Elle
This book single-handedly pulled me out of a massive book slump. I absolutely DEVOURED it and couldn't put it down. Even though I don't typically read historical romances, I'm so glad I decided to take a chance on this one. Aydra writes beautifully and sucked me into her book purely with her words alone. The story was easy to follow and I loved the way she made her characters come alive.
The side characters were great and weren't thrown to the side when it came to the romance and I absolutely adored Elenora and Jillian's friendship and the way Nora encouraged and looked after Jilly.
Jillian was a shining star. She was witty, smart, strong, and compassionate. I admired the way she was the at times the pinnacle of gossip and still stood strong and appeared indifferent to others and stood up for herself when needed to. And I loved the way she tried to discourage James' advances by trying to offend him. It left me genuinely amused,
“I take milk and sugar,” the duke said, the corners of his mouth fighting against a grin. “Do you?” Jilly inquired sweetly. “How lovely.” She shoved the unadulterated tea across the low table toward him.”
“Jillian collected the last of the tea cakes, leaving only a bare plate. “Jillian,” Aunt Marcheline scolded. “You've left none for our guest.”“I didn't invite him,” Jilly said,”
But of course instead of taking offense, the duke loved it and thus begins James' infatuation with her, because she's not like the other “insipid women of the ton”eyeroll
Despite James' misogynistic views at times, (Hey, what's a historical romance without a sprinkle of misogyny?), and his loathing of “vacuous, empty headed London misses” , I found myself loving him, it was likely his only flaw, y'know besides the whole enacting revenge on an innocent woman thing. The way he started to fall for Jillian to a point it started to interfere with his revenge scheme and made his chest tight and his stomach heavy with guilt, it was both heart wrenching and delicious. During their sweet moments together while Jilly was finally opening up to him and allowing herself happiness again, James would get the twinges of guilt and regret and my angst loving self would grin in glee.
And when it came time for the big reveal I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the way Jilly held onto her strength and completely iced The Duke out, (there's nothing I love more then when the wronged heroine shuts down), and set boundaries in which James respected and upheld. I loved the way he showed that he cared for her and found a way to prove to her that he was sorry and he truly did love her whilst still respecting her wishes. Although his grovel wasn't strong, it was realistic and I was glad when things ended up well for them.
Aydra is an underrated gem and I can't wait to delve into her other stories and enjoy them as well.
