Nicholas

Good book. This is the story of Nicholas and Leah. Leah is the sister of Darius, from the first book in the series, which takes place at the same time as this one. Both Nicholas and Leah appear in that book, and some things alluded to there are explained here.

Nicholas is a big man with an even bigger heart. Like most men of his time, he had a pretty wild youth and has quite a reputation among a particular group of ladies. He’s lately tired of that life and has spent more time with his ailing father, learning what he needs to know when he becomes the Earl of Bellefonte. The earl’s greatest wish is to see Nicholas married. Nicholas knows he needs to marry, but there are reasons he doesn’t want to have a typical marriage.

Leah is a woman with a past. A scandal years ago has put her firmly on the shelf. Her father, a nasty, vicious man, hates her and can’t wait to marry her off. He has the perfect candidate – one of his cronies. Lord Hellerington is a randy old goat who has buried three wives. Leah is unwilling, but her father’s threats against her brothers keep her in line. All she wants is to marry someone she can love and who will love her.

Nicholas and Leah met one evening when both tried to escape an uncomfortable Society function. Nicholas was pursued by two women determined to capture him, and Leah was avoiding her father’s choice for her. The room was dark, and neither could see the other, making it easier for them to talk. Leah’s story raises Nicholas’s protective instincts, but without knowing who she is, there’s no way for him to help her. Before they part ways, they share a kiss that neither one can forget.

When they meet again, and Nicholas learns who she is, he is determined to find a way to help her. He finds ways to spend time with her and quickly comes to realize that she may be the answer to his problem. Nicholas can marry Leah, satisfying his father’s wishes, while at the same time protecting her from her father’s plans. He feels guilty about offering her a platonic marriage, knowing that most women at least want children from their unions. However, Nicholas is adamant that he will father no children, with her or anyone else. Though she has reservations, Leah accepts his proposal.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Nicholas and Leah. There is a connection between them from the beginning that neither one can deny. I liked how easily they were able to talk to each other about anything, as long as they stayed away from Nicholas’s reasons for staying out of Leah’s bed. It doesn’t take long for Leah to realize that she loves Nicholas. Unfortunately, getting him to reveal his secrets is an uphill battle, and one she isn’t sure she can win.

Meanwhile, Nicholas’s feelings for Leah grow stronger, as does his guilt. There were so many times I wanted to shake him and tell him to talk to her already. I ached for them both when they parted because it was so hard to be together under their current circumstances. I had to laugh at Nicholas because of the way he handled the separation.

The whole family knew that Nicholas and Leah were meant to be together, but getting through to Nicholas was much harder than anyone expected. I loved how his grandmother finally sat Nicholas down and got him to talk to her. Nicholas’s shock when he discovered that he’d been wrong about his reasons for not having children left him speechless, then determined to return to Leah as quickly as possible. I loved their reunion, which was as sweet and intense as I expected. Even better was how Nicholas revealed that devastating secret he had kept for sixteen years. I ached for his pain, loved the big heart and sweet nature that showed the depth of who he is, and cheered for Leah’s reaction. The icing on the cake was their visit to her brother Darius and the revelation of the secret he had kept.

I loved the importance of family in this book and series. I liked how Darius and Trent supported Leah when she needed them, and her determination to do what she must to protect them. Nicholas’s love for his family was evident in everything he did. Even though he and his father had their differences, the love and desire for what was best were still there. He also loved his sisters and their families and was fantastic with the children. A big part of this book was also the reconciliation between Nicholas and his older, illegitimate brother Ethan. They were the best of friends as children and teens until they were driven apart by the earl. I liked seeing the steps they took to return to their old relationship. I also enjoyed seeing Nicholas confront Leah’s father about his treatment of Leah and the things that Nicholas found out. I thought he got off rather easy, but it was still satisfying to see him get even a fraction of what he deserved.

Another emotional story from Grace Burrowes. If you like your heroes built and just downright delicious, read Nicholas.