by Maya Rodale
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: Sept 30, 2014
Source: sent by publisher
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Summary from goodreads.com:
My Review:
In the third novel in Maya Rodale's charming Wallflower series, London's Least Likely to Be Caught in a Compromising Position finds temptation in a devilishly handsome stranger . . .
Miss Prudence Merryweather Payton has a secret.
Everyone knows that she's the only graduate from her finishing school to remain unwed on her fourth season—but no one knows why. With her romantic illusions shattered after being compromised against her will, Prudence accepts a proposal even though her betrothed is not exactly a knight in shining armor. When he cowardly pushes her out of their stagecoach to divert a highwayman, she vows never to trust another man again.
John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is nobody's hero.
He's a blue-eyed charmer with a mysterious past and ambitious plans for his future—that do not include a wife. When he finds himself stranded at a country inn with a captivating young woman, a delicate dance of seduction ensues. He knows he should keep his distance. And he definitely shouldn't start falling in love with her.
When Prudence's dark past comes back to haunt her, John must protect her—even though he risks revealing his own secrets that could destroy his future.
This historical romance is a lot different than most books in the genre, and I feel it deals with a really difficult issue in a sensitive way. Some horrifying things have happened to Prudence, causing lasting scars, and perhaps turning her into the 'wallflower' she is at the start of the novel. It was so inspiring to see her journey from all the pain of her past until she can begin to let love in.
John is one awesome guy. He is just so NICE. I loved that his character was never corny or over the top in his kindness either. He just WAS nice. It was so believable, and also wonderful to read how much he helped Prudence work through her pain and scars. I thought the twist with his character was fantastic and unexpected, too.
This review is a bit difficult to write without giving too much away, but I will say that this isn't a book for a faint-hearted reader. However, there was fair warning when the difficult flashback scene is coming so an especially sensitive reader (like me) can skip over this particular scene if they choose (like I did).
Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 4/5
Setting: 4/5
Romance: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Bottom Line: This book has themes that are difficult to read but the author handles the issues with large helpings of hope and love. Hopefully, reading the story through Prudence and John's eyes can help other people who have dealt with similar issues to cope and heal.
Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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