He’s got iron control… But she might be his undoing! Part of The King’s Elite: Haunted by Penny Penhurst’s courage on the witness stand, meticulous barrister Lord Hadleigh offers her a housekeeper position at his estate. Despite trying to stay detached, Hadleigh is charmed by her small child and surprised by how much he yearns for this proud woman! Can he break through his own–and … own–and Penny’s–barriers to prove he’s a man she can trust…and love?
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3.5 stars
When Tristian, Viscount Hadleigh prosecutes the traitor Viscount Penhurst, he is amazed by the spirit of the man’s wife, she testifies in court as to her knowledge of husband’s misdeeds, even knowing the truth with cost her and her young son everything.
Months later, Penelope, the former Viscountess Penhurst learns that someone is paying her bills, she is not happy, after being married to Lord Penhurst and suffering emotional, mental and physical abuse at his hands, it is important to Pen to be independent. She tells Hadleigh in no uncertain terms to stop trying to help her, but when he offers her a job that will earn her enough to be settled for a good long while, she accepts.
Hadleigh doesn’t know what possessed him to offer Pen a job at his home – a place he hasn’t visited in 10 years and a place he would gladly never visit again. But something about Pen calls to him and his protective nature. He is no stranger to domestic violence and still blames himself for his mother’s death.
This story was nothing like the previous books in the series and while it wraps up the series nicely, it was a dramatic change from the tone of the other books in the series as it is much more emotional and much slower paced. I didn’t dislike the story, but I will admit to being bored and had hoped for a little bit more of punch to end the series.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Lord Tristan Hadleigh isn’t a spy but a crown prosecutor barrister who works tirelessly to bring criminals to justice. He’s haunted by Penny Penhurst’s courage on the witness stand & when her traitorous husband is stripped of all his assets it means Penny is thrown out onto the streets with her young son Freddie. Hadleigh tries to ease her situation but he doesn’t seem to be able to do anything right. When the trial for the leader of the gang is scheduled Hadleigh offers his country house as a base for preparations & offers Penny the job of housekeeper.
Tristan is meticulous in his work having to dot every i & cross every t but finds himself distracted by Penny & as their relationship develops reveals parts of himself long hidden Penny is such a brave woman firstly testifying against her despicable husband & then beginning to forge a new life for herself & Freddie. The final instalment of the King’s Elite series & a brilliant finale, it’s different from the earlier books not as action packed but is still an enthralling read. The characters have plenty of depth & are complex. I loved how Penny grew from the abused wife to a woman determined to begin her life afresh. Oh Tristan was so endearing, the top barrister bumbling around Penny with all the good intentions but constantly putting his foot in it. The way their relationship developed was both entertaining & heart wrenching. I also loved the epilogue which rounded off beautifully this wonderful series & of course an aging Trefor still managed to cause havoc
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Viscount Penhurst has finally been caught and is standing trial in London. His estate has been confiscated and Lady Penhurst, Penny, is a witness for the crown. The accommodations for her and her young son, Freddie, in Cheapside are not ideal, but she can’t afford more. She sells a piece of her jewelry every month to pay the rent. Her best friend, Clarissa Leatham, wanted to help financially but she wouldn’t let her.
Lord Hadleigh is the prosecutor and Penny was his best witness. He worries about her safety and has a Bow Street Runner keeping an eye on her. Hadleigh tries to help by paying her rent for several months and has recovered her pawned jewelry. She is angry with him and decides to find work away from London.
Hadleigh offers Lord Fennimore, commander of the King’s Elite, his spacious estate in Essex to protect their witnesses while the trial against the smugglers continues. It would also let him hire Penny to be the housekeeper and have Freddie with her. Penny agrees to be his housekeeper during the trial and preparation. Jessamine and Flint will live at the house while they prepare for the trial. Penny can help Jess as she also had to testify at a trial. She also helps Hadleigh on how to approach the wives of the men on trial.
