Featuring New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries’ “hallmark humor, poignancy, and sensuality” (Romantic Times), this entry in the Sinful Suitors series inspires you to risk all for love. Lady Anne is shocked when Captain Lord Hartley Corry–her former fiancé who left for India after her father forbade their marriage–returns to England and acts as if everything is all water under … everything is all water under the bridge. He never fought for her hand or eloped with her as he promised and he thinks she’d still be willing to marry him? Not a chance.
Hartley is equally shocked to literally run into his past love upon arriving at his brother’s house. Though he yearns to take advantage of this second chance to woo his beloved, he can hardly admit that he is secretly a spy–at least not until he can be sure he trusts her. But convincing Lady Anne to let him prove his sincerity by courting her respectably all over again might be his undoing. Because all he wants is to show her how much of a rogue he can be when the right woman is in his arms…
more
I have loved this whole series. I really liked this story too, but it was so short. Hart and Anne would be good together if they could just let go of the past. Both of their fathers did not want them to get married and so they were separated. She was too young and didn’t understand some of what went on and her father kept things from her. Hart had tried to get messages to her when he left, but was thwarted by Anne’s father. But, that doesn’t excuse his behavior since he has been back. Anne doesn’t know if she can trust him anymore. They have both grown up and changed. Can they find their way back to each other?
I liked the unique people in this book as well as their unusual situations. It was a nice touch about Anne being the “hat lady”. She worked WITH her oddity instead of against it. Besides she really loved creating and wearing hats.
They were so young when they were first in love. And of course, they made many of the mistakes that go along with their youth. Of course in the past, they did have some people trying to keep them apart. And their motives were not done out of love but out of cold determination.
Both Anne and Hart are good characters who are letting pride, hurt feelings, a sense of betrayal get in the way of their getting together now. They don’t fully trust each other anymore and are afraid to get hurt again. Both have insecurities that amp up those feelings.
There are other people in the book but we don’t get to see too much depth about them. I guess because the story really is more about the “battle for love”between Anne and Hart.
It ends up being a fun short story with a well deserved H.E.A.
I gave it 3.5 Stars on Amazon. Yes, I know they don’t give half stars but I can add that on my review title. And I did.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
When I see a book by Sabrina Jeffries, I know I will read it no matter what. Her writing started me reading historical romances again several years ago and I am so grateful! A sigh worthy second chance romance with her trademark historical detail and strong characters. Lord Hart and Lady Ann had been young and in love but their fathers kept them apart and Hart went his own way. Several years later Hart has returned from his adventures, or so Anne thinks, and as he sees her, their old chemistry ignites. But Anne is slow to forgive Hart just leaving her and Hart wonders why Anne never replied to his letters. What follows is a delightful give and take that makes one hope they will finally get together and all will be right with the world. Read to find out and I guarantee you will not be disappointed!!
Yes! This is Hart’s story! We’ve seen him in previous Sinful Suitors books. I was always wondering about him. He wanted to become a spy but his background was minimal. He seemed like a decent guy! And he is! This story is about his unforgettable love, Anne, who ruined him for any other woman. This is a tale of misunderstanding, manipulative parents, and past broken hearts. It was wonderful!! Sabrina Jeffries delivers a well written story that always pleases the heart, or in this case, Hart! A perfect end for the Sinful Suitors!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Captain Lord Hartley Corry is headed to his brother Warren’s hunting lodge for some male bonding, cards, brandy only to discover women and dancing! His sister-in-law reminds him it’s St. Valentine’s week and that most of his friends are married. He notices the guests also include single ladies and bachelors.
Hart has spent the past years spying for England and is soon to be made spymaster for the Foreign Office. He’s only ever loved one woman, Anne Barkley, but he can’t find her and fears she is married. Lady Anne is also at the house party and is shocked to see him again. The man who broke her heart.
As this is a novella, and you know there will be a HEA, I will not write more and spoil this wonderful book. I really enjoyed it. It’s a perfect ending to this series.