This novel has a lot to be interested about and also a lot of things to be disappointed about. There are a few things I absolutely enjoyed. The backstory was solid and interesting and the characters made me want to read more. Especially Elena. But there were a few things that I began to find frustrating.

The majority has to do with Adam, Lord Hawthorne. I found him sadly boring and predictable. If I were Elena I would have thrown him over as soon as she found her freedom. She seems to be a lot more forgiving than I am. Adam speaks of loyalty at a certain point, in relation to his first wife, but then jumps to conclusions as soon as Elena reveals herself- Just as a side note... I thought it a little weird that she was completely okay with him remaining to call her by her assumed name, rather than her actual one. Also, the plan he concocted is if anything very unfair towards her. Not only does he make her stand in the same room as her accuser and abuser, but he doesn't tell her before hand that he is doing so. It is stated that he does this in order to make sure that she does not the Duke a sign before the 'theatrics' played out. This not only shows that he still doesn't believe or trust her. Also it's incredibly rude and unacceptable, even if he's doing it for her. In this novel I fear it's a case of the fact that nothing is entirely altruistic, which really saddens me.

I'm a great fan of Carole Mortimer's novels. But this one just didn't do it for me. Let's hope the next one once again blows me away.