The Vixen of a Viscount by Linda Rae Sande
Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars
Series: The Heirs of the Aristocracy #6
Publication Date: 9/21/21
Period: Regency
I was smiling the whole time I was reading this delightfully entertaining and romantic book. The characters are smart, witty, and so very ready for love to find them. I always look forward to this author’s well-written, excellently paced books – partly because I always get TWO romances – but mostly because they are just consistently good reads. If you are looking for a navel-gazing, angsty, woe-is-me kind of story – well, this isn’t it. The characters are bright, happy, well-adjusted, and have wonderful families who love them. That said, their journey to their HEA is never dull!
Vivian and Christina have been best friends forever. Both are lovely, smart, accomplished, and follow all of society’s rules. Vivian, however, is getting very tired of being prim and proper because it hasn’t gotten her anywhere. Not only has she not had any proposals – she hasn’t even had a suitor. She assumes it is because she is so very tall – taller than most of the men she meets. What other reason could there be? She has a nice dowry enough to draw at least a few men’s interest, but not one man has remotely shown an interest. Not since Sebastian left four years ago – Sebastian the man she always thought she’d marry.
Sebastian was always restless – always seeking one more thrill, taking one more risk, bedding one more woman. However, he’d known since Vivian’s come out that she was the one he’d marry – when he was ready – he just hadn’t ever been able to be ready to settle down. He left for his grand tour the day after he almost ruined her and he hasn’t been back since. Four years is a long time, but he didn’t mean to be gone that long. He spent the last two years living in a monastery in the Alps and he’s a changed man. He’s changed his reckless ways and he’s ready to wed Vivian – he just has to convince her. While Sebastian has calmed down and settled – it appears Vivian has gotten a bit bolder. Hmmm
Viscount Richard Hartwell received his title just a few weeks ago when his father died. I think Richard might have been my favorite character. He was one of the most naïve men you could ever meet. Other than his time at Eton, he has never been away from his country home. His home where there were no women – no aunts, no sisters, no cousins, no mother. He had never had any female influence on him at all. He’s only in London to take care of all of the paperwork involved in the transfer of the Viscountcy from his father to himself. And – well – maybe find a bride so he can set up his nursery and ensure the continuation of the title. But – as he’s settling all of the Viscountcy requirements he is hit with revelation after revelation after revelation about his father, his family, himself, his mother. Much too much for one man to absorb in such a short span of time – except for the calm, steadying influence of Christina.
I can certainly recommend this book. It is delightfully entertaining and you’ll love all of the characters – both major and minor. OH! BTW – it has the very best epilogue.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.