Lady Olivia Barton would rather be riding horses than dancing in a London ballroom, participating in the outrageous marriage-mart. However, when Lord William Hanley comes to afternoon tea, her priorities change. But when a known rake demands Olivia marry him, she is forced from London and all the Season promises to hide at her family’s estate. The journey home turns tragic when her beloved father is shot. The powerful feelings of grief throw her into the depths of despair. Will Olivia be able to fight against the darkness threatening to overwhelm her, or will she accept help from William, the man she once imagined would be her future? Lord William Hanley, the future Earl of Pembrooke, is happy with his life—at least until he’s taken off guard by the charming wit and beauty of his friend’s sister, turning everything upside down. From musicales to ballrooms, William finds himself always beside her, capturing his complete attention. Lady Olivia is threatened by a notorious London rake, requiring William’s assistance to escape London and the man’s unwanted advances. When news arrives of a deadly attack on Olivia’s family, he races to be with her, only to find a completely different woman than the one his heart has come to desire. Will William be able to find a way to rescue her again, or will she close off her heart to him forever?
Alicia Rivoli was born and raised in a small town in Idaho. She grew up riding horses and helping on the family farm and ranch. She lived in the beautiful Ozark Mountains until recently moving to the Atlanta Georgia area. She discovered her love of books as a teenager, but didn't start reading for fun until she was married. Alicia is obsessed with all things Regency. She received the inspiration for her own stories in a dream and through an active imagination. She is a stay at home mom with two handsome boys and an amazing husband who helped her dream of being an author come true.
I met the author at a book signing in Arkansas while on vacation. She was very sweet and now I know her to be a very good author as well. This book kept me focused and turning pages. Such a fun romantic story. I will be looking for her other books tomorrow:)
This book is filled with many emotions. I Love the Heroine. She finds herself in difficult times even though at times things look bad she finds her strength. The Hero is patient, kind,and strong. He demonstrates a great depth of character. I highly recommend this book if your are looking for a great clean read about love, loss, and finding one’s own strength.
I loved this book so much I read it twice in a row! The author weaves a tale of love, tragic loss, and a bit of mystery together in a story you will not be able to put down. The love story is sweet and natural. I look forward to more books from this author.
Absolutely excellent book with romance, action, comedy, mystery, and suspense. I loved the book. The author does a great job in describing without overdoing it and boring you to death. If it's almost as if you can see what she's describing.
Read it in 1 day. It was a delightful little romance. I enjoyed men portrayed in a good light there to protect and provide. I loved the bantering between the couple.
I totally enjoyed this book! William was especially an awesome guy! The action was very good and the romance and devotion too! Fun epilogue! Great story!
One of my favorite things about the book was the depiction of honorable and loving men. Good fathers, good brothers, good friends. Men that other men can aspire to be. Also, families being affectionate with each other. Olivia is a good heroine. She has a diverse set of interests and an overall good attitude that was nice to see. The banter between Olivia and William is absolutely delightful, undoubtedly a pleasure to read, but I don't know if romance is just not my thing, but I kept thinking "ok, what is stopping you from asking permission to 'deepen your acquaintance' or 'court her' or whatever is period appropriate?"