Eileen Putman

This well-written Regency was awash in delightful secondary characters and more than its fair share of adventure. Gabriel is a great hero- strong but vulnerable, clever but kind, and he has a wicked sense of humor. Louisa was less successful for me- though her passion for justice was appealing, her blinding naïveté about how to go about saving women in need was off-putting. She jeopardized everyone with her determination to right injustices, ignoring the responsibilities she had to the women she had already helped which I found very aggravating. I almost preferred Violet who had a much more rational view of her life and her expectations- thankfully she finds her happy ending as well. I could have done without the subplot of Louisa's brother-in-law as it didn't advance the story in any way, and I certainly find it hard to believe Maitland could have so lost control of a situation it turns out was entirely of his own making- hard to then accept him as an intelligence mastermind. Regardless, these were small quibble with an ultimately entertaining and enjoyable read. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series.… (mehr)

Full review appeared on Reader's Edyn on 11/03/17

Louisa Peabody has had a bit of a rough go – essentially sold to her husband for the cost of her father’s debts and a wicked experience with sex, she has sworn off men. Following his … errrr … untimely death, she has gone on to create a refuge for mistreated women and, in doing so, created a little family for herself. But she fancies herself a champion of the downtrodden. After accidentally freeing Sinclair, she enlists his aid in completing the rescue mission she had been on when she mistakenly saved him from the noose. She believes the worst of Sinclair, but as they spend more time together, her resolve against men begins to crumble and the life she never wanted suddenly seems tangible.

Gabriel Sinclair has a lot of skeletons. Haunted by his childhood and tragedy and a possible legacy of madness, he’s run from his past. When an offer comes in for the sale of his island, he is drug back to the memories he has tried to escape. He didn’t bargain on the spitfire, Louisa crashing into his life, but the money she offers for his assistance isn’t something he can turn away from. Problem is, before too long, he doesn’t want to turn away from the maddening woman either. They both want different things and finding a middle ground might be impossible. Or they could both go mad trying.

The first couple of chapters of this book really threw me. So much happened and I wasn’t familiar with the characters, so I spent a bit of time trying to wrap my head around everything. But I have to tell you how thrilled I am that I did so! Ms. Putman and Heather Snow demonstrate very similar writing styles. As Ms. Snow is a favorite of mine, Ms. Putman has now also joined my list of favorites. I very much enjoy historical with strong leads, wit, banter, sexual tension, and a bit of history lesson when intertwining a piece of fact within the fiction. In this case, the history of the development of the submarine is infused throughout the story and I absolutely loved how Ms. Putman used this snippet of history in her plot. Of course, HR is nothing without the brooding, tortured male lead, and this too was executed flawlessly with Gabriel’s character. Louisa was possibly a bit ahead of her time, but no less enjoyable in her quest to make the world a bit more equal for women. Entertaining was the instance and realization that not everyone needed or appreciated her aid. 😊

The secondary characters all held a special place within this book and with the absence of even one, it would not have been the same. I enjoyed getting to know them and their personal stories as well. While Ms. Putman wrapped the story up pretty nicely, I am sure there are other characters that would break out as leads in a subsequent story spectacularly. Probably the most interesting would be Drew Maitland. If I am not mistaken, I seem to remember reading him being involved in the next book. One thing is for sure – Ms. Putman has something special going on within this series and I will definitely be back for any following books. Lovers of HR are sure to become engrossed in this book in no time. I found myself laughing out loud several times and then looking around to see if anyone was looking at me like I was crazy. 😊 Anytime I do such a thing, I know I’ve found a gem that will always remain holding a coveted place on my shelf.

Kindle version provided by Pump Up Your Book/Author in exchange for an honest review.… (mehr)

I honestly tried to find my groove with this book but I just could not find my footing. After a hundred pages in and not connecting with either the characters or the storyline, I gave up on this book. My first impression with Gabriel was not the best. I found him to be smug and not relatable. Louisa on the other hand, I could have liked her if her boldness had been way stronger like an eleven on the scale. Yet, from what I got to know of Louisa that was not apparent and therefore, this is the reason I could not continue on with this book.… (mehr)

"It is not a game, it is a business arrangement!"
Taking place in the early 1800s, this mismatched pair seems to have nothing in common.
Elias is only seeking to regain control of his spice company, formed due to his difficult life beginning and the blessing/curse of an absurdly accurate olfactory sense. He is a man on a mission who abhors any sort of disorganization and mess. He wants life to be lived according to structure and plan.
Lady Harriett is a widow. She endured a five year marriage and even though her husband died "of natural causes" while entertaining another woman, or being entertained, Harriett feels responsible for his demise. She is a contradiction of the most extreme.
A woman born before her time, she has no use for "society's musty strictures" (restrictions) or for any man to tell her what is in her best interests.
I truly appreciated how we got to take a look at issues from various points of view.
"A man's measure was not decided by the package in which it was wrapped."

Elias sees her as an out of control "spendthrift widow" where she sees she is spending money "for the greater good." All he sees is his future decreasing.
It is surprising when Lady Harriett proposes this "business arangement." It is out of character for her and Elias is not shy about calling her on it.

The book is amusing and entertaining and moves at a very steady pace.
I loved the language and the secondary characters are wonderful! I was so glad we got some closure with them before the book ended.

I did receive a copy of this book to review.… (mehr)