A Gentleman’s Touch by Mihwa Lee

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Madams and Mischief, #2

Release Date: March 31, 2025

When Marshall Craven, Viscount Rochford is summoned to Madame Tansley’s office after a night of debauchery, he never expected his employer to give him an assignment to act as a companion to a young lady, who could not be told of his true occupation, or that he is not being hired for his usual services. The lady in question is a recluse and a suffers from haphephobia. Marshall is being hired to gain her trust and help her overcome her fears. It is an assignment that he at first refuses but is goaded into accepting. He has no idea what to expect but is shocked nonetheless by the young woman he meets. Clearly Adeline Price needs help, but never did Marshall think he would fall in love for the first time in his life and end up having her heal his hidden wounds.

Heiress Adeline Price was orphaned early in life when her beloved parents died of leprosy and left her to care of their solicitor. She was raised by servants and governesses, but the trauma of her parents death left a huge impact on her and caused her fear of touch and as time passed, she got worse and now at twenty three, she hasn’t left her home in nearly ten years. When Marshall shows up, she is at first upset by his presence, but soon she finds herself under his spell and falling in love. Slowly, with his help, she begins to free herself from the fears that have held her captive for so long and for the first time, she has hope for the future. But when she learns Marshall’s true occupation, she begins to doubt everything and insists that he leave. He refuses stating that he won’t go until she can leave the house, so she sets out to do just that. But when he finally does leave, she realizes the mistake she has made and will have to find the strength to overcome her fear and fight for the man she loves.

This was a well-written story with likable characters and several interesting and unique story points by a new-to-me author. And while I appreciated the fresh plot, I didn’t really understand how either Marshall or Adeline ended up where they were in life – that might be due to the length of the novel, which was more like a long novella, so maybe the author just didn’t have space to give the reader their complete backstories. Overall, it was a good read with a happy ending as well as a bit of spice. So, if you are looking for a quick read that isn’t your run-of-the-mill Victorian romance – I would happily recommend this title. This is the second book in the series, but I didn’t read the first book and believe these books can all be read as standalone titles.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *