After a duke's betrayal, the resilient Sarah Forrester reinvents herself as the Golden Lady: society's leading light, the beautiful and witty life of the party. It's all a façade of course-one that protects her from another intimate disloyalty. When her old friend, Lieutenant Jackson Fletcher, returns to London, he is determined to rediscover the true and trusting Sarah he once knew. It'll take more than a kiss and a promise. It might even call for an innocent and necessary deception.
Then Jackson is enlisted to help capture the lead suspect in a murder— a man who happens to be Sarah's most ardent suitor. Jack must continue the deception, and weathering this newest and gravest betrayal will be Sarah's ultimate test. But as Jack's passion for her grows, he must also reveal his own secrets. And as the killer turns his attention to his pursuers, more than love and trust is put at risk.
Series: The Blue Raven #4
Genre: Historical romance
Pages: 352
Published: April 2012 by Berkley
Source: Won
My thoughts:
This is the 4th book but yes it could also be read as a stand alone. The first 2 takes place a few years before book 3 and this one, and book 3, well in that one we see Jason fall in love and that is how this book starts. Jason leaves Sarah on their engagement party. If I had not read book 3 I am sure I would have been very unhappy with him, but he was in love, and Sarah, wanted stability only.
The Sarah that used to be is transformed after The Event into the darling of the Ton, cos else she is just The Girl who lost a Duke. She becomes more snobbish and knows how to cut someone. But she is not unlikable as you see that it's only a facade she puts up to deal with all the whispers and of course she was sad too since she thought they would have been happy.
In comes Jackson Fletcher, an old friend who does not like the new Sarah. He wants the old Sarah back, I do like that they have history, and that he is not fooled by a pretty face. But for these two to actually fall in love takes time, a lot of time. I can't say anything more, but they do avoid each other or argue a lot. But he falls, and she needs to let go.
And of course there is Blue Raven business going on (he is a spy), there is danger, a sinister plot and Sarah and Jackson is in the middle of it all. We also meet Marcus and Philippa (book 1) again as Philippa is the one who makes Sarah into the Golden lady. And it's always fun to meet up with old couples.
Conclusion:
It was what I wanted it to be. I also found myself interested in reading a book about her sister, I think it could be fun.
Cover:
Lovely!
I'm kind of picky when it comes to historical romances but this one sounds a little different and interesting to me. Added it to the list!
ReplyDeleteI am picky too. It seems to be harder for me to take a chance on a HR book than with other books
DeleteSounds like a complex and intriguing plot. :)
ReplyDeleteNah, well at the end ;D
DeleteI like it when they take time to build a love. It seems more organic and refreshing to me. Plus, it sounds like her sister will have a book down the line somewhere if she was that intriguing :)
ReplyDeleteI do hope her sister gets a book cos she deserves a spotlight too. This was her first season and no one saw her
DeleteI loved the cover and the book sounds interesting:-)
ReplyDeleteI totally want that dress! ;)
DeleteGlad you enjoyed! :)
ReplyDeleteI am very happy that I won it :D
DeleteI am happy that I won it :D
DeleteI read the first book in the series and really enjoyed it, I'm looking forward to getting caught up. I do like that they all can be read as stand alones though, sometimes I like to skip around:)
ReplyDeleteI read the 3rd one first ;) Then book 1, book 2 and now 4. So a bit of jumping around over the last year
DeleteThis sounds so good and I enjoy this genre.
ReplyDeleteThey are always fun to read :)
DeleteIt was already on my TBR list so I'm glad you liked it :)
ReplyDeleteI hope that you will enjoy it too :)
DeleteHmm nice review Blodeuedd, an author I have not yet picked up though.
ReplyDeleteConsidering that you like the genre you should really try one of her books :)
DeleteSounds like a book I can deal with since you don't have to read in order. Still, sounds like it would be better in order!
ReplyDeleteWell sure it would be better but I like that I read book 3 first. Cos in book 2 Jason was so young and annoying and here, well here he dumped Sarah
DeleteHaven't read historical romances in ages and now I wanna read this. Guess I have to look out for book 1 :)
ReplyDeleteIn ages?! Well...now when you say it I have not seen you read one in ages
DeleteI don't read historical romances, but I like to check out reviews about them so I can see what I'm missing out on. This one seems very engaging, especially since it made you want to read about another character's story.
ReplyDeleteI like HR, it's the fluffiness of it all and it takes me back to when I really fell for books. i always loved books, but then I started reading romances, what a joy
DeleteOooh, sounds like a HR I'll have to check out. ^.^ I love HR (as you know). The cover is lovely! I hate yellow, but for some reason I'm in love with that dress.
ReplyDeleteI am not a big fan of yellow either. Maybe cos I have found only one shade of yellow that fit me, all other shades makes me look like I am ill ;)
Deletehaha better ill than a twinkie like me. ;) I had to wear a yellow gown for my graduation ceremony and MAN did I look odd. lol
Deletei think it's fun when books can take you into so many different directions with characters!! Loving the cover.
ReplyDeleteI can't get over the pretty cover :)
DeleteI love the cover and the book sounds lovely..i would want to read them in order though..lol
ReplyDeleteGood idea ;)
DeleteThat is cool that it can be read as a stand alone. :) Thanks! :D
ReplyDeleteI do like that. Still a series, but you would not be lost
DeleteNew to me but I also like the cover very much.
ReplyDeleteIt is just so pretty
DeleteIs this the last book in the series. It seems like two very distinct plot-lines going on here. I wonder how they mesh.
ReplyDeleteThe Raven plotline started in book 1, it's not a different plotline..I can't spoil it but it's one plot in this one
DeleteHistorical Romances aren't really my thing but I can understand how a girls who is dumped by her finacee gets haughty! :)
ReplyDeleteI like them cos they are fluffy and nice :=D
DeleteHR are really not my thing. Yellos is really not my colour. If you fiance dumps you - celebrate, it could have been worse. Have a nice day!
ReplyDeleteNot your thing *coughs* Miss I am reading Milan and other books ;)
DeleteI like HR but haven't read this series, I'm gonna check them out and maybe I'll add first book to my TBR. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you try this series and that you enjoy it too :D
DeleteSounds good! I read the third book and liked it, so I'm sure going to read this one :)
ReplyDeleteThe third one was the one I read first, and yes I really liked it :D
Deletei like what you said about him wanting the 'old her' back. it sounds very intriguing b/c people do change a lot.
ReplyDeleteAnd she did not exactly change for the better
DeleteHistorical romances aren't my favorite but this one doesn't sound too bad.
ReplyDeleteShe is good so you should give her a chance :)
DeleteI always like it when I meet old beloved characters again in subsequent books... I think that is one of the attractions in reading a series.
ReplyDeleteThat's true :) It's fun to meet up and see how they are doing, if there are babies and so on
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