Review: The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere by Anna Bradley

 

Print Length: 288 pages

Publisher: Lyrical Press (June 1, 2021)

From Goodreads.com:  The only thing Georgiana Harley despises more than chaos is bad behavior. So when the Duchess of Kenilworth pleads for help to escape her witty, charming, handsome, heartless monster of a husband, she’s come to the right place. Calm and logical, with nerves of steel, Georgiana is uniquely qualified to safely disappear the duchess, along with her young son. Her greatest challenge is Her Grace’s brother, Lord Haslemere. An arrogant scoundrel, he keeps interfering with Georgiana’s methodical plans. If only he would get out of her way—yet once he reveals a heart as sweet as his lips, she isn’t so sure she wants him to. Can she allow herself to fall for a man with an angel’s face—and a devil’s reputation?

Benedict Harcourt, the Earl of Haslemere isn’t about to trust his precious sister and beloved nephew to some delicate chit who looks as if a stiff wind could send her sprawling—no matter how brilliant Georgiana is. Or beautiful. Or brave. Or lovable. Or irresistible. But does even he have the courage to fall for a young woman with the starry eyes of an innocent—and the unstoppable fierceness of a lioness? Only time, and taking a risk, will tell . . . 

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Once again Anna Bradley manages to deliver story that is nothing like you expect. This time the story focuses on Miss Georgiana Harley (who fans of this series will recognize from prior novels) and Lord Haslemere - two people who couldn't be more different if they tried to be. Benedict is a man clearly used to having his every command obeyed, while Georgiana goes her own way and does as she pleases. As such, I enjoyed watching as these two characters butted heads at every available opportunity. 

One of the things I enjoyed most about this series is that these characters aren't quick to jump into bed (or even into a relationship) right off the bat. I feel like that gives them more of an opportunity to be themselves - to argue and to push each other into being better versions of themselves (or in this case, giving Georgiana time to realize that Benedict wasn't at all the man she has assumed he was). I also thoroughly like the fact that the the mystery aspect of these stories doesn't overshadow the characters or their budding romances, in fact the author manages to seamlessly weave together the two plotlines with the mystery being the reason these two characters are forced to endure each others company for extended periods of time when it is obvious (at least at first) that they would rather do anything but spend time in the presence of the other.  

While I understand why it was done the way that it was, I do wish that the villain hadn't been revealed quite so early on. I think it would have added to the story if we had this "unknown" element running around, and would have made the reveal at the end even greater (not saying there ISN'T a reveal at the end because there was and it wasn't something I saw coming, but I feel it could have had more of an impact if we didn't know who was behind things). 

On the whole though, the witty banter between these two was memorable, and the mystery just enough that it kept me invested until it was over. I would definitely read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                          The Virgin Who Humbled Lord Haslemere is available from Amazon.com