STORY: Only trust can save her….
Sailing to London, Sophia Braighton only hopes to escape certain ruin. But when she arrives, her Great Aunt Daphne has other plans for the American-born beauty. Determined to marry off her niece to a man of means, she propels Sophia into London society, not knowing that the young woman’s trust in men is shattered. In fact, Sophia never expects to ever feel anything for a man. Then again, she never expects to find herself in the company of the dashing earl of Marlton….
From the moment he sees Sophia, Daniel Fallon feels alive in a way he has not since his broken engagement. Though the vulnerable beauty shies from the passion burning bright between them, Daniel is determined to court her and make her his bride. And when he learns of the painful secret she harbors, he is equally determined to take revenge on the man responsible. But will the quest destroy him—and his future with his beloved?
REVIEW: Miss Sophia Braighton is sailing to London from Philadelphia to stay with her aunt and uncle. She is met by Lady Daphne Collington, her great-aunt, who informs her that her aunt and uncle are in the countryside and that she will be staying with her. The woman is a dowager countess and the widow of an earl.
Sophia is quite taken with the beauty of the size of Aunt Daphne’s London townhouse. It hadbeen gifted to her by her son, the Earl of Grafton.
The first morning, she learns from her aunt that a young lady, Elinor Burkestock, was mentioned in the gossip sheets as having been caught kissing a young gentleman and her reputation may be ruined. The young man she was with, Sir Michael Rollins, begged Elinor to wait for him as he had to leave town for a short while. Some people think he is just after her money. Hopefully, he will return soon and offer for her. Having been through her own experience like that, Sophia asks if she can meet the young woman and offer her support. Sophia had been found in a compromised position and the family decided that she needs to leave the country. In truth, she had been attacked and raped. Now, she has vowed to never marry. Elinor is happy that Sophia offers her friendship. Joined by another young lady, Dory Flammel, the three quickly bond.
Sophia soon exhibits her humor to people she meets and is quite good at mimicking people’s voices and accents. Thomas Wheel is a young man who is intrigued by her.
When introduced to Sophia, Daniel Fallon, the Earl of Marlton, is taken with her beauty and enjoys dancing and conversing with her. Daniel had been engaged to a young woman who proved to be of low morals. He soon broke off the engagement. There is a definite attraction between Daniel and Sophia, but he is frustrated by her vow to never marry because she considers herself soiled goods. Imagine her surprise when the man who raped her is present in London. Alistair Pundington sees her, sneers at her, and rips her dress, increasing her fear of the man.
As Daniel comes to know Sophia better, their attraction grows but Sophia refuses to marry him. Alistair puts out to people that Sophia is a whore to which Daniel threatens him and tells him to never speak of her again.
Will Sophia be able to relent and marry Daniel? Is there a way to get rid of the constant threat of Alistair?
This story has a good plot. My problem is that Sophia’s “woe is me” attitude became very grating as the story progressed.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
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