The Secret Heart (The Unmarriageable Series Book 6)

4.5 stars, as reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1dZ

My first experience with reading a book by new-to-me author, Mary Lancaster, left me impressed with the smooth writing, and smiling at the sheer loveliness of the story.

Randolph “Dolph” Merrick, Viscount Torbridge, secretly works for the Crown. For years he’s hidden his true self by adopting the persona of just another frivolous aristocrat with no real substance. Inside, though, he’s a caring and dedicated man. He’s had many occasions to frequent the Hart Inn, where he has lost his own heart to the beautiful innkeeper’s daughter. Torbridge realizes there is no possibility of any future between them, and he’s gentleman enough to not want her ruin. So he treats her with courtesy and friendship, basking in her warmth, because he just can’t stay away.

Lily Villin’s heart beats faster every time Torbridge comes to the inn. She knows that her infatuation is hopeless, as he is so far above her socially. He never treats her as an inferior, and always listens to her. On his current visit, Torbridge overhears Lily mimic a society lady perfectly. Knowing that Lily has a strong intuition about people and situations, he begins to think her assistance could be a huge advantage in his next assignment. When Lily is eager to help, Torbridge faces the daunting task of getting her parents’ permission. By assuring them that Lily will be safely residing with his married sister, Millicent, and that all is above board, they reluctantly agree.

Lily becomes a guest at Millie’s home, pretending to be an impoverished relation. It’s necessary for Lily to have a new wardrobe, and have a crash course in manners, so that she’ll fit in at the house party where she’ll be assisting Torbridge with his assignment. Torbridge has always found Lily beautiful, but in her new finery, she is stunning. Her seamless entry into society makes him wonder – is there any possible way they could manage to have a life together?

I fell in love with THE SECRET HEART and its lead characters. The longing that Lily and Torbridge feel for each other just jumps off the pages at the reader. I felt so bad for Torbridge, for the part he had to play, and how he could never be his true self, except with Lily. There is also a lovely secondary romance, as Millie and her husband are in the midst of a bleak period in their marriage. The assignment itself presents some danger, and I really would have liked to see a harsher punishment for the villain, as I feel he got off very lightly for all his crimes. The respect that Torbridge shows for Lily’s opinions indicates how highly he regards her intelligence, and her compassion when he faces a family crisis shows what a genuinely caring and empathetic person she is. I love how Torbridge came to the realization that he has to find a way to have Lily as his wife, a way that will not allow her to be looked down upon. I greatly enjoyed THE SECRET HEART, and Mary Lancaster’s writing. If you enjoy a book where the romance is the star, and the characters are wonderful, I highly recommend reading this book. I know that I’ll be checking out her future books, as well as her backlist.

(Note: This book is listed as part of the UNMARRIAGEABLE series. While previous characters make appearances here, I had no problem reading this book as a standalone.)

The Secret Heart by Mary Lancaster is the latest in the Unmarriageable series by this author. Lily is the daughter of the proprietors of the notorious Hart Inn, which has figured prominently in this series. It is a special place and she is a special woman. One of her long time customers is a handsome man in his middle thirties: Lord Torbridge. He is a good customer, been their guest many times. This times he asks a special favor of her: to become a spy for him; he wants her to attract a certain young man and listen for information. He will disguise her as a cousin from Ireland who has recently lost her family and he will house her with his sister in London. Her parents are adamantly against it; she is just as adamantly for it. She has never been anywhere, seen anything, and now is her chance. She trusts Torbridge. So off she goes on her adventure.

This series matches people with one another who would never normally come in contact with one another. It has spawned successful marriages. Lily is realistic. She loves him but knows it can never be. He pretty much feels the same way. Different classes, different lives. He is a good man who would never hurt Lily. It is a good story. A really interesting subplot is the one between Torbridge’s sister and her husband. Lily interferes just the tiniest bit and sets things aright. Other things happen, astonishing things. Maybe it’s Lily who has the magic touch, not the Hart. Good story, good characters, good book. I recommend it.

I received a free ARC of the Secret Heart from Dragonblade in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.

Romance, spies, wit, and an enigmatic hero all come together to make this a very enjoyable Regency novel. Lily has carried a torch for Lord Torbridge for years, having had an easy and comfortable relationship with him as a guest at her parent’s inn. She knows him to be a brave hero and vanquisher of villains, but unlike most people, she finds him difficult to read. Thus, when he asks her to accompany him to London to assist him in going after a traitor, Lily jumps at the opportunity. As Lily becomes part of his family, her gift of being able to understand the needs of people brings healing and some surprises. The plot is interesting, keeping the reader involved with the characters throughout. I loved Randolph and Lily as well as their families and enjoyed the sub-plots interwoven in this story. I felt bereft when I came to the end of this novel and didn’t want it to end. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

A truly wonderful series that has been so enjoyable comes to an end, but with the best yet.
The Harts Inn has brought many couples together and now it is Lily’s turn, who has been part of every story and what a heartwarming story it is!
Lily’s parents own the Inn and she has been serving all the people that come to stay. Something magical happens as matches are made and couples come together to be married. We have been left to wonder how this magic happens. Could it be the Inn itself or Lily?
Randolf, Viscount Torbridge has stayed at the Inn many times. He cannot help his attraction to Lily, but their stations are so different. Working for the Crown he is trying to catch a traitor and realizes Lily has a gift that can help him!
As the two are brought together, what will happen? An adventurous journey to find their happy ever after with visits of other’s who have been in some of the earlier stories.
Mary Lancaster is one of my go to author’s and have loved all of her fabulous stories. Don’t miss this one or the entire series if you haven’t read them. You will thank me!