A Casa das Máscaras

Aincourt's Hearts #3

by Candace Camp

Ela não esperava amar novamente… Mas o destino tinha outros planos! Embora casados há sete anos, Rachel e Michael jamais formaram um casal. Marcada pelo arrependimento de um tolo ato de rebeldia, Rachel está certa de que não é digna dele. Afinal, tentara fugir dois dias antes do matrimônio. Michael, por sua vez, sofre com a indiferença da esposa. Ele a deseja com todas as forças, mas sua insegurança o impede de se aproximar de Rachel. Ao longo de anos de solidão, Michael construiu uma vida secreta como investigador. Rachel sequer desconfiava das bizarras atividades de seu marido, pois dava como certo que ele tinha uma amante. Até que um dia Michael se envolveu em um caso de assassinato. E ele estava tão perto de descobrir a verdade que acabou por colocar Rachel em perigo. Agora, Michael terá de salvar o amor de sua vida. E provar para ela que ninguém jamais a amaria como ele a ama…

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Marriage Of Convenience, Historical Fiction, Mystery

414 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

Candace Camp is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty books.

Her first novel, *Bonds of Love*, was published by Jove Publishing in 1978, under the pseudonym Lisa Gregory. Two pseudonyms (Kristin James and Sharon Stephens)and many books later, Candace writes under her own name Candace Camp and still loves creating stories.

Candace lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and is the mother of Young Adult author Anastasia Hopcus.

Reviews

[Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books where I grappled with the rating, as there were things that I liked and disliked – equally and a lot. And I’d waited so eagerly to get to Rachel and Michael’s story!
Much as I liked, even loved both the H/h, they both contribute to the problem. Definitely the h more so.

*Spoilers*
So the book's about a marriage in trouble (an understatement!) -7 years and unconsummated! Their's was an arranged match but the H had agreed to marry her as he secretly loved her and the h agreed for duty. She loved another and ran away with the om (strike one!) a couple of days before this arranged h/H wedding. The H is shaken but marries her regardless, and so saves her and her family from ignominy.

In the present, they live apart - she in London, partying and socializing. She has plenty of friends and admirers. But is careful to let no scandal touch her as she respects her husband too much to humiliate him (again!). While he stays at their country estate, ostensibly a content gentleman farmer now.

The book opens with the h getting hints that her quiet, unassuming husband may in fact be leading a double life. Exactly what, she’s not sure till someone mentions a secret mistress. Why she gets upset and feels betrayed, I’m not sure but she does. And feels she has to get to the bottom of all this. Having always been seen as dutiful and appeasing, she feels it’s time she took matters and destiny in her own hands.
So she goes to confront this mistress and ends up meeting her husband’s ‘bastard’ half- brother – a rough rugged version of the H. Attraction flares between the two and a few hot heavy scenes ensue (strike two!).
So basically she betrays and is emotionally unfaithful (at the very minimum) to the H (as a fiancé then and a husband now) twice! That was quite unforgivable for me, much as the author plays out and sorts this bit out.
She may have a lot of respect and may feel obligated towards the H but what about love and passion? That came too late (for me), and also the author seems to authenticate the point that the h prefers an alpha version to a gentle, patient beta one and that bad boys do win the girls!
In the previous book, when this H endangers his life in a heroic gesture, her reaction made me certain that she loves him secretly but it doesn’t pan out that way in this book. Her feelings don’t metamorphose till the very end!

But taking out these bothersome bits, there were a lot of sweet and winnable parts that elevate this book and it’s a very good ‘marriage in trouble’ book.
So I’m going with a 3.75 after my discontent-disgorging-rant!

[Luana ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot say much about this book otherwise I will give spoilers. What I can say is that this is not an amazing series, but it definitely kept me curious enough to read it all in a short space of time (which I usually don't do in HR).

I guess you can read each book as standalone but you will be much more curious about this couple if you get to know them better in the previous two.

