New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries delivers the final novel in her Hellions of Halstead Hall series, filled with lively repartee, fast action, luscious sensuality, and an abundance of humor (Library Journal). Lady Celia Sharpe hopes that if she can garner offers of marriage from several eligible gentlemen and show her grandmother she is capable of gaining a husband, she can … convince Gran to rescind the marriage ultimatum for her. And if that plan doesn’t work, at least she’ll have a husband lined up. But Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter seems determined to ruin her plans by disapproving of every suitor she asks him to investigate. It’s only when she and Jackson work together to solve her parents’ murders, plunging them both into danger, that she realizes why–because the only man he wants her to marry is himself
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Ooooh, this was so good! I knew that the last one would be the best, and I was right! Well, in my opinion, it was the best! There was suspense and danger that was absent from the other books in the series, there was more angst since both MCs were wounded in one way or another throughout their lives and struggled with many personal issues, and all the plot lines were neatly tied leaving me with the sense of deep satisfaction at finishing this series.
Let’s start with Jackson Pinter. He is ever present but in the background since the beginning of the series. He was one of the constants, and I knew that his past might be the most tragic of them all. Jackson is honest to a fault, a gentleman and an excellent investigator. Despite his humble beginnings his hard work and moral integrity has brought him respect and good professional prospects. He has to be above reproach, but even the strongest can not resist the call of love. I loved how he truly saw Celia – her better qualities as well as her flaws, how true he was to her in the end despite all odds. Plus his skills as a Bow Street Runner made him look so dashing and fierce! *shivers*
Celia for all her worldly knowledge about men and their toys aka g*u*n*s is still an innocent with a huge chip on her shoulder and a lot to prove, at least in her mind. Poor dear didn’t see herself as everybody else did which caused her a lot of grief and heartache. I liked that she really loved Jackson, didn’t care about his position compared to hers and genuinely wanted to make him happy. I also liked her playful side when the two of them were together.
The the murder of their parents that happened 19 years ago can be considered a cold case, and it was amazing the little tidbits that people remembered after so many years. It was rather invigorating to follow the leads, see how it was done in the time period (according to this author’s interpretation). I really didn’t see the outcome coming. That was so clever and a bit convoluted. I loved it. This was an amazing series, and I am so glad I have stumbled upon it.
I’m a longtime fan of Ms Jeffries and have loved her Hellions of Halstead Hall series. I’m sorry to see this series end, but loved the journey and the conclusion.
A Lady Never Surrenders is the love story between the youngest sibling, Celia, and the Bow Street Runner, Jackson, who has been hired by Celia’s family to investigate their parent’s deaths. Over the course of the series, we’ve seen Celia and Jackson butt heads and it continues in this novel. However, all that fighting is just covering up deep seated feelings that finally bust forth. And really the only obstacle to the happy ending is Jackson’s belief that he’s not good enough for Celia.
Other than the love story, the mystery that arced the series finally concludes. As the series progressed, we learned tidbits of how each of the siblings remembered the events surrounding their parent’s deaths. Because this is the last book in the series, we know the mystery must be solved. And it is. However, for me it was a confusing conclusion. I think the murderer came completely out of left field and I wasn’t terribly satisfied with the explanation.
But that said, I really did enjoy this book and highly recommend this series to fans or regency romance. This series is best read in order due to the plot that flowed throughout, but it can stand alone.
My review originally posted at Romancing the Book.