Series: Lords of Disgrace (Book 4)
A proposition from a virgin!
Gabriel Stone, Earl of Edenbridge, might have a rakish reputation, but he's also a gentleman -- of sorts. So when respectable Lady Caroline Holt offers her maidenhood in exchange for an estate her father gambled away, his curiosity is roused.
Gabriel is touched when he learns Caroline is helping her brother -- he's protected his brothers all his life…and has the scars to prove it. He's willing to help her, but is shocked when his mission takes him somewhere he never thought he'd end up -- down the aisle!
This was an excellent conclusion to the Lords of Disgrace series. Of the four men who have been friends since their schooldays, Gabriel is the last bachelor. Seeing his friends' happiness may explain his growing feelings of boredom with his life. That boredom takes a hit when, after a successful night of gambling, Gabriel received a clandestine visit from a respectable young woman.
Caroline was horrified when she found out that her father had gambled away the estate meant for her younger brother. Determined to protect her brother's future, she offered Gabriel the only thing of value she possessed - her virginity. Since she's about to be sold off to whichever old man her father picks, she's more than willing to give herself to someone of her choice.
I thoroughly enjoyed this encounter. Caroline was forthright and determined and made it clear that she knew what she was offering. Gabriel was appalled at the circumstances, but couldn't help being intrigued by Caroline herself. Though he accepted her IOU, he had no plans to actually follow through or even to see her again. That is, until she came to him again, with a problem she hadn't foreseen. He was horrified by the idea that the only person she could turn to was a stranger with his reputation. This stirred his protectiveness and concern for her fate, a concern that appeared justified when she abruptly left for the country with her father. Still telling himself that it was just because he wanted the diversion, he concocted a scheme to keep an eye on her and rescue her if need be.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gabriel and Caroline. The connection was there between them from the start, though Gabriel spent a long time trying to deny it. Caroline, on the other hand, freely admitted her attraction to him and quickly realized that he was a danger to her heart. I liked that she saw past his rakish reputation to the protective and honorable man that he tried to hide. That honor and protectiveness were brought front and center when Gabriel's rescue didn't work out quite as planned, making it necessary for them to marry. I ached for Caroline because by this time she knew she was in love with Gabriel and he had made it clear that love was not an emotion in his makeup. All she could do was hope that she could break through whatever held him back.
Things looked so good for Gabriel and Caroline while they were in Brighton. It was fun to see how much enjoyment he got from showing Caroline around the town, and teasing her about the things they did. Gabriel also began to realize his feelings for her but didn't know what to do about them. He had spent so long holding those he cared about at a distance that he didn't know how to let her in. Then a tragic event from his past was resurrected and sent him in a spiral of despair and protectiveness. I hurt so much for Gabriel and what he believed would happen, just when he thought he had a chance for happiness. I also wanted to shake him for pushing Caroline away. My heart broke for her pain, then cheered for what she did with that pain. I loved her take charge attitude and her certainty of Gabriel's innocence. The scene at the magistrate's house was outstanding. I loved the big moment between Gabriel and Caroline as he was finally able to let it all go. The epilogue was great and made me wish for a "Sons of" series thirty years later.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the depth of the family and friends relationships as well as the romance. It was Caroline's love for her younger brother that started the whole series of events. The scenes with young Anthony showed that those feelings were just as strong on his part. I liked the hints of protectiveness that were there even at his young age. I found Gabriel's relationships with his brothers puzzling at first, but as more came out about their pasts, it was clear that it was his way of protecting them. That he couldn't see how much they cared about him was heartbreaking. I loved how they all flew to his support at the end, and the effect it had on them all. I also loved the relationships of the "Lords of Disgrace" and how they were always there to support each other. Their interactions were occasionally contentious and frequently amusing, but there was no doubt about the depth of their friendships.
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