She’s been living in the shadows… Can he draw her out?Since a traumatic incident, Lady Regina has consigned herself to the shadows. Fearful of marriage and intimacy, she reluctantly accepts the engagement her father insists upon. But when her husband-to-be deserts her, her old friend Dalton, Lord Camford, takes up the role! Dalton gradually starts to reach the woman within and draw out her … out her desires. Just as it seems Regina’s life is coming together…will her secret cause it all to fall apart?
“5 stars! Fast paced and well written. I adored the main characters, they were so sweet and perfect for each other…. This was such a great book.”
–Harlequin Junkie, Book Blog on The Highlander and the Governess
“Fast paced, intriguing, adventurous and unpredictable. Well written and well crafted. I absolutely loved this story. I was hooked from the first page to the last. A definite keeper!”
–My Book Addiction and More, Book Blog on The Highlander and the Governess
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Good book. A companion to The Highlander and the Governess, this is the story of Lachlan’s ex-fiancée, Regina, and their friend, Lord Camford. Much of the two books take place at the same time but from different viewpoints.
As the story opens, Regina finds out that she is expected to accept Lachlan’s proposal. After being assaulted by a suitor five years earlier, Regina planned never to marry. Just the thought of marriage and everything it entails brings her fears to the surface. An old friend, Dalton, Lord Camford, is the only man she is comfortable around.
Dalton has been in love with Regina for years, despite knowing she’s promised to his friend, Lachlan. When he realizes Lachlan loves someone else, his protective instincts are aroused. He will do anything to make her happy.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dalton and Regina. There was a connection between them since the day she comforted him at his brother’s funeral. Dalton is an honorable man and buried his feeling for Regina under a layer of friendship. However, as the wedding draws nearer and he realizes that neither one wants the marriage, Dalton encourages Lachlan to follow his heart. Unfortunately, Regina didn’t read Lachlan’s letter and was left standing at the altar. Rather than allow her to be humiliated, Dalton steps up and takes control.
I ached for Regina, whose fears have controlled her life for five years. She doesn’t want to marry, but when she finds out why her father insists on the marriage, she knows she has no choice. I liked that she trusted Dalton enough to confide in him and ask for his help. That trust is about to be tested in ways she never expected.
After the wedding, Dalton and Regina leave for his home in Scotland. Dalton is patient and understanding of Regina’s fears but hopes that he can eventually overcome them. Away from London and the memories there, Regina slowly begins to relax. The attraction that simmers between them grows stronger, leaving Regina in a quandary. Can she let go of her fears and trust Dalton? There were some sweet scenes as Dalton cautiously encourages Regina’s growing desires while keeping himself under control. I liked Regina’s determination to break free of her fears.
Though Regina opened up to Dalton about the cause of her fears, there are some things about that event that she kept to herself, afraid of his reaction. It is that secret that precipitated her father’s actions and led to the bargain with Lachlan. Now someone threatens to make that secret public. After a bit of misunderstanding between Dalton and Regina over her motive for keeping the secret, Dalton shows the depth of his love for her in his determination to end the threat. A couple of twists add complexity to the problem, but Dalton comes through with an excellent solution. With all of the obstacles removed, Regina and Dalton can finally look to a future free of fear.
Much better than first book of series. Great characterization of both H/h, and really liked Dalton’s grandfather. A rushed ending which seems normal for this author. Lost one star for steaminess.
Dalton and Regina’s story was a wonderful read. What a nice guy Dalton is, and I loved that through the years he’s held Regina dear in his heart and never gave up. And Regina is hurting so bad from the evil in her past, it’s hard for her to believe she can dream of love in her future. Can he be her hero and teach her to trust, and even love him? Definitely recommend this one!
Lady Regina lives in fear and has no wish to marry. The thought of a man touching her is repulsive. She carries a secret from five years ago that can ruin her family. Dalton, Lord Comfort, has loved Regina for many years. When her secret starts to unravel Dalton will do whatever it takes to protect her.
An interesting twist on a damsel in distress.