. She was a 17-year-old girl then who ran away with another man who brutalized her. Roman, who was a rising soldier in India, helped Leonie by taking the blame for Leonie's shooting of Arthur, the man who ran away with her. It ruined his career and he blamed Leonie and her family (they rushed her out of India immediately without helping Roman).
Years later, Roman and Leonie meet again in London. Now, Roman has inherited a title (Earl of Rochdale), but no money attached to the title. He is desperate for the money to pay off the debts (of the previous title holder) and the money to renovate the mansion he'd inherited.
I can hardly understand why Leonie was a spinster heiress. She was very attractive and admired by men. One downside is that Leonie doesn't want to marry (because of her experience in India). Another downside is that Roman learns that Leonia regularly imbibes in brandy and he doesn't know if he can cope with this.3.5 stars
Years later, Roman and Leonie meet again in London. Now, Roman has inherited a title (Earl of Rochdale), but no money attached to the title. He is desperate for the money to pay off the debts (of the previous title holder) and the money to renovate the mansion he'd inherited.
I can hardly understand why Leonie was a spinster heiress. She was very attractive and admired by men. One downside is that Leonie doesn't want to marry (because of her experience in India). Another downside is that Roman learns that Leonia regularly imbibes in brandy and he doesn't know if he can cope with this.3.5 stars
Eleanor G. (Memom) - , reviewed If Ever I Should Love You (Spinster Heiresses, Bk 1) on + 441 more book reviews
Loved this story
