Blurb
Merrick Welbourne never expected to discover a long-lost twin! Particularly one who'd rob him and leave him senseless on the road. Now living his brother's aristocratic life, he had new trials, tribulations ... and temptations he'd never dreamed of. Not the least being Chloe Simon, she of rare mettle, proud heart and unmatchable beauty!
Chloe Simon knew Lord Lindale was definitely not himself. After encountering the masked highwayman Hawk, he seemed ... different. More approachable. More ... desirable. And in stolen moments of startling intimacy, he made her feel like titled nobility. But she was only a doctor's daughter, with every reason to steer clear of his very kissable lips...!
Review
Thirty years ago, the prince of a small European country promised
to marry the daughter of a Scottish earl, and she bore him twins. Then he
decided to marry another woman. When they separated, they each took one of
their infant sons and told the boys falsehoods about the other parent to
protect them from the truth.
Now, in 1831, Crown Prince Merrick Welbourne IV of
Meridian knows something is amiss with his father. The king is miserable, and
Merrick goes to the wilds of Scotland to find out why. While en route to Glen
Abbey Manor, a group of highwaymen attack his carriage and hold Merrick at
knifepoint, but the face of his captor is all too familiar. He’s knocked
unconscious, but nothing is the same when he wakes up. The thieves believe
Merrick is their leader, Hawk, and Merrick must pretend to be so for his own
safety and to get the answers he needs.
Chloe Simon is Lady Fiona’s nurse, and she despises the
lady’s pompous son, Ian, the Earl of Lindale. When Ian (Merrick) returns one
night, injured and seemingly drunk, she lets him know just how much she
despises him. Attraction sizzles between them for the first time, and she knows
something isn’t right. Once she realizes the mysterious highwayman, Hawk, a man
she idolizes, is also Ian, she finally accepts the love that’s been building in
her heart. But Ian (Merrick) has another secret, one she’s desperate to
uncover.
This is an amazing story. I love it. There are so many
twists and turns. All the characters are lying to one another, but everyone
knows that the others are lying, and everyone is just too stubborn to give in
and talk about everything they know. Normally, this type of plot would annoy
me, but I found it very intriguing. The author wrote in a compelling manner
from multiple POVs, so the reader would never be confused and to know all the
characters’ motives behind the lying. I enjoyed the banter, the half-truths,
the coaxing, and teasing between Merrick and Chloe, as well as with Fiona.
Merrick and Ian’s mother was a wonderful, strong-willed
woman who’s trapped in a cage of relentless mistakes. I felt so bad for her and
completely despised Julian, her ex-lover the king and the twins’ father. But,
at the same time, I feel bad for Julian. Yes, the bad situation was his fault,
but he does love Fiona deep down.
Merrick and Chloe are wonderful together. They learn and
grow, and realize what’s truly important in life and not to judge others before
you get to know them. It’s a beautiful story and my favorite of the two books
in this series.
In the sequel, The Imposter Prince, Ian takes on the
mantle of “prince” and begins to live Merrick’s life. I’ll be sure to post a
review for that story as well.
I definitely recommend this book!
5 Stars
Disclaimer – I bought this book for my own enjoyment. I
am not paid or compensated in any way, shape, or form for this honest review. I
will not change or alter this review for any reason unless at my discretion.
