ABOUT THE BOOK
Vivienne Emory runs in the first circles of London society, but there’s no telling how the ton would react if they knew she made a living as an oil painter. Her desire to follow her dreams means she must protect her secret—and her independence—at all costs.
When the Duke of Hazelhurst returns to the vibrant London social scene after years abroad, his presence and chequered past set tongues wagging. His mother is desperate for him to take a wife, but he faces a daunting challenge—winning the heart of a woman who doesn’t want anyone, especially him.
An impulsive decision by the duke forces Vivienne into a web of pretence and sparks an electrifying engagement between them. What begins as a ruse swiftly intensifies, and the line between what’s real and what’s pretend becomes harder and harder to discern.
Can Vivienne guard her secret and herself from the man determined to steal her heart? And when the truth unravels, will the duke’s own deceit destroy any hope of a future with the woman he loves?
MY REVIEW
I’ve read my share of historical romances that have a female artist and a nobleman; however, what makes Ms. North’s story standout is her lovely writing style.
Vivienne Emory is a strong female lead who breaks societal norms and exemplifies the struggle for independence in the restrictive world of the ton. She stands out because she’s not just some quirky artist or a shy reclusive type. Instead, she’s this well-rounded person who gets involved in society. She goes to fancy parties with her aunt and keeps in touch with various suitors she’s turned down over time. This social scene really adds depth to her character, showing how she balances the pressures of society while secretly nurturing her artistic ambitions.
Brick Vesily, the Duke of Hazelhurst brings a mix of romantic intrigue and a challenge to Vienne’s routine life. With his charming personality and shared love for art, he stirs up some inner conflict for her. As they get closer, Vivienne finds herself torn between wanting love and staying true to her work, which adds some nice tension to the story.
Brick and Vivienne’s path to a happy ending is bumpy, filled with both joyful and challenging moments. North really nails the struggle between finding love and staying true to oneself, especially for women in more confined times.
Bravo! This heartfelt romance is sure to stick with readers long after they close the book, especially fans of historical romance who will love the passion and independence of a strong, independent woman.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Georgina lives in Southern California with her husband and their two cats. When she’s not curled up with her laptop and a cup of coffee, you can find her daydreaming in her favorite chair, eating fish tacos, or adding more books to her to-read pile.
Follow Georgina on her website, Instagram, Goodreads, and Amazon.
