Master of None (Millcastle #2) - Kate Pearce 

Forced marriage & marriage of convenience are two of my favorite tropes and this story hit all the high marks in what I think these tropes should be. The narrative/voice of this author made the story tangible and the characters jump out of the page. 

Emily has always been a dutiful, obedient daughter so when her father tells her she must marry the manager of one of his mills she reluctantly acquiesces to her father’s wishes. I liked her character a whole lot. She gave the illusion of being a meek woman however she was never afraid to speak up when in disagreement or when someone pushed her limits. 
Adam had this quiet confidence that made him both endearing and appealing, and I think his greatest flaw was his pride because he always thought to be right. On the other hand there were times I felt bad for the poor guy, what with him having to deal with an expanding empire, his new bride, family disputes, and old flames trying to destroy his marriage. But even with all the burdens that were suddenly thrown their way, Emily and Adam managed to create a joyous if not perfect marriage. The chemistry between the two was not exactly “explosive” but it was believable and real, what a real marriage should be like, especially when it started the way it did. 

The suspense, real-life hardships, emotional scenes, and well-defined characters, not to mention a true historical setting feeling, made this story a highly enjoyable read. Oh, and that man on the cover of the book, so-very Adam! 

*I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.*

The Lord of Lost Causes - Kate Pearce 

Francis is a man that fell from grace while still a soldier. He’s now a rich man that can be best described as callous, cynical, and mercenary. His relationship with Caroline started as a business transaction and nothing more. While I appreciate the historical accuracy of Caroline’s circumstances I was not happy with the way she was coerced into doing things she most definitely didn’t want to do in order to pay her debts. That part of the story reminded me of the old bodice rippers, when the woman fell head over heels by the “hero” despite him being a jerk. 
And yet, I couldn’t bring myself to hate Francis. He might have been a reprobate however, and as much as he tried to deny it, he was also compassionate and just in his own way. In the end, his redeeming qualities outdid his ruthlessness and he became the man Caroline always knew he could be. And what is best is that it was done in a totally believable way. 

That being said, I’m not a fan of stories where the heroine must suffer quietly while the man has his way with her and everyone around him. I know, that’s the way things used to be but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. 

**I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.**