They have a very sad and rather awkward marriage, to the point that the reader will find it hilarious or be extremely irritated. I gotta say that I found myself on both sides. The hero is so like every single boyfriend I have ever had that I understood him in a personal level. You know, the type of guy that has too much honor to do wicked things with you even tho they want to? Yeah, Michael was a bit too honorable in my opinion. Too patient too. And I can't believe that it took the heroine 7 years to finally do something about her misery. Two more patient people I have never read about before.

Anyway, there were many things I liked in this book, others that irritated me, others that I just wanted them to do something...
And the same as with the other two books, this one if full of mystery, adventures and puzzles to be solved.

My biggest complaint would be that there was no epilogue, which was such a pity. It would have been perfect seeing them all together celebrating the birth of the child from the first couple. But well.

I recommend this series if you are a curious person and enjoys a bit of crime and mystery. The mystery takes a bulk of the series but the romance is equally important.

[Nia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this trilogy thinking "Wow, this isn't impressive at all.". The second book was better but 'not by much'. The third book however was the true gem of the series and it teaches me that in books that come in series, sometimes you just have to stick with it because you may just uncover something you will like.

I felt more for these two then I did for alot of various heros and heroines along the way. It was nice to get away from the 'brooding hero' sterotype that most regencies/historical seem to through your way. I like reading about other kinds of men. The silly goofball, the shy scholar, the happy go lucky rakehell. Because men come in different flavors aside from 'tall, dark and byronic' and seriously.. that gets a bit boring at times (Yes Amanda Quick, you're on notice.)

Michael was quiet, gentle and scholarly.. granted he liked to throw on investigative disguises.. well that made him even more interesting and varied. He didn't brood and you could see the ache of his heart where he loved his wife even though there was a whole lot of backstory there that invariably muddles it up. But there was something about him too that caught my heart, and made me root for him and Rachel from the very core of my being. I love a good love story and this one was it.

As they say, for one book... an entire author is saved. Because of this book, I would be willing to read anything else that Candace Camp dragged out of her repertoire, yes it was just -that- good!

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Idea carina. Però sette anni a struggersi così... Quando neppure avevi la speranza di arrivare a ottanta, come oggi. Un po' inverosimile.

Seconda rilettura... e mi ero totalmente scordata della prima. Già lì mi si sarebbe dovuta accendere una lampadina.
Altro che inverosimile.
Va bene la sospensione dell'incredulità, va bene che in sette anni hai sempre visto tuo marito vestito e mentre ti faceva il baciamano, ma ci avrai comunque fatto colazione, gli sarai stata seduta vicino in carrozza... una trama risibile, oltretutto con lui che tanto ama la moglie ma che la scopre arguta e brillante e intuitiva "solo ora" (per fortuna che ne era innamorato perso, ma di cosa? viene da chiedersi) e lei che crede all'esistenza di un gemello alternativo, con quel tocco popolano, colorito e sexy ("boaro ma bon", per dirla alla veneta) per via della diversa mèche del capello e del filo di barba che gli ombreggia le guance (ma neanche in Beautiful sono mai arrivati a tanta stupidità...).

Due libri interi ad aspettare di sciogliere il mistero di questa terza coppia, fedele ma casta, e bastava parlarsi, cambiando argomento rispetto al tempo, ai raccolti in campagna e al tipo di dolcetti da accompagnare al tè.

Non voglio essere cattiva, però questi Aincourt saranno anche belli, ma che delusione d'intelletto: Devin si è svegliato fuori solo grazie a Miranda; la moglie del duca (che è un parente acquisito) c'è solo di nome, essendo già morta; e Rachel è quella che è, appunto.

[Μαρία Γεωργοπούλου · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read the story of Rachel and Michael since I read the first book in this trilogy and I have to admit that it was worth waiting! I liked them very much, although sometimes both of them were too stubborn but the chemistry between them is great!
The plot was very good and the characters (faults and all!) were likeable! What I didn't really like was the hasty ending because I wanted to learn more about their future together!

