Worth Fighting For

I absolutely loved this book, and Matilda Madison's writing. I've been struggling with the general way romance books show conflict between the characters. The main conflict always seem to be unbelievable, an absolutely ridiculous reason, or the reason being seemingly out of character. The reason, however for the split/conflict between these two characters was actually believable and honestly a bit understandable when you think about the time period and characters' personalities. It didn't make me angry at them or confused, but empathetic for their reasons. Yes, where there's a will there's a way, (eye roll), but I was honestly engaged and curious on how the characters were going to rectify their problem and what would be the turning point for them. THAT is good storytelling. Romance usually has a happy ending, but still wondering how the author will spin it is great writing. Then again the writing was great from the beginning. I was immediately in love with the characters' personalities. The strong capable, Catherine Rhodes, and the respectful intriguing and protective Alex Rhodes Baron De Greaves. I love a strong capable character who is the opposite of a damsel in distress. I also love a man who adores a strong woman and isn't intimidated by them or trying to dim their light, and that man is Alex Rhodes. I love the way Alex's personality is, and how he continuously cares for Catherine. There's the reoccurring theme of guilt and freedom that comes across and I love the way Matilda Madison added those and helped you to really see why the characters hold those themes close to their heart. I just really enjoyed this book overall, and smiled through the entire last chapter. I was always worried about dipping my toe into historical romance novels, but I've been swayed now thanks to this book. Also here's to hoping we get a book about the youngest sister Lydia, as I'm not ready for this series to be over!

I enjoyed the read. It had entertaining content relevant to the genre. Overall I found it pleasant and would highly recommend it to friends and family.

4.5 stars

The story though it is nothing new in terms of plot is so beautifully written and so compelling that I could hardly put it down. I wish I had a physical copy so that I could underline, annotate and put post-its to mark my favorite pages. Because there were pages and pages of incredibly romantic and also moving paragraphs. Not only about love and longing but also about loneliness, fear of losing control, longing and angst.

Matilda Madison is an author that is new to me. This book starts as an enemies to lovers and forced proximity story. Catherine has traumas from her very short marriage five years ago. A marriage to a controlling man who left her in a lot of debts. He was the late Baron de Greaves and he died of old age and illness leaving Catherine fending for herself and starting a business as a horsewoman with the financial help of her brother, who was the hero of the first book. Thanks to her talent and her determination she manages to set the estate, the townhouse and her horses to rights even becoming wealthy for the sake of the heir.

Alex’s sister died in mysterious circumstances leaving two young twin daughters. They’re Bostonians and he’s found to be the heir of the de Greaves baronetcy through a distant relative. For a reason that I won’t unveil it takes him and the girls five years to finally move to England and with the help, first of Catherine’s brother, then from Catherine herself they are able to settle in a completely different country and in completely different circumstances. Alex is very protective of her nieces and he begs Catherine to stay with them for a while to educate the girls in the customs of the ton. When winter leaves and the Season starts something from Alex’s past comes back to haunt him, and both he and Catherine will need all the strength and companionship they could possibly have.

This is the story of a man who falls deeply in love with a woman who doesn’t bear to be touched because of her past. He puts her needs and her desires first and lets her lead every situation so she can feel comfortable in his presence. I loved Alex so much. But of course Catherine is just as brilliant, she’s not afraid of love but she’s reluctant to let a man into her heart for fear of losing control over herself. She’s been alone for five year, fending for herself and succeeding as a business woman, she is taken as a rarity amongst the ton and the gentlemen wouldn’t court her. Ironically the reasons why she’s never been courted by these idiots are the same reasons why Alex loves her so much; she’s hardworking, witty, intelligent, knows what she wants and takes no nonsense from anybody. They both are trustworthy but what they need to finally be together is to trust love itself.

The widowed Dowager, Catherine Rhodes, makes a promise to herself, never let any man control her life. She had enough with the cruelty of her father and deceased husband.
Alex Rhodes, the new Baron de Greaves is American. He doesn't care about London Society, but for his twin nieces he will play the part of an English baron. Catherine is willing to polish Alex and his nieces for their arrival in London. Alex and Catherine start a passionate affair, but it will lead nowhere, until a threat from America places their lives on the line. Great plot with a steamy romance.
Heat level 4.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book

I was pleasantly surprised by this superb book. The writing was excellent and the characters well-developed. Enjoyed the thrilling plot and the good writing.