2/5

This book... how to properly explain my experience with this book.

I think, generally, I was very confused. I have not read the first book in this series, so that may be why I was so confused. I can't be sure if it would help since I haven't read it, but I don't think this can be read easily as a standalone, and you should probably read the first one before starting this one. It's not like other interconnected romance series where each book can be read on its own. I'm not sure if the intention was for this to be able to be read as a standalone, but it surely was not accomplished. I was SO confused for the first half of this book.

Once I kind of understood what was going on, I enjoyed the book a lot more. I really liked the focus on race throughout this book. The Hero is Black, and the Heroine is from Jamaica. Themes of race and interracial relationships were explored, which I haven't often read in historical romance novels. It was refreshing and so welcome.

That's about where my praise ends. I didn't love the characters very much. I didn't like that Jemina consistently hit Daniel whenever she was upset. And I didn't understand why their conflict dragged out for so long. If they had just communicated better with one another, the majority of the conflict within this novel could have been avoided. Conflict fueled solely by poor communication doesn't really do it for me.

There were also some things left unfinished in this book, which I'm assuming will be cleared up in future books. So I would just caution people expecting this to be a typical romance book within a series; do not expect all loose ends to be tied up. You'll have to read the next book (I think) to get closure.

This book just wasn't what I was expecting. And the parts that I did like, while lovely, didn't make up for the confusion, inconsistent pacing, and general lack of structure the book had. I wish I had liked it more. I'm super willing to check out other books by this author in the future, but this one was just not right for me.

This was a pretty fun historical romance!! I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I wanted to but I enjoyed the story!

This book has a good enough underlying idea but was poorly executed. I worked out the plot twist in the first chapter and spent the rest of the book waiting for it. The long winding story didn’t create suspense, only boredom. It could potentially be adapted to a good film.

Sometimes a book comes along in a particular genre that is just so different in a totally brilliant way that you catch your breath. For me, An Earl, the Girl an a Toddler was that book. The writing is so strong and original, the style so witty and refreshing that I was blown away. This book has everything including wonderfully realised characters. It's funny, moving and thoughtful. I fell headlong in love with it.!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me the chance to read and review this book

Vanessa had me invested in the story line as per usual. Ive felt for and loved Jemima since the first book. I've had idea in my head of what her story could possibly be. How she ended up where she was.
Daniel is a sensible and logical man and these characteristics make him pefect for Jamina These two together just works. I appreciate the history imbedded in the story. But not just the history, the story that are not normally not told in romance novels. I appreciated and loved the whole thing.

I found myself enjoying this plot line more so than the first book! I so wish Jemina would have gotten her memories back but I understand that she didn’t need them and loved Daniel and Hope more than her memories. Rating this a 3.75

This is a terrific example of historical romance done properly. Original, fresh, charming, smart and insightful at the same time. The characters are likable. I love how this series include such a diverse class of characters - just like our real world. :) The historical details are so accurate and shows a lot of research. :) Love this book.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review