Series:
Lyon's Den (Book 59)
A gentleman's lifetime regret. A widow's tarnished
reputation. Can they repair the past to create a bright future together?
Gyles Hawley, Marquis of Wickes has spent years
regretting that he promised a good friend not to woo the man's sister. Not that
the regret shows. Between his duties to his father and the estate as heir to a
duchy, he sometimes wished he could live a simpler life as a
gentleman-about-town. Inside, though, he still yearns for a girl he could never
forget.
Mrs. Josephine Bouchard understands that she must live
with her bad choices. Foolishly running away with a man who only desired her
money, was only the first. After she became a widow, she continued to make
decisions that cost her any possibility of a return to Society. Then a chance
glimpse of Gyles makes her wonder if maybe she could find a way.
When Mrs. Dove-Lyon arranges a meeting between Gyles and
Josephine, the past and present collide. Only once they resolve their own mixed
emotions, can they combat all that Society will try to do to stop them being
together.
A ruined widow and a duke's heir must find a way, for
love has once more entered their hearts.
Good second chance/best friend's sister story. Several
years earlier, a young Josephine was in love with her brother's best friend,
Gyles. Devastated when he spurned her affection, she eloped with a man who only
wanted her for her money. After his death, she compounded her mistake by becoming
a nobleman's mistress, ending any hope of returning to Society.
Josephine didn't know that her brother, Simon, had made
Gyles promise that he would not court her. He regrets rejecting her and, even
more, not going after her when she eloped. As his father's heir, Gyles is busy
helping his father, leaving him no time for the simpler life he craves. He
often thinks of Josephine and wishes he knew where she was.
Josephine's friend, Cassandra, has made it her mission to
find a way to restore Josephine to the life she should have. She enlists the
help of Mrs. Dove-Lyon, who is known for arranging matches for unlikely pairs. She
arranges a meeting between Josephine and Gyles.
It is evident from the beginning that the feelings
between Josephine and Gyles are still there. I enjoyed watching the development
of their relationship as they navigated Society's strict rules. I liked that
Gyles freely admitted his regret and apologized to Josephine for his lack of
action. I liked that both were mature enough to clear the air in a reasonable
manner. They have a tough road ahead to bring Josephine back into Society's
good graces, and it isn't easy.
I liked seeing Gyles initiate the attempt to repair his
relationship with Simon and bring him on board to help Josephine. I was happy that
Simon saw the error of his ways. Having them team up was a good start.
Complications arose as the attraction between Gyles and Josephine grew
stronger, potentially wrecking their goal. There was a terrific scene that
could have ended badly but brought a strong ally to Josephine's side. It was amusing
to see Gyles's frustration build as he had to toe the line while Josephine made
her return to Society. I loved the ending and seeing them happy at last.
The epilogue was good and alludes to two more upcoming
matches. I can't wait to read them.
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