Released: March 15, 2016
Historical Romance
Kensington
Reviewed by Mandi
Jane has loved the town’s squire, Matthew, for as long as she can remember. They have been friends, but when Matthew married a woman named Elizabeth, Jane was devastated. Some time later it becomes public knowledge that Elizabeth has had an affair, and left her husband. This causes great scandal obviously, and leaves Matthew very upset. He feels as though he has failed as a husband, not being able to keep his wife happy. He becomes depressed and grumpy, and the town gossip does improve his mood.
Jane is still in love with him, but so tired of his depressed attitude. There is tension between them, but she can’t stand the way he shrugs off everything she says. So on somewhat of an impulse, Jane decides to go to Bath. Her father died and left her property, and she has never been to see it. She also has a calling to help those women and children in the city of Bath who are less fortunate than her. Jane decides it’s time to make a move in her life and do something. When Matthew hears of this, he is upset and feels protective and decides to accompany Jane to Bath for a brief time.
Of course then they realize they have feelings, but Matthew is still technically married and the story progresses. Unfortunately, I found is so slow. At first Matthew is all surly and staring at Jane and ticked off and I liked it. And Jane loves him and wants this intense man. But then the intensity in Matthew turns more into a whiny, simpering mess. A man who can’t commit to Jane because of Elizabeth but who wants Jane. So he just follows her around, as Jane experiences Bath and I needed more from them. I wanted to shake them both and tell them to get on with it. I understand Matthew is still married and needs to rectify that situation – so go rectify it! For the love.
While in Bath, Jane decides to help a woman raising a bunch of kids – who doesn’t want Jane’s help. This drags out throughout the story and it didn’t engage me. Meanwhile, Jane can’t make up her mind if Matthew is really the one for her.
By the end, when they do cement their romance, there is emotion and feeling. But it was too little too late to save the story.
Grade: C-
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