Book Review #arcbookreview #bookreview #stacyreid #ascoundrelofherown #historicalromance #netgalley #entangledpublishing
If you are looking for a beautiful and sensual historical romance novel, look no further! Stacy Reid is a master of her craft, she expertly weaves together a love story between two people taking the reader on an emotional journey that is well rounded and impactful. Reid's writing is engaging, intriguing, fun and sexy. Reid's characters are dimensional in all aspects encouraging the reader to feel for them, root for them and join them along their journey.
This story is between Lady Ophelia and Niall/Devlin. When Niall rescues Fifi/Ophelia from drowning in a river, they find themselves stranded in a small groundkeeper's cabin, unsure of where they are. Niall is 12 and Fifi is 8, but Niall knows how to take care of Fifi, he hunts and cooks food for her and keeps her happy and safe. They strike up a friendship around trust and promise to marry each other when they are older. After they are rescued, Niall is strongly made aware that he is from a different world than Ophelia and should never expect to marry her. Sixteen years down the road they meet again, this time Niall/Devlin is a man of means and Ophelia's family is low on funds. So Ophelia is moonlighting as a singer to earn some money and to unmask a secret. Devlin is still fascinated and taken with Ophelia and he is drawn to protect her and help her with her mystery and awaken her to the pleasures of love.
This story is delightfully woven together with the perfect amount of pining, friendship, angst, sensuality, understanding and hard work. I love the determination Ophelia has in understanding who she is, where she comes from, while learning and understanding the meaning of love and respect in a different way. I loved watching Devlin be swept up in Ophelia, watching him fight his feelings while being unable to stay away from her is delightfully charming. Watching Ophelia internal struggle between being the well behaved daughter her parents expect her to be and embracing the love she has for Devlin is gratifying and understanding. Her internal conflict never puts Devlin off from her, Devlin does not judge her for this, rather he understands but also choses to fight for his feelings for her and their future. I loved watching Ophelia and Devlin work together, trust each other, understand each other and learn to fight for each other. Their chemistry is spicy and sensual, Devlin is able to help Ophelia explore a physical relationship that she feels safe in, confident, taken care of and strong.
I strongly recommend this novel, this beautiful romance is one that will warm your heart, put a smile on your face and have you embrace a beautiful love story between two people who love each other and complement each other in a perfect way. Stacy Reid is an auto buy author for me, she never disappoints and I am so excited to continue watching this series grow.
***Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thought and opinions are my own.***