There is so much going on in this wonderful book and I will not spoil the other things that come to life during the stay at his estate. I highly recommend this book. Virginia Heath has become an automatic buy for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I write this review with a heavy heart. The Kings Elite series has come to an end. Virginia Heath, who sent me this ARC, presents us with The Determined Lord Hadley. Available 6-18-19, it’s a must read. If you’ve read the series or this is your first foray into the series, take that chance. This book is unlike the other love stories in 1, 2, and 3. We’re going into a darker environment, a very realistic situtation, domestic violence. We’re shown the results of jumping into a marriage in haste only to find out you’d been duped by a monster. A look at the healing process of a survivor, finding the courage to try again. My heart wept for our couple, their HEA is well earned.
Lord Tristan Hadley is a stodgy, thorough, determined, single-minded barrister bachelor. He’s consumed by his work, righting wrongs and providing justice for each crime. He’s bowled over by Lady Penny Penhurst. He notices her during her husbands trial, is impressed with the quiet strength and stoicism she presents to the world. These two were briefly mentioned in the other books and now it’s time for their story. Tristans heavy handed attempt to rescue our damsel in distress is both well meaning and insulting. Poor guy’s trying. These wounded people help and support each other on their road to recovery.
There is an excellent epilog that’s a wonderful way to tie up loose ends, catch up on all the group and end a series. Happy reading.
#VirginiaHeath #TheDeterminedLordHadley #TheKingsElite #HarlequinHistorical
I have SO enjoyed reading the King’s Elite series and am very sad that it’s come to an end. I will miss all the characters who have become like family to me!! Even Trefor! lol
I loved Tristan and Penny’s story and my heart ached for both of them. Lord Tristan Hadleigh is a prosecutor for the crown and Penny Penhurst is a witness against her husband who is on trial for treason. It is revealed that she was physically and emotionally abused throughout her 3 year marriage and when her husband is murdered while in prison soon after the trial, she is finally free to raise her small son and do as she pleases.
Lord Hadleigh can’t help but admire her strength and feels so badly that she’s now lost her home, he tries to ease her burden by paying her rent and other bills. Having grown up with a father who abused his wife, he wants to help all the women that have gone through the same thing because he feels guilty that he never helped his mother. However, he’s not ready for Penny’s pride and anger towards him helping her!!
Two lost and broken souls who find each other and help each other face their past and their fears. So beautifully written, my heart was quite full by the time I reached the end. Thank you, Virginia Heath, for this truly wonderful series!!
I was given a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The King’s Elite are successful and finally catch the criminal. The prosecutor is Lord Hadleigh who is due his own happy ending. This is a moving and fun story, unfortunately the last in the series, but I cannot wait for the next from Virginia Heath. She has a knack of telling an intriguing story, a heartfelt romance and leaves you wanting more.
I received an eARC at no cost from the author, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
4.5*
This this is the final instalment of the King’s Elite. And what a great ending!
In this book, we do not have a spy, but a lawyer (or barrister) instead: Lord Tristan Hadleigh.
We have a saying here in Portugal: “De boas intenções está o inferno cheio”, which means the same as the English saying “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”. And in this book, our main character tries to do his best, with his best intentions, but things take some time before they fall in place. As a barrister, Hadleigh tries to uphold the law and the truth, but he also realizes that the law is at serious fault when it comes to women and their rights. And so, due to some of his personal history that I will not divulge so not to spoil the book for you, dear reader, he acts has an anonymous contributor to help the women that need assistance after lawsuits and other legal actions done against their husbands and families.
And that’s what leads us to our main couple. Hadleigh is in court, and a traitor is on trial. His wife and child are left with nothing. He feels somewhat responsible, and tries to help.
But Penny doesn’t want any help. After years of being controlled, this amazing woman wants only her freedom, and she will do what it takes to take care of her little boy, Freddie, and herself.
Penny is a friend of Clarissa, the heroine in the first book, and so she knows about the King’s Elite. And she believes the anonymous helper is her friend. When she finds out that Lord Hadleigh is actually the one helping, she doesn’t get it, and he doesn’t understand why she won’t accept his help.
