Orphaned as a child, Arabella Hampton was the unwanted and unloved charge of a cruel aunt and neglectful uncle. The only light in her young life was the kindness of the Jonquil family, and she clung to the childish dream of someday living with them at Lampton Park. Now, years later, that opportunity is presented to Arabella in a most unexpected way: she is to be the lady’s companion to the dowager countess. As she takes up residence at the estate, the young woman soon finds that life at the Park is far more complicated than she imagined. The lines of her position are blurred, and she is neither family nor servant. So when the countess plans a grand house party, Arabella is content to hide in the shadows. But one gentleman sees her there.
Lieutenant Linus Lancaster has retired from the navy and is not looking for love, especially when he finds himself entangled in his sisters’ scheme to trap him into finding a wife at a house party at Lampton Park. Yet amid the festivities, he’s impossibly drawn to the dowager’s quiet companion, Arabella. Their regard for each other is undeniable, but they are haunted by their pasts. Can the two find a way to bridge their worlds?
My Review:
I was just two books shy of completing the Lancaster Family and Jonquil Family series and now I just have one left to read. What has taken me so long to catch up? Likely the idea that once I am caught up it will all be over! I even reread a few of the books instead of finishing the series off! Ridiculous, I know, but now that I’ve immersed myself in this fictional world again, I understand why I am so reluctant to close the door on these characters.
There’s banter aplenty, brotherly hijinks, sisterly plotting — the best of both families with nearly everyone present at a house party. I mean, it can’t get any better than this! Eden’s storytelling is exceptional from dialogue to descriptions and all those lovely fluttery romance vibes.
I loved seeing so many of the couples living out their blissful matrimony — including my beloved dangerous duke who is still as grumpy as ever. But, oh my, how fiercely tender he is with his family. Swoon. And yes, I know I should be reserving my swoons for our current hero, Linus, but old bibliophile habits die hard. Linus is swoonworthy, make no mistake, and I melted into a pile of goo a hundred times over during the course of the read.
Loved the emotional depth in Arabella’s backstory. She’s endured so much and can’t quite believe herself to be worthy of the love and attention she so deserves. Linus is perceptive though, he really sees her when she has so often been overlooked. But he also has his own personal issues to conquer so he isn’t always as keenly observant as he could be. Which, of course, means their happily ever after is a work in progress and keeps a reader on tenterhooks until the very end. Deliciously romantical!
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