The Monster of Montvale Hall

Saints & Sinners #1

by Nadine Millard

A childhood tragedy had shaped the life of Robert Forsythe, the Duke of Montvale Hall, forever. He kept himself isolated from the world and the people in it, reveling in his reputation as a monster. Locked in a world of guilt and grief, nobody had ever been able to break down the walls he kept around him. Nobody had ever tried. And if being a monster kept everyone away, then a monster he would be. Abigail Langton was as headstrong as she was mischievous, so it was no surprise that she wasn’t exactly welcomed at Montvale Hall with open arms. It didn’t take her long to understand why its owner was called a monster. It took even less time to realize that monster or not, Abigail’s heart called to him in a way she couldn’t deny or understand. Robert’s world is turned upside down and inside out by the irrepressible Abigail. And try as he might to avoid it, he finds himself drawn to her in ways he doesn’t want. In ways that scare the wits out of him. Will Robert give in to the temptation that is Abigail? And will Abigail find the heart of the man beneath the monster?

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Regency Romance, Historical Fiction, Beauty and The Beast

304 pages, Paperback

Published April 29, 2019

About the author

Hey everyone!

I'm Nadine, a writer from County Laois in Ireland.

I’ve been writing historical romance since March 2014 and have no plans to stop!

While my heart belongs to Regency, there are a lot of other genres and ideas fluttering around in my brain so who knows what will happen next?!

When I'm not writing I can be found scurrying around after my three children. Or my dog. Or my cat.

I have a brilliant family and wonderful friends who are ever patient and supportive of me.

I'm sometimes asked where my inspiration comes from. I guess it's from everywhere! I love my gorgeous husband to distraction so that helps! I think I also put a little bit of people I know into my characters...so if you know me and you recognize someone... ;)

Have an ever so mild obsession with Jane Austen and have properly researched time machines in case there's one who could take me back to 1800s. Spoiler alert: there isn’t one. My brain might be odd but it's a pretty fun place to be at times!

My writing really took off when my youngest started preschool. So now, while my children are being taken care of by teachers, my characters are being taken care of by me!

To be fair though, I can quite regularly be found at 2am glued to the laptop when I get an idea!

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a miracle I finished. This book was just all kinds of silly. They never talked to each other until the very end. They were not in love they were in lust. The writing was driving me crazy. Long drawn out thought between asked questions is a pet pev and this book was full of it. She asks him what he wants for dinner and he goes into inner monologue about how unworthy he is of her. 2 pages later we get a "no" from him, as he storms away from her...... He did that often. I ended up skimming a lot of inner dialogue to get to the end.
I love this kind of story but don't love the way rhis was written. Check out Sarah Eden or Rebecca Connolly for better books that are like this.
This has no sex and very little innuendo but their burning, firing, scorching need for each other got old.

[Tori (Book Chick) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Nadine Millard... how I love you. Very few authors can make me blush while I read about a kiss. A KISS. Holy steam. She does such an amazing job of creating steam, without the raunch. And this story... My heart y'all. I seriously laughed out loud, cried, and like I said, blushed.
The characters were amazing. Poor Robert wrapped in grief and shame. And Abigail- her personality was so fun. She couldn't keep her mouth shut if she wanted too. I loved how "real" she was. James- he was a sweetheart and I can't wait to read his story next.
Overall, this book lived up to all I've grown to expect of Nadine's work. Her wittiness and descriptive writing leaves me in awe. That's why I pre-order all her new releases. *slow clap* Well done Nadine Millard. Well done.


A few of my favorite quotes:

"And yet, every time he locked those sinful, stormy grey eyes on her, she felt her heartrate pick up alarmingly."

"When he had held her in his arms, she felt in him a strength of passion she never would have thought possible. He blazed with it, and she went up in smoke in the flames."

"You look perfect," he repeated softly. (*swoon- I die*)

"She might look like an angel, but she was made for sin."

....
Reread Feb 2019

[Kathy * Bookworm Nation · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start to a new series! I already started book two, but had to stop long enough to review book one. I love a story where the heroine shows up and completely turns the heroes life upside down! It was done really well in this one and I enjoyed the journey that Robert and Abby go through. You can't help but hurt for Robert and the guilt he is carrying, he's turned into quite the brooding and grumpy Duke. Earning him the title of Monster of Montvale, despite the fact he is actually pretty kind underneath it all.