It’s a very clever plot point, that shows how good actions may have a different and unpredictable outcome. They get to know each other, and they both learn to trust and make (healthy, reasonable) compromises for what they really want in life, and of each other.
It had some funny moments, with the gossip between the ladies, and it was great to revisit old characters.
I loved the chemistry Penny and Tristan had, and how adorable Freddie was. And even more: how great Tristan was with Freddie, it just melts your heart.
One of the best books I’ve read this year. A great ending to a great series.
P.S. The epilogue was awesome – you will love the reunion and… a few things more.
Virginia Heath
The Determined Lord Hadleigh (King’s Elite #4) by Virginia Heath (Harlequin Historical, June 2019) is a historical romance with realistic characters who struggle to understand their pasts as they deal with its impact on their futures.
I have a simple rule for book series – always start with book #1. But what’s a historical romance fan to do when one of their favorite author’s offers an ARC of Book #4 in their The King’s Elite series in exchange for an honest review? Say yes please, of course! But I wish I had resisted her generous offer. Not because the writing or storytelling is lacking, but because I read this book without any back story or context (who are these people, and why are they important to this particular story) – I felt so left out of the loop (my fault, not the author’s).
I expected a frothy, quirky and sassy read (like The Discerning Gentleman’s Guide & Miss Bradshaw’s Bought Betrothal), but The Determined Lord Hadleigh was quite different in style, and I didn’t enjoy this book as much I thought I would (aside from reading the series out of order).
It took me four Chapters to finally like the hero, Lord Hadleigh. He was too serious and too closed off for my taste. In Chapter Four, this observation by the heroine changed my opinion of him – “Only once he had pushed it closed did those unusual perceptive eyes lock with hers again. They were swirling with an emotion she couldn’t quite fathom. Regret? Sadness? Shame? Whatever it was it made him seem more human.”
I also didn’t like Penny Penhurst, the heroine, until Chapter Four. I understand she was a victim of domestic violence, but she was also a survivor and that takes courage. For me, that courage wasn’t revealed until she says, “If you really want to help me improve my lot, my lord, then you can start by sparing me the continued ordeal of your presence or interference.” I felt her son was too easy a plot device for developing Lord Hadleigh’s character as well as a plot device for Penny to hide behind, but overall, as a character, the baby seemed forgotten about at times.
I understand domestic violence and its repercussions is a serious issue, but I found the overall tone too serious to the point of being joyless and that contributed to the story’s tedious pacing. The road to a possible HEA was a little too melodramatic and drawn out for my taste, while the repeated legal stuff weighed the story down in general.
Editorially, there were a few sentence hiccups that took me right out of the story — in Chapter Four, “”They were wide and restless, darting every which way before finally settling on him stood politely behind his paper-strewn desk.” Then in Chapter Eight, “She was stood at the top of the colonnaded steps…” And again in Chapter Thirteen, when “With a groan, he pushed threw back the covers and stared at it in disgust.” Funny image, but say what?
Overall, The Determined Lord Hadleigh is a well-written story with a serious theme (domestic violence). It focuses on two people struggling to deal with their unique pasts and its impact on their futures. The story is very much character driven with little action. There isn’t much (if any) humor. There are some spicy moments. I think all the legal/government bits weighed the story down resulting in too slow a pace. It was an okay book for me, but I would recommend it to a friend (with a warning about its more serious overtones).
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of The Determined Lord Hadleigh from the author in eBook format in exchange for an honest review. The opinions and observations I share here are mine and mine alone, and were in no way influenced by the manner in which I received the book.
The Determined Lord Hadleigh is a wonderful and sweet ending to another fantastic series by Virginia Heath. As with Virginia Heath’s previous series, The Wild Warriners, I really didn’t want The King’s Elite to end. I loved every moment and every book of The King’s Elite. Each book in the series has had its own special flair. I’ve been curious about Lord Hadleigh throughout the series and was thrilled that I was able to read his story.
