This fourth book in *A Gentleman’s Guide to Courtship* by Charlie Lane is refreshing and entertaining read. An unplanned compromise forces Liam Fletcher, Viscount Norton, into marriage with Miss Cora Eastwood after a passionate kiss at a masquerade leaves them with no other option. He was just trying to test another theory by the duke of Clearford and if you’ve been following the series you know all about his theories.
Their wedding night is not a success, setting the newlyweds at odds. Cora, is very well-read on bedroom passions and with a poetic heart, hoped for at least a physical connection with Liam. He has no experience in carnal activities but not for lack of trying. When he finds out about the lending library and Cora’s poetic endeavors he is embarrassed and flees.
Cora’s anger peaks when Liam visits a brothel, leading her to decide that she'll do her duty by providing an heir but otherwise live separately from him. This decision sparks a series of events that made for such a fun, entertaining read, it had me laughing, especially at Liam’s impulsive antics.
Charlie Lane masterfully weaves these antics into the story, highlighting how it takes two to heal a marriage. If the pessimistic bluestocking and the jovial former vicar can see eye to eye, they might just mend their broken hearts. Liam, determined to make things right, impulsively kidnaps Cora when he finally tracks her down, but their attempts to reconcile are continually thwarted. Lane outdid herself with the many interruptions this couple faces, testing their patience to the limit.
As always, Charlie Lane brings something unique to historical romance. Her characters, like Liam and Cora, aren’t your typical ton ladies and dukes. She delves into their backgrounds, revealing childhood issues that shaped their current struggles—Liam's need to please everyone and Cora's deep-seated anger and feelings of being unloved.
When they finally come together, Cora, who was determined not to fall in love, finds herself unexpectedly happy with Liam and eager for a future together. Liam, too, must confront his own issues, and I won’t spoil the details, but he ultimately fights for what he truly wants.
In summary, this story is a fabulous read with a bit of everything: humor, passion, personal growth, meddling family members, and heartfelt moments. I highly recommend it, especially if you haven’t yet tried Charlie Lane’s work. Every story leaves me wanting more.
I received an ARC (advanced review copy) from Wolf Publishing for free, and I’m voluntarily leaving this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own