Robert and Abby have great chemistry, I enjoyed how her upbeat and happy personality really drew Robert to her. She has a great affect on everyone around her. The story flows so smoothly, you get sucked in and don't want to put it down. I loved the setting, almost a gothic feel to it. And the supporting cast was also endearing.

I've already started book two and look forward to reading the whole series. Ms. Millard is a wonderful storyteller.

Content PG13
Romance: Clean (despite the cover lol), kissing, mild innuendo
Language: Mild-moderate
Violence: Some details into a childhood tragedy

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beauty and The Beast Vibe

This had a beauty and the beast feel to it. The dark, brooding recluse riddled with guilt and self depreciation. The young, innocent, beautiful woman who brings light and hope to everyone. He snaps, he roars. Sometimes she stands her ground, sometimes she flees. There is always attraction and tension between them. It was good but right on the edge of my comfort levels due to the profanity and swearing.

[Chesney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh! IF you have not read any of Nadine's books by now, you need to change that STAT! She has done it again in this new series. Seriously, I own all of Nadine's books because of this! I am so glad my friend introduced me to her writing a few years back. The chemistry between Abby and Robert, wow! That is what I look forward to in books, is great chemistry. Boy, did they have it and then some. It makes the story so much sweeter. I loved learning a little about Robert's friends and can't wait to read more about them in the upcoming series. And look at this cover? If that doesn't persuade you... Thank you Nadine Millard for your amazing writing talent!
4.5 stars.
*This is my honest review in exchange for ARC*

[Emily (biblioblondes) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a swoon-worthy story!
Nadine Millard never disappoints me with her regency romances.
I definitely enjoyed reading this! It had a few funny moments (Do birds kiss? 😂), heart wrenching moments, and of course romantic/passionate moments (while still staying in the clean department)!
Abby was a great heroine to root for and Robert was a very appealing love interest. I would love to have my own “monstrous” Duke! *sigh*
I wouldn’t say it was a new favorite but I am very excited to read the rest of the series! I can’t wait to see you gets the “Angel of Avondale” 😉
This town and their alliteration obsession is just too much lol!

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert was a tortured soul who has been burdened by the death of his little sister. For years he allowed his guilt to eat away at him believing that he was responsible for his sisters demise. In walks Abigail who is a ray of sunshine. Abby was sweet, witty and had a sharp tongue (she also had a really bad case of foot-in-mouth syndrome 😂) Slowly she worms her way into Robert’s cold heart and shows him that he is not the beast he thought himself to be. She was exactly what Rob needed and I enjoyed how he eventually softened to her.

While this was a charming story and I really loved Rob & Abby’s romance, it did feel a little rushed. The writing is exceptional and I really connected with both of the main characters. They had great chemistry and it was easy to sense their mutual attraction but I couldn’t fully believe their “I love You’s”. I wish they would have talked more or spent more time together to make the love more believable. Especially since he was so hell bent on ignoring her and the feelings she stirred within him.

Overall, I did enjoy their story and look forward to reading from this author again.

Favorite Quote
“How do birds kiss?” (Abby asking Rob)🤣


Content: Clean, kissing, mild language

[Janet Welling · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very laborious read.

This book was exceptionally boring and unimaginative. The plot was uninspired and so dry it was difficult to make it to the end. There was zero passion between Robert and Abigail — actually there was very little depth to either character. Robert has been carrying the guilt and trauma of a childhood event around with him for fifteen years and it has hardened his heart. That is basically the story in a nutshell since the author never took the time to broaden the plot. The hero and heroine spend the majority of the book ruminating about every look, action and conversation that passes between them. The inner monologues quickly became tedious, maudlin and repetitive. If you are looking for an interesting, or even entertaining period romance, please do yourself a favour and look elsewhere.

[Michelle N · Rating 5 out of 5]

That prologue....wow, get the tissues ready! Nadine Millard has done it again! The Monster of Montvale Hall is full of raw grit, with strong chemistry and emotions that will rival the river during a storm. Tragedy strikes and close friends Robert, James, Simon and Nicholas form a bond that is unbreakable. The love that they have for one another comes through the pages and really touches the reader. This friendship works wonderfully for this book, but also sets up to what will be an amazing series!

