They are England’s most eligible bachelors, with the most scandalous reputations. But for the right woman, even an unrepentant rogue may mend his ways . . .Born to the street but raised within the aristocracy, Drake Darling can’t escape his sordid beginnings. Not when Lady Ophelia Lyttleton snubs him at every turn, a constant reminder he’s not truly one of them. But after rescuing her from a … after rescuing her from a mysterious drowning, he realizes she doesn’t remember who she is. With plans to bring her to heel, he insists she’s his housekeeper—never expecting to fall for the charming beauty.
While Ophelia might not recall her life before Drake, she has little doubt she belongs with him. The desire she feels for her dark, brooding employer can’t be denied, regardless of consequences. So when Ophelia’s memory returns, she is devastated by the depth of his betrayal. Now Drake must risk everything to prove she can trust this rogue with her heart once more.
more
This is the story of Peter Sykes, child of a murderer but raised as Drake Darling one of the sons of aristocracy. He has his demons to overcome especially being one looked upon by society as a commoner. He is attractive and wealthy, and never short of female admirers although he will never marry one from society.
Lady Ophelia Lyttleton is beautiful and sought after but has not intentions of ever marrying. She sees Drake completely as a commoner and it was beaten into her by her father that she should never marry beneath her station. She is rude at every turn to him and one night is washed up on a mucky river with no memory of how she got there. Drake takes her his residence where he tends to her recovery and takes advantage of the situation and makes her his housekeeper.
Both characters have their demons to overcome. His acceptance as he is and not the son of a murder and Ophelia, finding her freedom from a prison of sexual and physical abuse. I think LH did a wonderful job of developing the story for both characters and their budding attraction that led to love.
It was a story of two people finding their way in a societal world where people’s views and perception dictations the outcome of a person. Definitely enjoyed and hit home as I am an advocate working in charities for abused women.
This book features Drake Darling, the adopted son of Frannie Darling and Sterling Mabry. We got a glimpse of him in their book as the little street urchin who was sent into Sterling’s home to steal. Being a son of a criminal, Drake thought he didn’t deserve their love and that he forever carried the blood of his murderer father…
Lady Ophelia Lyttleton always gave him a cut direct, looked down her aristocratic nose at him, and made it clear that he was beneath her. And honestly, I was struggling in the beginning of the book. I could not stand her haughtiness and her attitude toward Drake. When Drake rescued her from the Thames, she lost her memories and didn’t recognize him. I wanted Drake to teach her a lesson about kindness and humility, but then his farce went on for far too long, even though I could see his reason to keep on going to investigate her accident and to protect her.
The last part of the book rescued it for me. Their new relationship while built on deception is sweet and genuine. The truth behind her arrogant facade is heartbreaking and it shows how resilient and strong she is. I love how Drake gives her space to make her own decision, yet always stands by her side to support and protect her. Ophelia’s character arc is so well written, and I believe she totally redeemed herself. If you want to give up on her at the beginning, just keep going, and it’ll be worth the ride!
I laughed, cried, and sighed!! Wonderful!!
Starring Mr. Drake Darling and Lady Ophelia Lyttleton
Oh dear lord, I was prepared to hate this book. I didn’t like Lady Ophelia in the beginning… and I cringed that Drake decided to teach her a lesson when she loses her memory. But as I read on, I realized that these were two shattered souls that truly needed each other to heal. Of course I am crying again. I love the journal entry epilogues… what a wonderful way to let us know that these two are going to be alright l. By the way… I’m about to read book #3 in this series. I have a box of Kleenex with me now coz I’m ready for another wonderful cry fest. Another Book hangover from the absolutely brilliant Lorraine Heath!!
My Star ratings: 5 Stars
Ugly cried AF. Storyline and characters were amazing. Major book hangover. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again.