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
This is a book that keeps you guessing from beginning to end .
Will they , won’t they , who’s the culprit, it’s all very nail biting stuff .
Another gem from Candace that grabs your attention, and from the start makes you want to hug the life from Michael , I felt for him so much .
Read it yourself and see the outcome .

[Elizajane40 · Rating 3 out of 5]

My favorite trope, but the fake identity stuff took all the fun out of it. Sigh. Lots of missed opportunities in this series that’s for sure

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing story by Candace Camp, full of wounded hearts, second chances, spies and a whopper of a mystery that I did not see coming!! I knew when I picked up this third installment of the Aincourt's Heart series, to be prepared to read straight through. There is no putting down Candace's books once you start. This is a tale of a marriage definately not starting off well and left stagnant for years. Rachel in her first season falls in love with an inappropriate gentleman, that is one with no money. Michael Trent, The Earl of Westhampton had fallen in love with her and asked for her hand. With no choice ( there is a lot that happens before the blissful day) they marry but Michael does not make her a true wife because he feels she is still in love with the other gentleman. Yes a tangled mess but things are not always as they seem. Michael presents the demeanor of a studious, scholarly man with not a lot of emotion. But there is a lot hidden underneath that is takes years for Rachel to grasp! There is also a mystery involved that runs the gamut of suspects but is very involved and there is a surprising ending. I really did not want to turn the last page knowing this was the end of this series. But know there is more from this author I cannot wait to read!!

[Su · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t remember reading a book from this author. I don’t know about her other works but I didn’t care much about the writing style in this one. His side of story, her side of the same happenings, redundancy of her and his thoughts gets quite boring. Other things that bothered me h doesn’t know her own husband because of darkened hair color, change of dress and pretended accent! By the way, wouldn’t a daughter of an Earl addressed as Lady. ? h was called Miss before her marriage even though she was daughter of an earl.

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, if far-fetched mystery. Features a borderline Superman vs Clarke Kent ridiculous disguise (seriously you didn't recognize him?! Miss me with that bs). Endearing characters with sufficient emotional depth.

[Lori Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Secrets of the Heart by Candace Camp. She has always been a fantastic storyteller and this book is not exception. There were a lot of things going on in the story and I could not put the book down, I could not wait to see what happens. I loved the characters and the sub characters. Well worth the read!! I received an advance readers copy and have voluntarily reviewed the book.

[Candace N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of the Heart by Candace Camp took me on an emotional roller coaster. I really felt for the hero and heroine, and felt connected to them. This story had me very emotionally invested. They both had their reasons for not communicating and misinterpreting each other’s actions but I wanted to shake some sense into them a few times. Beyond that, Michael and Rachel were amazing characters. Both very likeable. The story was a bit far fetched, but I think that’s what make it stand out. I was able to predict the ending but it was well written. I enjoyed this story a lot.

[Mou: Fae of Heartfelt ARC]

Two betrayals...
Not for me...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2114828574

[Gerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. While it could probably be read as a stand alone, I felt that I already knew a lot about the H and h from the two earlier books in the trilogy. In all three books, Michael and Rachel are drawn as likable, sympathetic characters - warm, intelligent, and very vulnerable - locked in a marriage-in-name-only. So when this book started I already had very positive feelings about them and was looking forward to their story. I greatly enjoyed the first half of the book, because I wanted to see how the H and h finally found their way to each other. Their situation was really well depicted, especially how vulnerable each felt around the other. While they misperceived each other's feelings (and I hate big misunderstandings), their insecurities about each other were so believable in light of their past history that the misunderstood feelings were very believable and touching.