One day Robert's tightly controlled world is turned upside down when his best friend James brings his cousin from America to visit. Abigail is sweet, sassy and so much fun! She is everything that Robert isn't. I love how you can visualize the light starting to shine through in Robert's life just with Abigail being there. It takes a skilled writer to bring characters to life the way that Mrs. Millard has in The Monster of Montvale Hall. With the introduction of the friends, I can't wait to continue the series and see what adventures await!

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a lovingly story of forgiving and letting the past go.
Robert Forsythe has imprisoned himself for years for what he thinks to be the worst of the crime. For fifteen years he believed he has no right to enjoy life and anything less because his sister drowned on his care. Why he lives a recluse’s life and receives very few visitors until his childhood friend arrives with an unannounced guest, Miss Abigail Langton.
Abby has come to England to enjoy a London’s season and maybe catch a Lord’s eyes. Instead she falls for a reclusive Duke who wants to have nothing to do with her. She is funny and sweet, and when she is overwhelmed, she can’t stop to stutter nonsense.
It was a sweet story about healing, as Robert finds in Abby the light he has lost with his sister’s death, will he be able to open himself to the shinning Miss from America.
It was what is a clean romance with very steamy kisses times.
4.5 stars

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunted and wracked with guilt over the death of his sister, which he still feels responsible for years later, Robert Forsythe, now the Duke of Montvale, hides himself away at his Northumberland estate. Robert keeps up impenetrable walls around himself and revels in his reputation as the Monster of Montvale Hall as yet another way to keep the world at bay.

When his lifelong friend James, the Marquess of Avondale, descends on Montvale Hall with his cousin, and uninvited guest, Miss Abigail Langton, Robert is appalled at the intrusion on his solitude. But American Abigail wants a London season and with only male relations in England, James suggests Robert's mother sponsor her, which delights the dowager and begins to pull her out of her melancholy.

As much as he loathes her constant smiles and chipper attitude, Robert finds himself inexplicably drawn to Abigail and feeling protective and possessive over her. Having ignored his emotions for really all of his adult life, Robert is terrified by the new feelings Abigail stirs in him. He is tempted by Abby, to say the least, but refuses to pollute her light with his darkness. But as Robert finds it increasingly difficult to maintain a tight rein on his emotions, it becomes apparent that Abby may be just the person to reveal the man behind the monster.

Robert has been stuck in a dark void of pain and guilt, staying away from emotions of any kind and believes himself incapable of love so he lives a dark and painful half-life, also believing himself to be unlovable. Unwanted by her parents, Abigail understands pain, albeit pain of a different sort. Abby causes Robert to rethink everything he thought he knew about himself and the relentless guilt he's carried since his sister's accident.

This was a great read and I tore through it. Robert was such a well-drawn tortured hero and Abby such a likable heroine and I didn't even mind the lack of steam. Their story and development, both as individuals and in their relationship together, kept me invested. Thought the set up for the next book at the end was rather abrupt and didn't quite jive with the emotional bent of the rest of the story, I still find that I want to read that next installment as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great beginning to a new series about four titled boys that grew up together while attending Eton & Oxford & the bond they formed. Along with his friends, James, Simon and Nicholas; Robert Forsythe, the Duke of Montvale Hall aka Monster of Montvale Hall experienced a life changing event. A tragic death, 15 years ago, has changed Robert in to a grieving, haunted secluded man because of the blame he has placed upon himself & he knows happiness will never be found for him in his lifetime.

James, one of Robert's best friends, shows up with Abigail Langton, a beautiful, straightforward, innocent American female. Definitely the opposites of anything Robert would welcome to Montvale & his rudeness only verified that fact. James brought his cousin to convince Robert's Mother to sponsor Abby for a season in London & he also hopes Abby will help to cheer her up after all the years of mourning.

Will Abby's sunshine, kindness & enthusiasm break down the walls of darkness around the Duke's heart & bring much needed light at Montvale - read about the journey as it is an emotional ride that you will not soon forget! I highly recommend this clean story - kisses only but oh what a steamy illustration Ms. Millard writes to describe them!

