This was an okay romance to read. I didn't find either Samantha or Raven particularly memorable characters. Both were kind of annoying at times. The story line was fine. Honestly, I struggled to finish this one.

I recently read this book as part of the Extreme Book Nerd Challenge for the category a book with royalty in it. The Russian prince was by far one of my favorite characters and I loved the fun spirit he brought to this wonderful, although somewhat tragic, romance. This is an adult read but it is a good one and if you like historical romance it's a great selection!

I supposed you could call this one a somewhat volatile love story. Raven and Samantha are attracted from the moment they met, but both have pain and secrets from the past that stand in the way of their happily ever after. Add in a political enemy threatening Raven and a little surprise for Samantha and the story becomes even more interesting. A strong, determined (stubborn) hero and heroine coupled with a fast paced story make this one an enjoyable read.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The review is voluntary.

Reclusive, cold as ice, the politically powerful Raven, Duke of Ravensmere, denies love after the tragic deaths of his duchess and baby. He is bound by his vow never to allow love to enter his heart again. Samantha Winston permits him to seek refuge in her carriage in a time of need, and what started as a kiss in the name of safety, becomes something more pleasurable and not so safe after all. Samantha, a young widow with a secret, irreverent and high-spirited, has constructed impenetrable walls against all men.
It took me some time to ‘get into’ the book & I was starting to think it wasn’t for me but I persevered & I’m very pleased I did as the more I read the more I was hooked. I also didn’t immediately relate to Raven & Samantha but as with the story they grew on me. A slow burner of a book, the pace does increase & by the second half I was engrossed.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

I have to say this was a DNF I'm afraid. It started well and I had high hopes, only to be get half way through and give up.

I really must stop asking for Regency romances, especially ones written by Americans or for the American market. I generally find there's one or more errors that are glaring enough to stop me in my tracks and therefore spoil my enjoyment.

There were several in this book, one of which could be semi deliberate, one of which is just an out and out error. The first (possibly deliberate) point is Raven asking for investors to stump up £50,000 as an initial deposit in a new company. The reason I say semi-deliberate, is I think the author is trying to indicate this is a fairly large sum, but not impossible for investors to come up with. However, inflation doesnt seem to have been taken into account here. With the introduction of gaslight, I'm going to guess that this book is set in the 1860s. Calculations result in £50,000 being approximately £4,700,000. You know anyone else with £5million ready cash lying around? (especially when, later in the book, Raven alludes to the fact that he could have brought a house for £1000). Bearing in mind, a few decades later in reality, the British aristocracy were marrying rich American women in order to bring some much needed cash to keep their houses up to date, then £50,000 was just so....wrong.

The second error that stopped me in my tracks is, whilst on a picnic, desert includes "chocolate grenache layered cakes" . Now, maybe she did mean Grenache. However, it's a type of wine and I'm not sure that it would be combined with chocolate to layer a cake. She might have meant Ganache, which *is* used in baking, and cakes in particular. Whether or not these cakes would have been served at this time, I dont know, but again, it stopped me in my tracks.

Another thing that spoilt my enjoyment was the dialogue. The following is an example of Samantha talking to Raven the first time they have been formally introduced to each other, this time at a ball


"I'm impressed with you" she said. "when you spoke of your late wife, you struck an emotional chord with me. Grief overtook your face. You could not know, but my heart cried for you to know such love and such sorrow. I will never forgive myself for my behaviour when I know I'm better than that." Samantha fingered her fan. "I would not bring such sad memories to life again when I can see hw painful it is to you. I, oo, have struggled with sadness. So I share your misery but for different reasons."

If this is the way the other books have been written then I'm glad I havent read any of the others. I only got to 50% and then I had to give up

A more contemporary spin on a classic storyline. I did enjoy this book but beware there is A LOT going on and sometimes it’s a little hard to follow. Not to the point where you’re lost but this is a book you need to read straight through, breaks would probably not be advised.

Sandra Masters is a new author to me. But she is now on my favorite list! Raven and Samantha's story is so well thought out. Their character development is excellent, and I really wanted them to be able to look to the future and not the past. I never tell about the story in a review...sort of spoils the whole reason for reading, but I promise you won't be disappointed.

This Book did not make the marks for me. Samantha was a very frustrating and annoying character to say the least. Raven was developed a little better but fell short. The book felt jumbled and at time I was unable to tell when topics change or/characters thoughts switched places. The book is not terrible but not for me. I received this book from NetGalley for a honey review.

This was a very enjoyable historical romance, both characters had suffered tragedies but together they overcome them, there was a back story about the formation of an electric cartel I would have liked more about but overall a good read.