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This is the fourth book in the Notorious Ladies Of London Series. This is the strongest series yet. Ms. Scott is a favorite author of mine, I have read all the books in this series. Each one is completely different. They are emotionally strong, character driven books.
This is Sidney and Juliana’s story. There is a tumultuous love affair and tragedy. This leaves them both bitter and broken-hearted. There is a shocking surprise that occurs early on in the book. Between the misunderstandings of their past and the shock of new circumstances they harbor bitterness, anger, and sometimes almost hatred. The tension seemed so real at times it was heart wrenching. I think, though, if they hadn’t loved each other so strongly, they would never had had such depth of negative emotions. Coupled with that is guilt from the past and fear for the future.
The interactions between the characters was electrifying. Their reactions were gut wrenching. They were depicted perfectly, with just enough flaws yet still seemed redeemable. Their love story was tragic and haunting at times, yet loving and extremely passionate at others.
The book was a cyclone of emotions within the plot. I usually side with the heroine in most books. She is usually depicted as the only one wronged. In this book it is a two way street. My heart was with Sidney. He was such a tragic figure, hardly perfect, deeply flawed and scarred. But his heart was in the right place. Throughout the book, he strove to be a better man. He went from cursing and drinking to tender moments that warmed my heart. Julianna is not the perfect debutante. She is flawed, which I find refreshing. It made her seem more authentic. She made decisions that impacted more than just her. She was hurt, but struck out in defense. I understand her need to protect her heart, but I did not agree with her methods. However, her character was fierce, a force to be reckoned with.
The plot had depth of emotion. There was a lot of emotional baggage and hurt the couple felt that had to be worked through. The distrust and bitterness was palatable, yet their attraction to each other seared the page. These issues the characters had could not be worked out in two pages. It took the entirety of the book to reconcile this. It made the plot seem more realistic. I liked how these decisions they both made and the repercussions were not dismissed but played throughout the theme of the book.
The plot moved well, it was a page turner. It grabbed my attention from page one. It was tragic and haunting at times, but ultimately it was a romantic, very passionate read. This book was so different than the rest of the books in this series. This series just gets better and better. I can’t wait until the next one! Anyone who enjoys passionate, character driven romance should pick up this book.
I received an ARC of this book from the author, this is my honest review.
All of the books I have read from this author I have enjoyed so far. She is on my favorites list right now.
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