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what a delightful book this was to read and I must say that Abigail Langton is the most lovable heroine ever!!! She had me laughing so much with her perfect "imperfect" ways! As for Robert Forsythe, the Duke of Montvale Hall, my heart went out to him, I do so love a tortured hero!!

Blaming himself for the drowning of his sister when they were younger, Robert has spent the years brooding and hiding away in his country home with his mother. The villagers have named him the Monster of Montvale Hall. Abigail is an American who wants to come to England to experience a Season in London and convinces her cousin, James, to bring her with him when he returns to England. Being best friend with Robert, James brings Abigail there to ask Robert's mother to be Abigail's sponsor. Robert, no matter his rudeness and scowling looks, is no match for Abigail....I just adore how she stands up to him:) She is light to his darkness and he must learn how to forgive himself before they can have a future together.

I was given a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love Nadine Millard's books! Beautiful stories with just the right mix of romance and passion.

[Christie Gilkey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book. Can’t wait to read the next one!

[Pat Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monster of Montvale Hall

A well written story about the impact of teenage grief and guilt may have on an adult. A cousin of the Luke's best friend brings light and love into his life.

[Rose Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-QX

When fourteen year old Robert Forsythe is home from school, running free with his three best friends, the last thing he wants is his baby sister following behind. But young Gina will not be deterred, and doggedly continues to tag along. Finally, Robert is worn down, and agrees to let Gina accompany them. A tragic accident results in Gina’s death, and Robert’s life is changed forever. Robert finishes school, but withdraws from society, living in seclusion, and wallowing in misplaced guilt. Though his friends, particularly James, have stood by him, and tried to help him, he becomes a recluse, before long being dubbed a monster.

Robert’s steadfast friend, James, sends word that he will be visiting, and has a favor to ask. When James arrives, he has a lovely young woman with him, his American cousin, Abigail Langton. Abby wishes to have a London season, and James is hopeful that Robert’s mother will agree to sponsor her. Robert is angry to have his privacy invaded, and is even angrier at his reaction to Abby. He doesn’t want to feel any attraction or emotion, yet when he sees his mother come alive at the prospect of a season in town, he can’t refuse her. Abby is now installed at their home for several weeks while they prepare, and Robert is unfortunately committed to accompanying his mother to town.

Robert may have to endure Abby’s company, but he doesn’t have to like it – or be polite to her. He rebuffs her every overture of friendliness, and constantly hurts her feelings. Though Robert has carried the guilt of his sister’s death for years, he comes off as angry and surly rather than sad. Even though I felt for him after the heartbreaking incident years ago, I also wanted to shake him because of the cruel man he’s become.

Abby has a big heart, but she comes across as very young. She actually shows a lot of courage by continually making attempts to get behind Robert’s walls, though time and again he rebuffs her, even going so far as to berate her for bringing flowers into his home. She has a tendency to say silly things, or the wrong thing, or to do the wrong thing.

Yet, somehow, Abby’s sunny demeanor works its way under Robert’s skin. He begins to find himself almost smiling at some of the ridiculous things she says. Soon, he can’t help himself, and begins stealing kisses. Still, it’s going to take another near tragedy for Robert to see what’s right under his nose, and some serious soul searching for him to find self-forgiveness. THE MONSTER OF MONTVALE HALL is a story of finally letting go of undeserved guilt, learning to move on, and the healing power of love.

[Jenmikesmith · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was skeptical because of the cover of this book but it was clean. It was an okay book. I just felt like most of the book was just them thinking about how much they like each other and not actually having conversations that would lead to that.

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really should dock this book one star because there were a couple of typos at the end, but the beauty of this story overrides anything as trivial as that. Rouge instead of rogue. Slept instead of sleep. Not a big deal.

The story starts out with a tragedy with Robert, three of his best friends, and Robert's little sister, Gina. It was horrific and haunted Robert all through his life. Guilt made him into a dour, foul-tempered, scowling, grumpy man that wanted nothing to do with people, no matter who they were. He tolerated his friends, genuinely liked them I think, but his guilt caused him to lash out, make the servants and his people quake in their shoes (he is a duke). He scared everybody....except Abigail.