Lord Hadleigh is a barrister from the previous three books who is stoic and driven but with loads of hero potential. In book one and two he is all business, but his decisive nature plays an important role. In book 3 he is all business but shows a little more personality and is also pivotal in spurring Lord Gray to acknowledge his feeling for Thea the heroine. When Hadleigh becomes the hero of his own book, The Determined Lord Hadleigh, we really get to see what makes him so determined.
Virginia has paired Hadleigh with Penny from, book 1, The Mysterious Lord Millcroft. Penny suffered a terrible trauma and betrayal which has left her a widow and mother of a small child. I was excited to see how Virginia Heath handled Penny and she did an amazing job. Penny is a fantastic heroine and perfect for Hadleigh. I love that Penny does not want to be beholden to anyone and wants to recover her life on her own terms.
Great story, terrific characters and cameos from some of my favorites from the series. I was especially happy to see Sebastian and Clarissa from The Mysterious Lord Millcroft. (My favorite!) I loved Seb’s off page conversation with Penny, where he confuses her with the analogy of the nut and the mallet. Loved the epilogue. Basically, I loved everything about this book.
If you love Julia Quinn, you’ll love Virginia Heath.
This book marks the end of the King’s Elite run. A sad state of affairs, but I am confident there will be another great series by Virginia Heath in its place. I put off finishing it for as long as I could.
We begin with Penny, the wife of Lord Penhurst unexpectedly called to the witness stand by the defense. Upon cross examination by the prosecution (aka Lord Hadleigh), Penny finds her courage and her voice and takes a gamble that her truthful testimony will be the proverbial nail in the coffin to finding her horrid, abusive, criminal of a husband guilty of high treason. In doing so, Penny will pay for her disloyalty to Penhurst by being judged unfairly and not being welcomed within society’s ranks. As a result of the trial, Penhurst is found guilty and sentenced to hang. Her husbands title and lands are transferred back to the Crown. Penny and her infant son Freddie are now homeless and penniless.
Lord Hadleigh feels somewhat responsible for Penny’s plight not to mention horrible about it, he wants to help her, after all, it was her detailed testimony that helped put Penhurst away.
Thus begins a beautifully weaved story of two people, one trying to right a wrong from his childhood and failing miserably. The other, determined to learn to be independent, raise her son and earn her own money without anyone’s help.
This is a wonderful, thought provoking, facing your past-look to your future, learning to trust, finding your way book, and of course it wouldn’t be a right if it didn’t have a HEA.
I don’t want to give too much away, but you really will love this book, the epilogue is fabulous!
Well this was a sad day coming where I would be writing my review for the last Kings Elite book, I need tissues, I want to weep. Do I really need to write this review? Can’t I just skip it, bury my head in the sand so that I don’t have to face the fact that this is it for the glorious Kings Elite?
OK, well if I must break my heart, I will do it with aplomb – don’t you just love that word? By Jove, has this been an incredible series or what? From those first few pages of book one, I have been avidly turning the pages, becoming more and more absorbed into the Kings Elite world that they are now more known to me than family – Hmmm, Not sure that if that is a good thing or not!
So this is book four in the sensational Kings Elite, we have come face to face – figuratively speaking – with the most charming, shy, courageous, loyal, lovable, passionate and gorgeous characters, they have taken us on a whirlwind journey across four books. A journey full of intrigue, smuggling, spies, danger, romance and adventure and now we are here at the finale…..someone hand me the tissues, please! As with each of the previous books; The Determined Lord Hadleigh, can be read as a stand-a-lone very easily, my personal recommendation would be that you do at least read the previous one first; The Disgraceful Lord Gray before this, if you haven’t read the others, there are particular moments in this one that will give away a few spoilers in regards to the sub plot that has been running throughout the series.
