An Inconvenient Beauty

An Inconvenient Beauty
Hawthorne House #4
By Kristi Ann Hunter

Griffith has watched his younger siblings all find love and has witnessed the mistakes his closest friends have made on their own journeys to love and matrimony. And Griffith is determined to have a plan that will remove any and all chances of him making similar blunders. For the past year, he has been watching and his effort has paid off - he has determined that Miss Frederica St. Claire will be the woman he will marry.

There is just one problem - Griffith has to actually speak to the object of his logical determinations. After Trent's experiences, Griffith knows that love can come after the vows have been said. And Griffith has never had cause to doubt his logically thought out decisions so he is positive his approach to love and marriage will be a success.

Unfortunately, Griffith's attempts at courting Frederica are being thwarted by Frederica's cousin Isabella Breckenridge. It isn't that Isabella is trying to interfere but somehow they just end up spending time together. But with Isabella being the societal bell of the London season and the object of every gentleman's attention Griffith knows that she could never be the lady for him.

But Isabella is living a lie, one put forth to secure the future of her family. And if the truth comes out Isabella and those closest to her could be hurt and Isabella's chances of marriage will be gone (not that she is looking). And the longer Isabella is in society the greater the danger that the truth of who she truly is will be known.

Can Griffith find love based on logic or will his heart rebel and lead him in another direction? Only time will tell - and all of society has their eye on him after all he is the Duke of Riverton and his family is known for their marriages based on love.

I really think this book is my favorite in this series - though the first two were up there in the reading enjoyment factor. I like the way Griffith thinks things through and has a plan even though it doesn't go quite the way he planned it. And Miranda and Georgina are fun as they offer advice to their big brother in the ways of the heart. This is a definite high note on which this series is ending and Griffith's story is the perfect conclusion.

I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

Our hero and heroine each have an agenda, and neither of them want to fall in love. They’re approaching their problems practically and though both are in mission mode, they’re surprised by the inconvenience of attraction and growing affection. I loved this conflict. It was fun watching their efforts fail while they fought their feelings.

I enjoyed the brotherly friendship between Ryland and Griffith. It’s rare in fiction lately, and it stood out as strong and honorable. Once again, Kristi’s humor injections made me laugh aloud. Such a fun element in a regency, which genre can at times be stuffy and proper. That balance is one reason I love this author’s work.

Kristi also gets to the center of these characters’ hearts. One of the book's themes was freedom. Though he’s a duke, Griffith isn’t wholly free. Another theme was helping one’s family to the extent of sacrificing personal comfort and preferred future.

I also love how Kristi includes a strong but subtle faith thread in her novels. Here’s what I mean: without preaching at readers, she weaves into either the heroine's or the hero’s life a need for God, a sense that He longs for her/him. In this novel, the heroine misses God and wonders if He misses her too. How delicious is that? Readers can feel that dynamic while considering their own faith. It’s personalized in that way, without readers feeling condemned or labeled or condescended to. So well done in her novels!

Such an enjoyable read! I recommend reading this series in order to get the most out of it.

Highly recommended!

Really enjoyed this one. Uncle Percy was awful. I understand his plight, but not his execution. Bella was too hard on herself. She was trying to save her family from ruin. I loved fiesta Frederika who fought for her love. No one was going to discourage or stop her. Lord Riverton is swoon worthy. Who doesn’t love a big and husky teddy bear of a man?

I need Frederika’s story with her soldier.

Highly recommend

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