From the moment that Evan met Elaine he was enthralled by her. But he was a very dumb 17-year-old and he showed his interest by teasing her, which eventually became verbal harassment by him and his friends (because he didn't want anyone to realize the true nature of his feelings). He eventually was so ashamed of his actions, that he left the country for 10 years, and only returned when family obligations made it necessary.

Elaine has dealt with harassment of others by shrinking into herself for protection. When she sees Evan again after he returns to the country, she thinks that he must be the same awful person that he was. When she sees that he is not the same as he was and he apologizes to her for his actions (and he confessed to his feelings for her), she agrees to try to be friends.

The story then jumps ahead nine months.

This novella had some sweet parts, but too rushed for me to completely enjoy. I lost interest for a few days somewhere in the middle, but decided to go back to finished it. ( )

Once again, Milan writes a unique story with two compelling leads and a story that'll keep surprising you. Elaine's past is tragic and sympathetic, and her courage is heroic. Evan is someone you don't think you can sympathize with because of how he bullied the heroine, but his transformation into a gentleman is both believable and heartwarming.

That said, what Evan did to Elaine was pretty horrific, and while he never physically hurt her, I can't easily forgive him. When I said Evan's transformation was believable, it was, but I just had a hard time believing the two of them would end up together. I felt there was too much baggage between them that got swept under the rug.

I still enjoyed this. Don't think I'll re-read it because it wasn't particularly poignant for me, but it was fun while it lasted. ( )

This lovely novella talks of redemption and forgiveness in such a beautiful way. Evan know he wronged Elaine in a misguided youthful attempt to get her attention, then ran away when he realized how he'd ruined society for her. Coming back now, he makes it all about making things right for her and that's why the story clicks so well. An utter delight. ( )

I adore this story of a strong, yet vulnerable heroine who weathers bullying from the hero and his friends. He regrets his actions and tries to make it up to her. This is soooo my jam, and by my favorite historical romance author, too. Definitely going on the recurring-reads shelf! ( )

2nd Read- I gave this 4 stars the first time, and I'm going to leave it there, but I think it's probably a 3.5 rounded up. It is a nice shorter story dealing with second chances, acceptance, image, and forgiveness. It's only loosely connected to the other stories, so it can definitely be read on its own. ( )