Regency Romance fan? FABULOUS...because today's WHAT'S THE BUZZ title is perfectly suited to you! We're got the latest release by author Lotte R. James COMING SOON via Harlequin Books, and it stars an interesting duo with an equally interesting storyline. Don't believe me? How about if I told you I didn't really like our main female lead for a good portion of the story? Or what if I said the male lead seemed a little too perfect? Ah, now I have your attention! Let me burst one of your thought bubbles though, in the end...I LOVED the book, but as with most people harboring a secretive nature, it took a bit to get to know it. Ladies and gents, prepare yourself as we dive between the epages of today's book of choice...
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by
Lotte R. James
Harlequin
Release Date: 11/23/23 UK
11/28/23 US
About the book...
A passion that could destroy her reputation...
...but save her heart!
Since the traumatic events of her first Season, Lady Mary Spencer’s been wary of Society. Tired of feeling angry and bitter, at a seemingly innocuous garden party, she lets her guard down with Luca Guaro. The charming Italian rogue also abhors the ton’s dictates and becomes a much-needed light in Mary’s life. A liaison with Luca would be scandalous, so why is she so tempted to head to the brink of ruin...
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Lady Mary Spencer is QUITE the character.
She has a carefully crafted reputation that the ton can not ignore, wields the information (aka secrets) she gathers like so much armor against the world, and is equally adept at turning it into weapons as needed. That's not to say she's heartless, merely that she's locked hers away under lock and key. It's not until a good portion of the story has transpired that we discover the reason for her actions. Grant it, there are hints along the way, but nothing, in this case, was better for enlightenment of her true character than full disclosure. Frankly, I don't blame her for all she did, but she was missing out on all that could be as she built a fortress for herself that seemed unable to be penetrated. I was heartbroken when it seemed all that was within reach was being pulled away again, and in utter despair when the one at the heart of the betrayal was revealed, but in awe of her family and the plan concocted on her behalf. Ah, catch that earlier statement did you? Seemingly....let us examine our male lead, Luca Guaro.
The title often makes the man, and yet Luca was just fine without one.
He kept fine company, provided for his mother and sister, lived a life filled with balls, excursions, and decadence...but he was what the ton would call a fancy man. In our times, I believe an escort would be a close definition, though there were relations with some of the women, but I digress. His latest "keeper" may have started that way, but turned into more of a deep friendship, a companionship, if you will, allowing his heart to remain free, and his desires to fall where they may. Where did they fall? Why, upon Lady Spencer, of course! She's so appealing from what I wrote above, is she not? NO, she was a beauty, yet could be ruthless, but he saw deeper, below the masks she wore, and keenly wanted to know her in her heart of hearts. Remember my mention of "too perfect"? Yes, there's the bit that caught me unawares. He's gorgeous, kind, willing to both take a chance and give one in return, and...really the only flaw I could find was he seemed to give up on Mary a might too easily when his inner dialogue seemed to know better, though that was a situation that was remedied in full color splendor.
By book's end, I was in Mary's corner fully with fingers crossed and baited breath that all would turn out as hoped. It was definitely a till the last page type of ending, but it was so much better for it. We come to know her fully, the same can be said for Luca, and the more that comes to light, the more a union between the two can easily be seen as the best finale for the tale (but I won't confirm anything, you have to read it!). Though a standalone title, I also enjoyed the mentions and meetings of the other novels that came before it; it was like meeting old friends, and walking memory lane hand in hand. One small stutter for me, the use of italics and ellipsis, or rather their over use. I'm not an editor, and it could purely be author's choice here, but they definitely seemed to be favorited to a degree...a touch Shatner-like...and while it niggled my brain, it didn't ruin the story.
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About the author...
Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director, but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she's not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration, or nestling with coffee and a book.
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Special thanks to author Lotte R. James for the chance to share this title with you and for the ecopy for review! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY in the UK November 23rd, 2023, and in the US November 28th, 2023, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
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