After testifying against her husband, a man linked with the Smuggling ring – that as been one of the best subplots that has ever come out of a Mills and Boon book – Penny is shocked to find that after his sentence she loses everything, she and her young son are left destitute. Poor Penny, she does the right thing, she stands up for the first time in her life against the man who has made hasn’t just made her life unbearable, but also who has scared the living daylights out of her and now she has nothing. The man who was prosecuting her vile husband, the honourable if a wee bit pompous Lord Hadleigh feels a sense of injustice over what happened to the young woman, so much so he tries to help her. She is a proud, determined woman who after being on the wrong side of a manipulative and controlling man she is very uncomfortable about the charming, golden eyed barristers help. She sees it as being no better off then where she was, she is an amazing woman she may be fragile but I got a sense of real inner strength, like a lioness when times get tough she will do anything in her power to protect her child and I completely admire her for that.
To say he is an educated man he really doesn’t have a clue when it comes to women, as he goes about things all wrong. He has good heart, he is noble and honourable and loyal, he does try to help her, even if at first he doesn’t go down the proper avenue. Bless him, he gets it all wrong – thank goodness that Seb ……swoon! Has word with the young barrister. I really, really like Hadleigh, he isn’t at all how I thought he would be from those previous appearances, you are first introduced to a calm, intelligent and caring man but you soon realise that there is more to this man then meets the eye. There is another man beneath the cavernous barristers cloak.
So, we finally have Hadleigh’s story, after much waiting and wondering he is here and he does not disappoint. I saw this very much as a second chances story, Tristan Hadleigh and Penny Penhurst, what a remarkable couple they are. Both have complexities, both have vulnerabilities and both learning to love and trust. It is beautiful to watch their blossoming romance throughout the story, the journey they go on as individuals is one of the greatest pieces of writing I have read. It is powerful and gorgeous, it makes you shiver with anticipation about what will happen next and make you sigh with pure elated joy when they get there.
This book is packed with deep emotion, which the reader can feel right within them which for me is a testament to how brilliant this author is. Her grasp of language is as ever astonishing, the way this book can take hold of the readers emotions with a few words is perfect writing.
This book is absolutely delightful, what a joy it is to read.
Before I finish, one last note….Love, Love, Love the epilogue! Its gorgeous and fun, it is the perfect ending for all our heroes and heroines and Trefor brilliantly written, it brings all what you know and love about the Kings Elite together as a, shall we say; goodbye? Perfect, thank you Virginia for an astounding series, this is why we readers love you! X
His admiration of her strength turns to love. A noble man who fights to protect those who are abused, Lord Hadleigh falls deeply for a woman who has survived. Now he has to deal with his mother’s abuse and buried memories. Virginia Heath’s writing moves at a wonderful pace, never bogging down in too much mental conversations. A wonderful and insightful story to finish the series.
This is the final book in the The King’s Elite series and I would say it has to be the best ending to a series I have read in a long time. I don’t usually like books that have a limited amount of interaction between the characters, but this was so well written, I read every word. This was a story to two people whose lives had been hurt and how they found compromise, understanding and love for each other, with the help of their friends from past books. This book is very different from the last ones as there is no action, spies or adventure, but don’t be put off by this. This book is the perfect ending to an amazing series. It is a story that needed to be told. There was a small amount of sex that this reviewer skipped as always and it didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. This book can be read as a stand alone but there are a lot of spoilers in this book, being the final wrap of the series so it is suggested you start at the beginning with The Mysterious Lord Millcroft and read each of them. You won’t be disappointed. Ms Heath has a wonderful way with words, that will have you smiling and crying. I received this as an ARC.
The guilty man had been apprehended, tried, and justice served. But the traitor’s innocent widow would suffer the consequences. Lady Penny Penhurst, after testifying against her husband stood alone and almost penniless. Her testimony had strengthened Lord Hadleigh’s case; he had to help her, without her ever knowing. Penny’s only crime had been her naivety, her helplessness the consequence of the actions of a violent man. Hadleigh knew how damaging it could be, but he didn’t fully grasp that she never wanted to be obligated to anyone, for anything, ever again.
