It's the last chance for Cynthia Brightly, the ton's most bewitching belle. Driven out of London by a secret scandal, she must find a grand husband at the Redmonds' house party before word of her downfall spreads all over England. Unfortunately, someone at Pennyroyal Green is already privy to the whispers of broken engagements and dueling lovers: Miles Redmond, renowned explorer and thanks to his brother's disappearance, heir to the family's enormous fortune.
Miles set his sights on Cynthia once, at a time when the ambitious beauty thought herself too good for a second son. But now he's heir apparent, relishing his control. He strikes a bargain with her: he'll keep Cynthia's steamy secrets and help her find a husband among the guests n exchange for a single kiss.
What could be the harm in a simple kiss? Cynthia is about to discover that it's enough to unleash fierce passion and that Miles Redmond is most certainly like no other lover in the world.
Comment: This is the second installment on the PennyRoyal series by Julie Anne Long. This time the story focuses on the Redmonds, the enemy family of the Everseas we've met in the first book. I've had this book to read for months and was really eager to get to it.
The story presents us Cynthia Brightly, a young woman in her last resort. She needs to marry for a very simple reason, she's got no one and no money to rely on, so if she doesn't secure a husband in the Redmond's two weeks party, she will be penniless and alone.
Miles Redmond fell in love with Cynthia at first sight in a ball years ago. He heard her say she wouldn't settle for a second son (Mile's brother was the heir at the time) and Miles decided to forget about her. Now she's back in his house and no matter how much fun she is, he knows he has to marry someone else...or not?
I loved this romance! It has many elements I love in romances and a wonderful HEA to finish a superb plot in my opinion. I think this is one of those types of stories that make us believe in happiness and forever love. A really good love story, any romance addict will adore this one, I think.
What I loved best was Cynthia's character. She isn't the aloof belle everyone thought her to be. She was high on praise years before but some reckless, or should I say, irresponsible behavior reduce her chances to nothing. She regrets her past actions and knows she's at the end of her possibilities. Here's a heroine who doesn't have much, in fact she counts her money every night to show herself what will happen if she doesn't find a husband soon. She's practical, some might say a bit cynical too, but considering her position, she has to be. I confess I would have preferred her to show a bit more quietness, but her behavior is one of desperation, so I can't fault her to be abrasive or forwarded at times. The scenes where she shows her heart to Miles are very emotional and perfect. Here is a poor, desperate heroine trying to use her beauty, her only asset, to find security. She isn't after lots of money, power or richness as she might have in the past. She's at a point she'll settle for security and someone to look after her. She wants to forget about love, but while in the Redmond's house, she gets to know Miles and falls in love. How amazingly wonderful when she says she liked what he likes because it's a part of him, how could she not understand that? Ohhh, so romantic!
Miles is one of those smart heroes, who doesn't think much about himself, he loves etymology and after a conversation with his father, he decided to pursue a neighbor's daughter for a wedding with her would secure him funds for an expedition. But Cynthia shows up and he feels not only attracted to her, but in awe of her as well. Still, at first he thinks she's only a gold digger, sort of, but with time, his feelings change, even more so when he learns about her origins and her situation. He tries to help her find a good husband, but not always with the best results. He even tricks her at some point before learning of her money issues and after that his apology is so sincere, it's emotional.
Their relationship is wonderful to watch. In the end, Cynthia takes the course of honor and Miles has a decision to make too. I thought their paths were very similar and it only proved to me, they were wonderful as a couple. One thing bothered me in the end, it's understandable, but still. Otherwise this would have been the perfect romance.
I really recommend this one. It's a wonderful story about misunderstandings, mistakes and wrong impressions. It's a story about forgiveness and falling in love for the best reasons.
I loved it and recommend it!
Will get the next books in this series in the future for sure.
Grade: 9/10
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