Chapter One
As they danced, Jasper felt a deep sense of inevitability. This was the moment he had been waiting for. Abigail Browning would be his. He was determined to win her heart—no matter what it took.
Throughout the evening, they spoke—Abigail's grace and charm, her intelligence, her warmth—Jasper marveled at all of it. She was more than just a beautiful lady; she was someone who would make a true partner for him. And by the end of the night, he knew what he had to do.
He sought out her father, asking if he could call on him the following day. Meanwhile, Philip, who was very much entranced by Lady Sophia, made his own decision. He would speak with Lady Sophia's father and express his interest in courting her, hoping to solidify their connection.
And so, under the glittering chandeliers of that grand ballroom, the dance of desire had only just begun.
★★★★★
"This is a beautifully written story of heartache and redemption. I'm torn to pick a favorite part of the book between the support and friendship Violet found in the distant village she was sent to or William's arrival and efforts to win a place in her heart again.
So much happens in their lives while together and apart which we get to watch. William learns to stand his ground in his cold and lonely life as he rejects the false role he was dragged into. Violet and Lily, their daughter, on the other hand are protected and nurtured in a new home however humble it was. The details of their simple life and the growing friendships with the secondary characters were a joy to read and gave this story so much warmth. My compliments to the author for taking the time to share these small but essential scenes. I think they were my favorite.
We also had William facing the truth about himself which showed us a man in great pain. I was so happy when he finally went after his family, but I was also happy that Violet didn't make things easy at the same time. They had so many things to work out and overcome but in the end they got their HEA.
I love a good betrayal and we definitely got that here too. His parent's actions were despicable, his words to Violet during the betrayal scene brought me to tears and left me wondering if I could ever forgive him. But, that is what the rest of the story is for and I definitely changed my mind about him.
Enjoy the read, this will be an definite re-read for me when I want both heartache and warmth."
4Katydid Donahue
★★★★★
"I don’t read very many period romances because they often because all too often they use lack of communication and weak FMC’s as the majority of the plot. THIS IS NOT THAT.
This story was written so eloquently, that I never forgot what genre I was reading, but the pacing, angst, and character transformations were exactly what I look forward in a romance. I’m a high angst junkie, who grew up reading Jane Austen, and this book was like catnip to my inner Elizabeth Bennett.
In this story I got everything I’m addicted to:
🖤Absolute wanker of an MMC, who redeems
💛 FMC who shows incredible strength amidst devastation
❤️🔥MMC who grovels and suffers for his actions
🩵side characters we love
🩷prose that are masterfully written to make you feel like you’re reading a period novel, but a story that breaks your heart and puts it back together in the best way.
A.M. Kray has become an auto buy for me, and I hope she never stops cranking these stories out."
BK