It was clear that Michael loved Rachel. She, too, was coming to love him, even though she may not have been totally aware of that. Also, it was fun to see the scholarly, serious, sensitive Michael as a daring undercover operative. It was a delightful mixture of Regency romance and Scarlet Pimpernel, and done very well. However, about halfway through the book the author introduced the James character. His relationship with Rachel almost detracted from the book for me, and went on far too long. However, because Candace Camp is such a good writer, when she finally resolved the James situation, she did so very adroitly, and the book went back to - and ended on - a solid, enjoyable 4 star status.

[Adriana Fogaça · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trilogia dos Aincourt 03
A Casa das Máscaras
Candace Camp
H.R.R.Histórico 11
2012

Na minha humilde opinião, este último livro da trilogia Aincourt é o melhor romance. Não só pelo casal fascinante, mas pela trama num todo, onde se encontraram muitos mistérios e intrigas. Sem dúvida podemos classificá-lo como um excelente romance policial.

A princípio estão cegos com suas respectivas paixões que nem percebem nada que está acontecendo ao redor, nada além do que há na superfície. Michael está apaixonado pela primeira vez, e não percebe que Rachel não corresponde ao seu amor. Já Rachel, não se dá conta dos sentimentos profundos que Michael tem por ela, só tem olhos pro seu próprio amor.

Mesmo descobrindo os sentimentos um do outro, eles acabam se casando. Um casamento de fachada, são extremamente formais um com o outro, até parecem meros desconhecidos. Michael se sente o maior egoísta do planeta porque se casou com Rachel mesmo sabendo que ela amava outro. E Rachel não se sente digna de Michael, porque acredita que ele foi forçado a casar com ela para evitar um escândalo. Desencontros!!!

Cada um vive no seu mundinho, até que esse se funde de uma forma inesperada, eles vão ter que colocar do sentimento a prova, vão viver uma aventura e provar que são muito mais inteligentes que seu inimigo.

E depois de 7 anos vivendo em mundos separados, eles serão obrigados a mudar a situação, será que vão conseguir perdoar um ao outro? E viver o amor que tanto anseiam? Para descobrir você terá que ler.

ADORO!!!

RECOMENDADÍSSIMO!!!

[willaful · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this trouble marriage story when I first read it, but couldn't decide whether to keep it or not. I decided I'd wait to decide until after reading the entire series. Ironically enough, I couldn't get through either book 1 or book 2--but after rereading this, I still really like it. The mystery is kind of dumb, but most of the book's attention is on the romance between two highly honorable and deeply frustrated people. It just really works for me.

[ChloeLeeNH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relationship between h/h was very detailed and very frustrating... how they can't communicate and things in the past make it hard to move forward... but I like how a second "character" comes in and makes it what it should be. The mystery was a good bonding tool as well in the whole relationship. Another strong novel!

[La testa fra i libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dei tre libri della serie Gli Aincourt ‘Un conte da amare‘ è quello che mi è piaciuto di più. Probabilmente è dipeso dal fatto che il personaggio di Rachel mi aveva colpita nei precedenti libri, ma anche perché l’elemento dello spionaggio è veramente avvincente.

Il rimorso, il senso di vergogna, e il timore di affrontare il marito, tengono Rachel in un limbo matrimoniale che dura da più di sette anni. La giovane donna ha dovuto accettare il matrimonio di convenienza, con il Conte di Westhampton, per questioni economiche e la maledizione di un frate, lanciata sulla sua famiglia molti anni prima, la convince che non potrà mai viversi un matrimonio d’amore.
La sua indole dolce, educata e rispettosa verso gli altri la fa amare da tutti quelli che la conoscono e incontrano, eppure lei si sente sola poiché il marito non trascorre mai del tempo a Londra preferendo restare nella loro residenza della campagna. Tutti sono a conoscenza del loro rapporto inusuale, ma nessuno sa che il loro matrimonio è ancora bianco.