Lord Hadleigh had impressed me from his very introduction with his calm demeanour, and his aura of mystery. Unlike the The King’s Elite’s other heroes, he is a lawyer, not a spy, and had been mostly on the periphery of the action in the previous instalments. But now is his turn to shine as the trial of the infamous Boss approaches. I now believe that Hadleigh is my favorite character of Virginia Heath’s, he is one of the most complex heroes I have read in quite some time, and I must confess that I didn’t want this book to end. The imperturbable barrister is a tortured soul, trying to make amends for crimes that are not his own. He is noble, honorable, dedicated to justice, confident in the courtroom, but hesitant in his personal life, and very guarded in his affections.
THE DETERMINED LORD HADLEIGH is a phenomenal character study, as both Hadley and Penny lock horns. She has realised that she wants to start living again, she needs the independence that was denied to her during her frightful marriage, but most of all, find the girl she once was. And she is attracted to Hadley (I mean, who wouldn’t!). She is also very perceptive and soon sees beneath Hadleigh’s veneer: his career is an unmitigated success, but his inner life is a mess. Both characters experience enormous growth, and while doing so, they slowly fall in love. The first kiss is extraordinary; tender, full of promise, but opening the door to many questions and doubts. The dialogues are spectacular, and the chemistry between Hadleigh and Penny is much more than sexual; it is that of two people finding themselves with the other’s insight and understanding. Penny’s one year-old son Freddie also plays an important part in the narrative.
This book, besides being Hadleigh’s story, also wraps up the story arc of The King’s Elite, reuniting all the players whose individual tales make up this brilliant series to see the trial come to a satisfactory conclusion. The book is magnificent, the epilogue utterly delightful; I could not have wished for a more perfect ending to this superb series.
This last book in a series was so very different from the others, not the usual action packed story but actions it did have, just instead of physical they were more on the psychological side.
It was a rollercoaster of a ride, a bumpy road for Tristan’s and Penny to find their HEA, their journey to heal the wounds left deeply in their psyche by their past.
To rebuilt themselves for a hope of a bright future and not just a scam of a life, they must embark on a long introspection to learn who they really are.
I do remember Penny from the first book, but never I thought Mrs Virginia Heath would give her a voice, especially when I do remember how in a dire situation she found herself by the end of The Mysterious Lord Millcroft.
While I was not particularly found of Hadleigh in the previous books as he was rather straight forward and sometimes went against the women of his friends, but he also saved the day in The Uncompromising Lord Flint.
Lord Hadleigh thought by burying his past, and choosing a special line of work, it would keep the ghosts at bay, and be enough to live for.
Until a certain soon-widow turns his life upside down.
Lady Penhust has lost it all, her good name, her home, her legacy. Everything except her son, and all because she was swept off her feet by the wrong man and was too blind and proud to accept at first her error. Why she wants now to move on a new Penny.
It could have been an enemies to lovers story but despite Hadleigh having prosecuted Penny’s husband, there is no hate between them. Just different views of life. He feels like he must right the wrong done to her when she wants to let go of the past and try on a new life. So they bump against each other, discuss and disagree but each new encounter, open a window in the other’s reality.
Sure, Tristan can be quite manipulative and Penny is very weary of intrusive men but together by confronting their past to help another, they will free the pain hidden in the Pandora’s box.
It was a slow burn romance, as they quietly get to know the other, to learn who the person is then confide to it before the idea of chemistry begins to fray a path to their mind.
There again Tristan pays special attention to respect Penny, never pressing her, knowing how awful the physical side of the marriage had been for her.
But he is a man and she is a woman so both react differently, he with his all back or white sides and she with her uncertainties and restraint to go too fast.
At time, rehearsals of the same thoughts again and again could be trying, but never here I felt bored, it was just so entertaining to see how both functioned, to see their lists of pros and cons and also enjoying the meddling of their friends, characters from the previous books I was also happy to see again.
