Author: Jenn Langston
Genre:Historical Romance
Review Rating: Five Stars
Reviewer: Linda Hays-Gibbs
Greyson Thorpe, Viscount Merrick was a gambler and a bastard, but his father loved him and left him his heir. The problem was he wanted to be accepted by London society as his title should. He was a great card player so he decided to gamble with a respected Duke for his support in society. He had to pauper the Duke and strike a deal to return his estates and IOUs for respectability. It took Greyson over a year to maneuver the Duke into this position but he finally succeeded. The Duke had a daughter and a marriage with her would seal his fate into society.
Hammond Everett, Duke of Donetic was the perfect mark for Greyson. The game went well and they agreed. Greyson would marry his daughter and he would get his estates back.
Willimena Abigail Everett was the Dukes daughter and punching bag. He beat her at least once a week and her mother knew too. The supposed grand Duke was an unholy horrible man. Abigail wore extra padding and armor to keep her father from making her marry for all men were brutes. She also wore black powder on her hair since a child because he hated red hair and would become enraged when he saw it.
This is an interesting scenario a she is abused by her fathering and assured by her mother that she will be abused in marriage.
Abigail become throughly confused by her suitor and tries to continue her masquerade into their marriage. It is confusing to her new husband too.
Abigail has a lot if hang ups that are hard for her to overcome. Greyson is a vet patient man and realizes she needs time but becomes frustrated several times with Abigail's persistence.
Their personalities are suited though you wonder if Greyson is winning or losing at times. He has a hard time trying to prove his love.
You find yourself rooting for Greyson and praying that Abigail can overcome her father's abuse. The people in this story are very real to you. I know of people in this day and time that have similar hang ups. This only increases your sympathy for them both.
This is tragic and funny and throughly enjoyable.
I gave it five stars for the personalities of the characters and the determination of the hero. Thank God for heroes.
Linda Hays-Gibbs
