I loved Lucien and Elise's story!!

Reunion stories are always one of my favorites and this one did not disappoint!! Lucien had never gotten over Elise and does his best to never be in the same place as her, but eventually his luck runs out...or does it?!? Having endured a horrible marriage and left with nothing, Elise is uncertain what her future holds.

I loved watching these two find their way back to each other and I'm so excited to see how Felicity finds her HEA in the conclusion of the series!

This is the first book in this series that I’ve read and I not as satisfied as I’d hoped to be based on the blurb.

Lucien was devastated when Elise left him for a wealthier aristocrat, so much so that the damage had almost be permanent. I understood his pain, and my heart went out to him. The had a long history together, and for her to have written him off so easily – at least that’s the way it seemed- made his initial reaction understandable. I must admit, I was a little perturbed by her, but I knew that there’d be some good reason for what she’d done, although not what I assumed -parents forcing her in order to save the family from financial ruin. I must say, I’m glad it hadn’t been that as it would’ve been too cliche, not that the real reason was a whole lot better, albeit different.

As it turned out, I did like Elise, although I was still rather chagrined by her past behavior. The first thing I thought when I found out why she left him was the exact same thing he thought when she FINALLY told him the truth (after pussyfooting around and making excuses not to for far too long). She hadn’t trusted him. Their love had been so strong (so they said) that at the first threat to their happiness, she cowed down instead of going to him and trusting him to help her. It was his sister that she was ultimately trying to save, and if she’d known him half as well as she claimed – and should’ve since they’d known each other since their were children – she should’ve known he and everyone else in his family would’ve protected her and his sister. But she played the martyr and gave up their life together without even explaining anything to him. This was difficult for me to get over as a reader. For the author to write a love so strong but make the character react that way. It just didn’t mesh.

I got tired of the sex mainly because it was a deterrent to doing what actually needed to be done – talking. Also, it made Lucien seem weak, not lovelorn. She’d broken his heart tremendously – as evident by his intense reaction – but the moment he saw her again, he couldn’t help himself and they ended up having sex. What’s more disturbing is where they were and both of their reasons for being there which the location itself explains. But on and on – they see each other with the intent of settling things, and end up having sex and leaving everything else unsettled. I believe the author’s goal in doing this (not that I’m a mind-reader) was to show passion and an unbreakable connection, but it fell flat. Lucien didn’t trust Elise, but he loved her so much he couldn’t keep his hands off her. She hadn’t trusted him to be there for her, but she couldn’t say no to him. Once again, it doesn’t mesh well. What kept me reading was my desire to know the real reason behind her departure years earlier. And then I wanted to know how that issue would be resolved, which I see I have to read the next book to find out. I like Felicity, and I’d like to see how her and Asher work things out, but I’m almost afraid of being disappointed again.

a beautifully done redemption story. I love when past lovers reconnect and they struggle to trust each other again. I couldn't put it down.

***I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a true and honest review, but I also purchased a copy for my private Kindle Library.***

I love Jess Michaels and every time you pick up a book from her you know she will not disappoint. This is the third book in the series, but it certainly can be read as a stand-alone. The story is engaging, and pretty steamy. Our heroine Elise, Duchess of Kirkwood is finally a widow that has had rough marriage life. Three years living with a monster that she was pressured to marry, she carries a deep secret. Now that she is a widow she is hoping that things would be better, but to her horror she is forced to look for a protector or suffer at the hands of the new duke, the Duke of Kirkwood. He has learned of some of the power that the former husband had over her and is ready to use it for his own benefit.

Enter our hero, Lucian Danford, Earl of Stenfax, once and still the love of her life. She walked out on him to marry the Duke of Kirwood. In doing so managed to destroy his life and earn the hatred of Lucian’s family. But she may have the opportunity to make things right, and hopefully be able to once again have his love, by acquiring his protection. Poor Lucian has been living a bitter life. Still very much in love with Elise, wanting her back, wanting to protect her but not being able to forgive her for what she did to him.

This is a sweet story of forgiveness, reawakening and learning to trust again. When Lucian and his family finally learn the dark secret that made Elise marry the former Duke, you just can’t help but admire this young woman. What she did in the name of love, to protect those that she loves and the sacrifice she had to bear.

Give it a try and enjoy the other books in the series! ☺