Plus this book concluded on such a heartfelt and joyful note, when I closed it, I was ready to say goodbye to all these friends.
Thank you Mrs Virginia Heath for this magnificent read.
Virginia Heath has penned a fabulous ending to The King’s Elite series. This story has no physical villain for the hero to slay, but instead villains from the past that both the hero & heroine must confront and firmly put behind them. We got to catch up with the main couples from the other three books, some of the secondary characters, and Trefor, the dog. Penny & Tristan’s story is a poignant tale of conquering one’s fears told with enough humor and love to satisfy the most jaded of us.
The King’s Elite has been a fantastic, thrilling, evocative series from Virginia Heath and I think she’s saved the best till last. I loved the bravado of our other King’s Elite but Hadleigh had the brains however, there was a vulnerability about him that totally won me over.
Lord Tristan Hadleigh is a barrister, well known for his meticulous and thorough questioning of witnesses in court. Hadleigh works with The King’s Elite and has been working tirelessly behind the scenes putting the case forward to prosecute the Boss of the smuggling ring. One of the witnesses to the smuggling gang evokes many emotions in Hadleigh, emotions that he has kept under lock and key for ten years. For Penny Penhurst’s life under a controlling, vindictive, vile husband brings back many parallel traits to his own parents. These traits he tried to intervene with and help his own mother but sadly to no avail tragedy was to strike and Hadleigh has felt nothing but guilt since and fears for the home he grew up in.
Hadleigh tries to help Penny Penhurst in a way that he couldn’t with his own flesh and blood but he goes about it the wrong way and puts even more fear into a young woman who has finally found the courage to speak out about the torrid few years of married life with a criminal.
Penny Penhurst has been married for three years and was unaware of the wrong doings her husband was involved in. From the day she got married she knew she had made a grave mistake marrying but now feels trapped and her confidence has been shattered. However, the gentle questioning by Hadleigh has given her the strength to speak out. With this new found strength Penny wants to start her life again on her own merit but as Hadleigh starts meddling with his kindness Penny feels stifled and is afraid that all men will be like her husband.
Once Hadleigh learns about his mistake in helping Penny he changes tactics and asks for help from his fellow King’s Elite. Penny proves to be of great help with the mission to gain enough evidence to put the Boss behind bars for good. Once Hadleigh and Penny have reached a compromise with her new situation they start to form an unlikely friendship and soon realise their lives are quite similar. Confidence between the pair grows and slowly the past hurt and fears are revealed. Emotions have to be dealt with carefully to avoid the doors to their fears being completely closed.
Virginia Heath writes effortlessly addictive regency romance stories. You can’t help but fall in love with the hero and heroine and Virginia Heath creates characters that bring out the best within themselves however much they may bicker. Through the confused emotions and fears a heady romance is building but will it be too soon for the doors to Hadleigh and Penny’s heart to be opened?
A gorgeous finale to a fantastic series by Virginia Heath that was filled with drama, danger and plenty of romantic dalliances.
This was an excellent conclusion to the King’s Elite series. “The Boss” is in custody and it is up to Lord Hadleigh as Crown Prosecutor to build a watertight case for conviction. Hadleigh is well known for his meticulous and thorough preparations, and his unemotional prosecutions. The book opens at the trial of Lord Penhurst, who was captured in the first book of the series. Lady Penny Penhurst is on the witness stand, and Hadleigh can’t help being moved by her courage. Haunted by what she endured both before and after her husband’s capture, Hadleigh takes steps to help her secretly.
Penny endured three years of hell at the hands of her physically and mentally abusive husband. With her husband’s estates and funds confiscated by the Crown, Penny is left with nothing but her determination to start a new life. It is harder than she expected, but she intends to stand on her own two feet. When she finds out that Hadleigh has been helping her on the sly, she is furious and reads him the riot act.