Infatti, Michael, quando decise di chiedere in sposa la bella Rachel, si era proposto di non sfiorarla finché non si fosse innamorata di lui e dopo averla salvata dallo scandalo a due giorni dal matrimonio, capisce che la moglie non lo amerà mai perché il suo cuore appartiene ad un altro. Molto più grande di Rachel, Michael conosce il mondo, le regole del suo rango e gli intrighi. Lui stesso nasconde una verità che solo in tre persone conoscono e che si contrappone con gli studi di botanica e pacatezza. Proprio questo suo impegno, nei confronti della Patria, porterà tensione e mistero nella coppia e li costringerà, finalmente, a relazionarsi l’una con l’altro.

Attorno a loro ci sono Jessica, Miranda rispettivamente sposate con Richard e Devin, coppie innamorate e ammirate da Rachel, non solo per il rapporto parentale che la lega a loro, ma perché felice dei loro matrimoni d’amore.
L’ombra di Anthony Birkshaw, il primo grande amore di Rachel, tiene in ostaggio i sentimenti che la donna prova per il marito e di cui è ricambiata senza saperlo. Perché il problema è il non parlare chiaramente senza il timore di toccare argomenti delicati.
La parte dello spionaggio che coinvolge Michael, è sviluppata in maniera interessante, sopratutto perché riporta eventi storici del periodo che si incastrano bene con i tormenti d’amore nei confronti della moglie.

Dal mio punto di vista, la scrittura di Candace Camp è come il diesel che ha bisogno di scaldarsi per carburare per dare il meglio. Man mano che leggevo i libri ne ho apprezzato sempre più lo stile, la descrizione dei paesaggi e delle varie ambientazioni che non soffocavano nel contesto generale. Le caratterizzazioni dei personaggi sono contestualizzate all’epoca in cui è ambientata la storia e i ruoli sono ben definiti senza sovrapposizioni che potrebbero confondere.

La lettura è scorrevole e il piacere di immergersi dentro alle vite di Rachel e Michael, senza troppe sdolcinature, allieta il tempo trascorso con il libro fra le mani.

[iread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the book that I have been waiting for. I loved the character of Rachel Aincourt. I enjoyed her sweetness I have grown weary of hardened “strong” female heroines. This book can be read as a stand alone; however, it is always best to read an entire series to get the depth of the characters. I enjoyed how Camp deepens Rachel and Michael’s relationship. I hope she has more coming in this series.

[Ani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta es una de las historias de esta autora que no me canso de releer una y otra vez. Una historia de amor basada que se desarrolla con el tiempo, segundas oportunidades, secretos de alcoba. Y como no, un asesinato que resolver. He adorado a Michael por su humildad y sencillez, y Rachel, me ha parecido fantástica. Sin duda se lleva un notable alto.

[Federica Talamo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questo libro è stato un parto.
Il motivo principale è stato che il libro in inglese e la sua traduzione sono così diverse che sembrano a malapena lo stesso libro. Probabilmente la traduttrice italiana ha lavorato alla traduzione della bozza non definitiva del libro, sennò davvero non si spiega. Addirittura la versione italiana comprende delle scene che nel libro in lingua originale non sono presenti.  Mai vista una roba del genere.
Ne consegue, in virtù di questo, la mia ferma decisione di leggerlo in inglese, in quanto di solito faccio fatica anche a digerire gli errori di traduzione,  figuriamoci ritrovarmi con due versioni così diverse. Non ho voluto quindi attentare alla mia salute mentale e l'ho iniziato in inglese.
Purtroppo, per una ragione che ora non ricordo, l'ho abbandonato al 38%, tra l'altro poche pagine prima del turnig point del libro, che fino a quel momento era stato un pelino noiosetto e aveva contenuto principalmente lunghe digressioni sugli eventi che avevano preceduto il matrimonio dei protagonisti.

