Mr. West and the Widow is a sweet story and a fitting end to the Brazen Beauties series. (FYI, I didn't think Victoria was particularly brazen.) It's definitely got the Beauty-and-the-Beast trope going on, along with a new interpretation of best-friend's-sister. Where it lacked for me was that the slow burn was way too slow.

Colin is very convinced that he's more beast than man, and he is sure no one could ever love him. Therefore, whenever Victoria so much as twitches in his presence--usually due to feeling sparks--he's certain he is repulsing her. That concern dominates the bulk of the plot, though there are some agrarian issues and a secondary romance subplot that also move the story along. It takes a while for Victoria to convince Colin she really desires him, and it then takes him longer to convince her he wants to marry her. See, she has a few (not insurmountable) issues that are alluded to that don't surface until much later in the book. In short, their road to an HEA is a bit rocky but does move forward.

Reading the previous two books is not necessary for appreciating this one, though if you have read them, you'll enjoy seeing both other couples again here. They play a fairly significant role. (Grayson is still a little assholey but redeemable, btw.) A few characters from other Barnes'series have cameos as well, and I just love that.

Overall, a good read with lovely characters, and a very nice epilogue to round things out.

I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion.

A thoroughly enjoyable regency romp, with a unique storyline that keeps the reader engaged. This story is unlike others I’ve read, which made it a refreshing change. There are some explicit scenes, but they are fairly short and don’t add to the story, so can be skipped by the reader if desired. The romance element is lovely and quite realistic

Mrs Victoria Leighton and Mr Colin West have not had easy lives. Colin’s pain is visible for all to see. Victoria’s is deeper but no less painful.

They meet by accident but find a tragedy links them.

Both have sworn off marriage for their own reasons. They become friends but can they become more?

Of course we know the answer before we start reading. It’s the journey that’s important and this was good. A little slow in the middle. The curse of so many period romances. But it was a beautiful story and the right book at the right time for me.

I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Ex-soldier Colin is forced to take shelter at the home of Victoria who is a beautiful poverty stricken reclusive widow. Touched by her problems, he invites her to his home for a house party. Through dealing with problems on both of their estates, they come to admire each other. However, can they trust each other? I received an ARC from NetGalley and the author for my honest review.