Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Seductive Scoundrels #7
Publication Date: 5/5/20
Number of Pages: 202

This was a lovely, lovely, very romantic story. You will fall head-over-heels in love with Mathias as soon as he graces the page. The story is very well-written and well-executed with just enough humor to keep you smiling throughout. One wonderful thing about the story is that there is no angst – goodness I detest angsty books. Both the hero and the heroine have unhappy things in their past and each has/are dealing with them in their own way without the ‘poor pitiful me’ angst we so often see.

Nicolette Twistleton was betrothed and just four hours away from her wedding when she received a note from her soon-to-be groom. Thinking it was a romantic note, she smiled as she opened it – to find just a few words: “Nicolette, I cannot marry you. Forgive me, K”. Seven short words that changed her life and her outlook on men. She decided right then and there that she couldn’t trust her heart and no man would ever hurt her again – she’d never give them the opportunity. After that point, men quickly found themselves decisively set-down if they paid too much attention to her. She’ll not marry! ALL men are toads – cockroaches – and she’ll have no part of them. Now, I can see where someone would have that initial reaction, but hers lasted for two years and I thought that was a bit long when she had so many examples of good men and good marriages around her.

Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall, first met and came to admire Nicolette a few years ago, but she was being courted by Alfonse Bremerton, Duke of Kilbourne – and then she became betrothed. After Kilbourne jilted her, Mathias knew she needed time to deal with her emotions and get herself in order. He’s been very careful in their interactions over the last two years. He has managed to be the only unmarried, eligible male who hasn’t felt the lash of her tongue. When the huge dog (a Newfoundland named Sampson) he’s caring for gets loose in the park and knocks Nicolette over, Mathias carries her from the park and escorts her home.

Mathias knows it is his chance, but he also knows he has to be careful until he can win her good graces – and soon her heart. I love how steadfast and dedicated Mathias is. He is so patient and caring – who could resist him?

I absolutely adored watching Mathias and Nicolette find their way to their HEA – and, of course, the epilogue was the icing on the cake. I hope you will enjoy this quick, lovely read as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.