Fondamentalmente la questione principale del romance è il trope del matrimonio di convenienza, ma si aggiunge un elemento decisamente più inusuale, ovvero l'inganno alla Hannah Montana: personalmente avevo già letto una dinamica simile in una cenerentola a Manhattan, dato che qui il protagonista è geloso del fatto che sua moglie lo stia tradendo con il suo stesso alterego.
Comunque, il problema della relazione dei protagonisti poteva essere risolto ANNI prima se solo i due si fossero parlati, ma ovviamente si dicono di amarsi e si chiariscono all'ULTIMA PAGINA.
Comunque il romance,  tutto sommato, nonostante a me non piaccia particolarmente il trope delle false identità,  è stato gradevole.  Ho sperato con tutte le mie forze che Rachel scoprisse in tempo utile che non è mai esistito nessun fratello illegittimo di Michael che gli somigliasse come un gemello, alla fine ci mette parecchio ma niente di eccessivo. Anzi,  ho temuto terribilmente che anche davanti all'evidenza lei si convincessse di essersi sbagliata, ma per fortuna lei non solo è certa della sua scoperta sin dall'inizio, ma mette pure su un piano di vendetta che non ha niente da invidiare ai finali di puntata di alta infedeltà. E finalmente, dopo questo episodio, i due arrivano a consumare il matrimonio. Amen.

Mo parliamo della parte più trash, ma che rende questo libro molto più divertente della stragrande maggioranza di regency con una trama del genere (un conte nel mio letto, talamo proibito e via dicendo) ovvero la "sottotrama" mystery, che ho messo tra virgolette perché in effetti occupa uno spazio bello grande all'interno della narrazione.
L'intreccio è discreto, anche se nel momento in cui il protagonista ha capito chi fosse il colpevole io l'avevo già fortemente sospettato, anche se in effetti l'autrice è poi riuscita un po' a sviarmi.
Nonostante tutto, ho trovato le scene degli attentati a Michael  decisamente ridicole e non particolarmente ragionate, cosi come il personaggio di Anthony (che teoricamente avrebbe dovuto fungere da terzo lato del triangolo) si è dimostrato decisamente blando e poco sfruttato. Infine, c'è una scena "romantica" che parte ex abrupto solo perché Rachel dichiara al marito di non essere minimamente interessata,  ormai,  al suddetto Anthony. Questa rase fa reagire Michael praticamente come uno scimmione.

Comunque, alla fine della fiera, divertente.

[Nelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another heroine I didn't like... Rachel was not a likable character. First years ago she ran away with her puppy love in order to elope with him and was brought back to marry Michael. Now she is slipping again and disrespecting her husband, breaking her marriage vows that easily.

I wish Michael took a mistress during all those years lool! The poor guy was so in love with her and quite miserable, I don't understand how he couldn't do like his friend Robert Blount lmao!

Anyway, I liked Michael better than Rachelle. He was sweet, considerate and generous. He was a good man but that wasn't enough for Rachelle apparently. She only started to want/love him when she discovered his dark side.

The mystery/suspense was okay. I wish the author gave us an epilogue to show Rachelle and Michael as a real couple, it is the last book of the series so unlike the others who made an appearance here to show their HEA, we won't see Rachelle and Michael truly having their HEA and that left a bad taste in my mouth. I would have to see Rachelle redeem herself by really showing Michael some love...

2.75 stars!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book when I was 16. I’m 32 now. This book trapped me in a world of intrigue, mystery, and sensuality. This is when I fell in love with all books Candace Camp. I do miss the old cover, I must say. I recommend this book to everyone I run into. This is the book that took me from any random book I could find, to taking the bus to the library in busy Las Vegas just to get books from the romance section. You guys will not regret reading this book.

[BJ Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just loved Michael - there's something about a hero who remains true - and waits patiently, then gently takes control.

[Elene Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Definitely not my favorite. There was very little meaningful dialog between Rachel and Micheal. I was frustated by the addition of James and the mystery aspect had me confused.

[Amana Shahid Ullah · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as I would have liked to give this book a 5 stars because Michael deserves it, I couldn't. The book, for me, has to answer all questions, close all loopholes and give a satisfactory ending.