Abby arrived from New York with her cousin and Robert's best friend, James. She wants to have a season in London and wants to fall in love with someone of the aristocracy. But James has a situation on is hands. He's single and has no one to introduce her to society, so enlists the help of Robert's mother, who lives with Robert. The dowager is excited to help and is happier than she's been in years, but her son is not. He doesn't want this beautiful woman hanging around his house and putting out vases of those ghastly wildflowers.

But Abby can see past his sadness, his guilt, his self-loathing, his anger. She sees through it all to see the heart he really has. She slowly tore down those walls that he'd erected, causing pain even for herself, but she loved him and nothing else mattered.

To feel these two falling in love and to watch Robert turn his life around was so rewarding. There was no steam in this book, which was fine. It didn't need it. It may have destroyed the ambiance of the whole story had it been there. But that isn't to say there weren't some really loving moments. Those are better than sex scenes any day.

Ultimately, this is a story about grief, acceptance, and forgiveness. I loved it and am excited to read the next book in the series.

[Cait M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just Average. I enjoyed Nadine's Ranford series much more than this one. Also, the cover was not really reflective of the story.

Robert is a duke with a reputation for being a cold-hearted recluse. After the accidental death of his younger sister when he was 14 he has been racked with guilt, blaming himself for not keeping her safe. His father drank himself to death and his mother lives in a state of quiet despondency that Robert feels is all his fault.

Abigail is an American beauty brought to his estate by her cousin, Robert's childhood friend James, Lord Avondale. James hopes to ask Robert's mother to help launch Abigail during the season, knowing that the support and patronage of the duchess will open many doors for his American cousin.

Abby arrives at Montvale Hall and is immediately taken under the motherly wing of the duchess. Abby's kindness and generosity impress everyone she meets, even the dour and short-tempered duke.

Robert doesn't feel worthy of the lovely Abby, but is jealous when he discovers her plan is to go to London to find a husband. He has too many demons to defeat to feel worthy of her, but at times, can't help but give in to the temptation to kiss her.

Abby is besotted by the confusing duke. At times he is overly formal and cold towards her, while other times he smiles, laughs and kisses her, only to push her away again.

There is some angst. James constantly berates himself, wondering how someone as good as Abby could care about a 'monster' such as himself. I didn't actually think he was that bad TBH. Very overrated moniker.

This is a clean romance with no descriptive love scenes.

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail’s surprise arrival was just what Montvale Hall needed and she will flip everything upside down. These two are not a love at first sight couple, but they are drawn to each other no matter how much they try to fight it. The attraction between them is strong and everyone sees it, but until the past is brought forward they will battle at every turn.

The final battle breaks down the rest of the wall he has created by making him face the past once and for all. I loved Robert’s mother when she had a talk with him because she didn’t mince words. Abigail’s cousin knew she was exactly what his best friend needed.

Abigail won’t let him hide behind the monster he has created and is determined to find the man she knows that is hiding inside. I loved her right away with how she spoke her mind went toe to toe with Robert. She knew what she wanted and was going to get it.

Robert is a broken man behind the monster he created and it is slowly eating away at his life. You can tell from the start that he really has a big heart and the longer he’s around her the more the real him comes out. I loved when he finally realized he couldn’t give her up.

Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review

[LianaReads blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story!
It looks like Beauty and the Beast but The Monster of Montvale Halle it's more than the beloved tale.
As a bigger brother, Robert wants to spend time just with his friends but his little sister always finds ways to tag along, and an unfortunate accident changes their life forever.
After finishing school, he withdraws himself from society and even estranges himself from his good friends that tried to keep him close, just James remains close enough, and when he is visiting with an American cousin, he has to accept that his mother happiness is more important than his grief and darkness.
Abby is a very young lady and seems to be too good for him, really,
he gets so rude towards her so many times, but she just keeps trying because she knows that deep in his soul he can't be the monster he is showing everyone,
that it's just a mask to protect his heart after the loss of his beloved sister.
They start a journey of friendship first where she is trying to make him believe in forgiveness and that life is wort to be lived.
Great writing,
lovely characters and a great story about finding the power to forget and carry on hoping for a happily ever after with the perfect match

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robert is forced by his friend James to host him and his cousin, Abigail, as they travel from America to London. Robert is attracted to Abigail, but a tragedy in his past renders him unable to appropriately deal with people. He has been holed up in his estate for years. James asks that Robert's mother be Abigail's sponsor in London. Robert and his mother agree, and Robert sees a change in his mother. He also sees a change in himself with Abigail around. Will he keep Abigail with him or will he let her go to London to have her season and find a husband?

