Emily Sullivan is just getting better and better! This is Sullivan's third book as well as the third book in her League of Scoundrel's series, and it has been so much fun to watch her writing grown throughout these charming novels. This second chance romance feels lightly like a Persuasion retelling and it is such an interesting, sensual and romantic take on the classic. Sullivan's writing is well paced, easily accessible, filled with charm, humor and intrigue. Sullivan's characters are well rounded and her world really takes a lovely shape in this novel as we see lots of blending between the last book and this book when it comes to characters and situations.
Lady Georgiana is strong and bold, and many would say a hellion after her husband's death. She has a mysterious enemy who is out to destroy her reputation and livelihood, so her brother hires Captain Henry to be her bodyguard. Few people know that in their youth they were both instantly attracted to each other and both almost took steps to change their course of life and be together, but misunderstanding rips them apart and Georgiana married a man who would help their family out of a financial bind.
This second chance, body guard romance is the perfect set up for these two to final meet on equal footing and rediscover their chemistry for each other and rebuild their love and trust. I love that both Georgiana and Henry are independent, bold and want to get their way. I love that we see them test and challenge each other, as well as learn to work and compromise together at times. I love that Georgiana is strong and does what she wants. I love that Henry admires her strength. This book is sexy and Sullivan really shows the passion they have for each other through the physical exploration of their relationship. Even though these two banter and test each other, we can see through their physical interactions that they implicitly trust each other, respect each other and understand each other. Sullivan balances the mystery, the growth of their relationship, glimpses into the past and hopes for the future beautifully through out this novel and it makes for a quick and delightful read!
I highly recommend this novel and strongly encourage reading book two and book three in the series in order. Emily Sullivan is definitely an auto buy author for me and I am so excite to see where she goes next!
4.5 Stars rounded up to 5.
Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.