5 stars I’m afraid I may have been a bit distracted when I began reading this ARC from one of my absolute favorite authors because I found myself unable to fully engage with the characters and plot. Once I did, however, it was just as impressive as every other book from Tracy Sumner that I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Roan, a duke who never expected to be one, and Helena, heiress of a very lucrative shipping company, are star-crossed lovers who were never meant to be together (at least, in the eyes of the ton), but are inarguably meant for one another. Both fight the unrelenting pull they feel toward one another, each for similar reasons: they don’t suit and they are both afraid of being hurt. There is a description of the first kiss between Roan and Hellie that is absolutely poetic and immersive while it goes on for pages, building in intensity and emotion. The tension is unrelenting and delicious. It is the kind of kiss everyone should experience, and every skilled author should know how to describe. It pulls the reader breathlessly into a passion that defies description, while simultaneously expertly described. It is best summed up as follows: “A kiss to end all kisses. A kiss that said everything. A kiss that was more than a kiss.” Part of this kiss also includes the statement: “...a window had opened, and she’d stepped into his soul.” As always, Tracy Sumner impresses me with her descriptions and I feel compelled to share a few. Meeting one another at a horse race, Roan is described thusly: “Inevitably, his leather-and-brandy scent galloped in behind his softly spoken rebuke.” Later, when they’ve spent a good amount of time together: “She made enough noise to wake him, settling herself into a scuffed armchair that didn't look like much felt like sinking into a warm crumpet.” I don’t know where this armchair has been all my life, but I want one. Although this may not be my favorite in the Duchess Society series (perhaps because there isn’t as much poetry as usual), there is no denying its excellence. The characters are memorable and the challenges they encounter are both believable and relatable. The willingness for each to give up what defines them for a chance at happiness together brings greater meaning to the love they have for one another. It’s an inspiring story that demonstrates the redemptive power of love. December 28, 2021
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Elizabeth J ConnorWriter. Editor. Proofreader. Archives
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