I liked this story. I loved Robert, beastly as he was. Abigail is a breath of fresh air on his estate. She is everything that draws him in and scares him. All he can see is the accident that changed him. But he also cannot let go of Abigail who is his life though he fights it every step of the way. I liked their interactions. Abigail does not quail in the face of Robert's anger. She is every bit as stubborn as he is. I liked their ending.

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Monster of Montvale Hall was a nice, sweet romance. I missed the steamy scenes though. This book had a couple of kissing scenes, but nothing more.

Abigail is an American whose English cousin has promised her a Season. She is so excited and ready to meet her dream husband. Her cousin brings her stay at Montvale Hall to meet the dowager duchess and current lord who is her cousin's best friend, Robert.

Robert - known as a monster - has wallowed in his guilt and grief since his young sister died in an accident that he believes is his fault. He is quiet, morose and downright unpleasant to be around sometimes. But Abby sparks something in him - he can sometimes feel his heart opening up again.

These two are sunshine to dark, sweet to bitter and they make a perfect couple. They have much to overcome. Robert can be quite awful to Abby at times. I really wished this had steamy love scenes. I'm not a fan of closed door scenes or kissing only. Sweet story, just not steamy.

[Ann Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars.
The title of this book led me to think it was about someone with a physical deformity. Instead it is an interesting tale of a man considered a monster because of his behavior. Robert is tormented by feelings of guilt. Then his best friend brings his cousin to visit and she turns his world around. Abigail keeps doing things to undermine his resolve to stay a monster. The story is interesting and the characters are wonderful human beings. I do wish the book had been a little longer. This is my first experience with this author and I really like her writing. I will be looking for more of her books.

I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert is a duke who feels responsible for the accidental death of his little sister. They were children and he has carried this burden for years. He has held himself separate from the world. He is rude and basically not very likable. But, he cares for his mother, he takes care of his employees and makes sure his tenants live in well built homes.
His friend, James, brings Abigail to Roberts castle. Abigail is American and beautiful. James has requested that Robert's mother, a duchess, be the one who presents Abigail to society.
Robert immediately falls for Abigail and the feeling is mutual. They are both described as very beautiful people.
I liked the characters. But, Abigail acted like she lacked common sense. That got tiresome after a time.

[Tracy]

I didn't realize this was a sweet romance 😣

I'm not sure the hero had enough going for him for me to buy that she fell in love with him despite his constant snapping and rudeness. They didn't seem to have much in the way of conversation, especially that didn't end in him yelling.

Not a lot happened in this? One dramatic interaction was... stumbling on the staircase. Another was... disputing wildflowers as decoration. (His antipathy towards the wildflowers was never clear to me.)

Saw the climax coming though I was hoping it wouldn't go that way... at least it was less dramatic than I was braced for.

Got this for free in a stuff your kindle giveaway -- hadn't read this author previously.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I really enjoyed this book kinda has a beauty and beast theme. Robert dubbed the monster he is always in a bad mood and staff to himself. Filled with guilt for the deaths of his sister and father he has built a wall of ice around his heart. That is until his friend James bring his American Cousin to his house for a season. Abigail finds Robert rude and annoying but also the most handsome man she ever seen. While his mother is sponsoring her season she learns there is more to the monster of Montvale . Good book looking forward to next in series.

[Joan Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Touching

This was a touching and clean romance that I truly enjoyed. Robert was such a tortured soul and was so deserving of a happily ever after with Abigail. My heart just went out to this Duke who suffered such a traumatic experience in his life that he took the blame on himself for years. I adored Abby and the romance between Robert and her was wonderful. Highly recommend this book!

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my goodness!
This was my first book by Nadine Millard and I am HOOKED.
I absolutely loved the characters.
Robert was dark and tortured due to a tragic accident when he was young.
Abby, oh she shakes his world and turns it upside down. she is everything he craves but fears at the same time.
This story was beautifully written and deals with grief, guilt, acceptance and the power of love.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.