I loved the development of the relationship between Hadleigh and Penny. Overall, it is an emotional rollercoaster with both of them having to face the demons of their pasts before they can move on to a happy future. Hadleigh is a fixer. He is compelled to right wrongs when he sees them, which is why he is so outstanding as a prosecutor. He is consumed by guilt over what happened to Penny and feels partially responsible for it. Partly driven by his feelings of not having been able to help his mother, it helped him to know that he was helping someone who suffered as she had. Penny was furious at his interference. Having been controlled and manipulated by one man, she was not going to allow another one any control over her life. I loved the way she laid out her objections in a manner that Hadleigh could understand, and how it opened his eyes to the consequences of his actions.
But Hadleigh still isn’t able to let go of his need to help. The perfect solution falls into his hands when he offers his country estate as a place to prepare witnesses for the upcoming trial. The house was closed for a decade, so he offers the job of housekeeper to Penny. This gives her the employment she craves and Hadleigh the satisfaction of helping her. But there are also consequences to his actions. Hadleigh avoided the house for years because of the memories he associates with it, memories he is now forced to confront. I ached for him as those memories frequently overwhelmed him.
The interactions between Penny and Hadleigh were fantastic. Penny refuses to be a victim and has no trouble standing up to Hadleigh when she feels that he oversteps. Hadleigh isn’t a man who feels he is always right and can see the error of his ways when they are pointed out to him. It takes him a while to realize that there is more to his need to help Penny than just reparations for the past. I liked seeing them slowly get to know each other. There were some heartwarming scenes of Hadleigh with Penny’s son, as she sees a different side to him. There were also some intensely emotional scenes, such as when she breaks through the walls he erected around his memories of his mother. At the same time, the attraction between them continues to grow. Penny is reluctant to trust herself after her disaster of a marriage, while Hadleigh is ready to have it all. I loved his understanding of her feelings and his willingness to be patient while she works through them. The epilogue was fantastic and perfect for this series. I loved seeing the extended length of time passed and where they all are in their lives.
The secondary characters were all people from the earlier books. I loved Clarissa and Seb’s support of Penny and laughed out loud when Seb confronted Hadleigh over his clandestine efforts to help Penny. Seb is caught between a rock and a hard place as he wants to help Penny but also understands Hadleigh’s actions. When the action moved to the country house, I loved seeing Jessamine again. The instant friendship between her and Penny was great, helped along by their shared experiences. The Dowager Lady Flint and Harriet were both a riot with their uncensored comments and advice. Flint, Gray, and Seb were all willing participants in giving Hadleigh a hard time over his relationship with Penny.
The Determined Lord Hadleigh is the final book in Virginia Heath’s King’s Elite series. Lady Penhurst, Penny, has lost everything: her title, her home, and her husband (a smuggler and a traitor to his country). Her plight makes such an impression on Tristan, Lord Hadleigh, that he opens his long-deserted country home to be used as headquarters for the prosecution of Viscountess Gislingham. Here he offers Penny a job as the housekeeper in order to keep her close to him.
I very much enjoyed the characters’ backstories, especially the trials and challenges they faced. Penny’s abusive marriage and Hadleigh’s childhood provide interesting roadblocks on their path to love. While The Determined Lord Hadleigh is not my favorite title in the series, I feel like it does a solid job pulling together the final pieces of the overall story line, and it was wonderful to see characters from past books again. I can’t wait to see what Virginia Heath has in store for her next series!
The Determined Lord Hadleigh is the last story in this outstanding and compelling series,it could be read as a standalone but we will see all the characters from previous books between its pages.
When the illustrious barrister Lord Hadleigh helped put Viscount Penhurst on death row he not only condemned the infamous traitor but he also condemned his wife and only son to start a life without any privilege,comfort and luxury.So Lord Hadleigh feeling bad for the innocent woman tries to help her but his ways are not acceptable for the new proud and independent Penny.
I really enjoyed to read their banters and arguments, and to follow their journey from putting their pasts to rest and to start anew.
I absolutely will follow Virginia Heath career from now on because I love herwriting style,her plots and characters.
Do Not miss the chance to meet the King’s Elite men and their special women.