I found that I was disgruntled and unsatisfied by the end. The reason being the unjustified and unforgivable behavior of Rachel that went unnoticed and the abrupt resolution of things.

In short, Michael and Rachel have been married for 7 years, but there's no closeness, no passion between the two. They barely know each other, more like Rachel barely knows her husband. So when her carriage is unexpectedly stopped by some highway men and there are hints that there is more to the quiet scholarly man that is her husband, Rachel goes on goose chase, trying to find out more.

When she discovers that he might have a mistress, she is angry and feels betrayed. Why? I don't know. I feel like most of the blame for this troubled marriage goes to Rachel. She could've said no to Michael directly, instead of hurting him like that, I get it, she was naive, but she didn't think about Michael for a second. And then the whole attraction with his 'fake' brother, how she couldn't stop herself, she betrayed Michael emotionally. That's 2 betrayals, and even though we read her thoughts, there's not much sign of any guilt or remorse.

After that, I found it a little hard to like Rachel. Michael, although a little aloof and shy sometimes, doesn't really try much either. Instead he just fades to the background, being a pleasant husband so the other 25% of blame is on him as well, but then he does redeem himself very very well. It's nice to read about quiet scholarly men once in a while, instead of arrogant, stubborn brooding men.

The story progressed nicely and they reconciled and the usual. Overall, I can't help but feel it could've been better, the situation could've been handled better by both of them.

Ps, I wonder how many noticed that Perry's name kept getting switched between 'Overtoil' and 'Overfull'.

[Richelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Romance - Moderately Spicy/Mature
Violence - Moderate
Language - Moderate
Series: Book 3

First time reading this author. It was a fast read. The story kept moving and was interesting.

I discovered this book at my local library, but I didn't realize when I started it that it was part of a series. However, it didn't matter. Yes, there were some details that were touched on that if I'd read those first books, it would have had more depth and meaning, but it didn't hinder the story for me at all. It explained enough in this one that it didn't really matter that I came into this series late.

Overall, I did like the story. I usually read clean romances, but thankfully, this wasn't overly explicit. When you read a new author, you're never quite sure what to expect. Good story. Characters were well developed.

[Kari Maass · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book 3 of the Aincourt Hearts series, we go deep into the marriage of Convenience of Rachel Aincourt and Michael,Lord Westhampton. Rachel was forced to marry Michael, but for Michael it was a love match. Circumstances and secrets forced them to live separate lives through most of their marriage. Secrets revealed, brings Them to the understanding that they didn’t really know each other at all. Brought together by an investigation they both stumble into, they begin to find each other. Again as with the previous two books in the series, there are twists and turns they must navigate to their HEA... I highly recommend this book and the whole series! I loved each one.

[Emily]

DNF at 82%. Not sure why the MMC loves the FMC, I don’t find her smart or having any particular trait useful in being a private investigator. Unless you count sudden bravado, and maybe TSTL behaviour (I mean she doesn’t really think very far ahead before acting). Ultimately, she was sooooo bored with life that’s why she wanted to investigate her ex-“lover”’s wife’s death like damn what a privilege to be so bored huh. Also, it is definitely emotional cheating on the part of the FMC even if the person she was “falling for” is actually the MMC in disguise. AND the MMC definitely has a cuckold kink lol.

[Francielle Fontes · Rating 5 out of 5]

O casal Rachel e Michael sempre foram um grande mistério nos livros anteriores e quando chegou o livro sobre eles, eu não poderia ficar mais contente com a história.
Neste livro temos grandes descobertas do passado tanto de Rachel quanto de Michael, o que nos faz entender o porquê o relacionamento deles é/foi deste jeito estranho por 7 anos. Com uma pitadinha de mistério e aventura, acompanhamos essa linda história de amor florescer, eu simplesmente adorei! Aquele livro gostoso para ser ler e aquecer o coração!
Por sinal, adoro a escrita da autora! É super fluída e viciante! ❤️