I requested this ARC and promised that I would give a fair and honest review in return. Wrapped in this tumultuous love story is a brief glimpse into the terrible Irishs rebellion. Whenever there is a great upheaval there is also the chance for compassion and love. Certainly this tale holds out that hope.

The Companion's Secret is a very good historical romance. I liked how the author was able to bring about such a compelling story. Gabriel is in need a of a bride but before he knows it, he is smitten with Camellia. Cam has a secret. Good overall writing.

What makes a book truly good? What about a book makes me awaken early and remember how much I want to finish the story I reluctantly didn’t finish the night before? Whatever it is, this story had it. A mysteriously woven rake, with a sad childhood and bad reputation? A bespectacled but intriguing spinster who writes novels? A passion that can’t be denied? These are present in many stories, but few grab my interest from the very first pages, and this one certainly did. There is a formula to romance stories, we all know it, and I’ll admit to needing the formula to work, through the early attraction, the denial of love, the realization of something beyond lust, impending danger of love lost, and finally, the ever so rewarding HEA. This book delivered everything, and delivered it well. Looking forward to the next book, this was a delightful read. Read it in just over a day, despite working a 12 hour shift in the same day.

This book caught my attention right from the first chapter. Good storyline. Great characters. Finished it in 2 days.

I stayed up most of the night to finish this book and I have to say that it is much better than the cover copy makes it sound. Both the hero and heroine are equally interesting, the cousin is a good person and so is the hero's best friend. The heroine wants to write a novel to make the British understand how badly they are treating her people, the Irish (and she is not wrong, by the way). The hero needs a Lady wife to thwart his horrible relatives, except his reputation is so shot that he isn't even received in society so he can only afford to "buy" a wife by offering to forgive some gambling debts. I appreciated the slow burn between the characters and I also appreciated that the characters all knew who they were. I was pleasantly surprised with this novel and I would read this author again.

A late Georgian historical romance impeccably researched and beautifully written - my perfect reads consist of independent heroines and dark and dangerous heroes. I started reading the book yesterday and I only put it down to sleep last night. I loved the story from the first page to the last.

This novel was a nice read. It brings together a stubborn and independent woman and a man who is considered a rake, gambler, and to some a murder. Gabriel Finch, Marquess of Ashborough, wants to save his estate. He collects a debt at a card game and blackmails an introduction, where he will eventually propose marriage to the young lady. He is not accepted by polite society after many rumors have been spread by his uncle, who has been trying to get Gabriel's holdings. What Gabriel does not expect is Camellia Burke, the young lady's Irish cousin. Camellia is a writer and plans on having her novel published, after she makes some modifications according to the publisher. She wants the English to understand what is happening to the Irish people. She knows Gabriel is trouble, but cannot help being attracted to him. Gabriel is much more than he appears to be, choosing to show the side that society expects of him. As Gabriel and Camellia grow closer, he knows he cannot marry her cousin. When Camellia needs to return home, Gabriel goes with her, despite what it could cost him. Camellia and Gabriel open themselves up to each other, which causes Camellia to rethink some of the plots in her novel. Camellia knows Gabriel cannot stay with her and sends him away to protect him. Will they both get the happy ending they both deserve?