THE REVIEW
Lady Vanessa Hughes was orphaned right before her first season in London and spent her year in mourning in the country. Once she was out of mourning, her brother reluctantly moved her to London. She was hoping to finally enjoy her come out but instead her brother sold her to an old man, Lord Horace Hockley, to settle a gambling debt. She knew her duty; she married him and suffered an traumatic wedding night followed by a lonely existence in the country until her husband died. With her year of mourning ending, her stepson has told her she needs to vacate the dowager house and leave for London with no money.

Reed Davenport, Viscount Boxling is eager to marry and have a large family. He never knew his mother but he knows that, although his parents were an arranged marriage, they grew to love each other very much. And when his father remarried, it too was a love match! He has always hoped he would find the same kind of love his father had, but time is running out and he is willing to marry hoping they can come to love each other.

Circumstances bring them both to a house party, both hopeful to meet that someone special. Sparks fly instantly between Reed & Vanessa, but Vanessa is nervous and scared to end up in a marriage like her previous one. Reed has to be patient and allow her to find confidence and prove to her that he is not like Horas the Horrible. I found this to be a sweet story and thank heavens because poor Vanessa desperately needed some love and happiness in her life! And thankfully Reed was the perfect one to give her the time and patience she needed so they could both have a HEA.

TROPES
Historical Romance, Regency Era, House Party, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Titled Hero, Abused Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Musician Heroine, Orphan Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Widowed Heroine, Cinderella Trope, Hero Falls Hard, Found Family, Four Star, Two Flame ( )