Forever a Lord by Delilah Marvelle-a review

The Rumor Series #3

About the book:

He’s a fighter, not a lover. But that’s about to change… ​

Lady Imogene Norwood lived a sheltered life of quiet respectability and routine…until she debuts at her first Season. There she meets the wild and broken Lord Atwood among London’s elite. And the very shy English rose suddenly realizes that a little chaos might just be what her heart desires.​

Lord Nathaniel James Atwood doesn’t believe true love exists. Since scandal tore him away from his family at an early age, he has spent his life fighting for what he wants. That attitude made him a rising star in bare-knuckle boxing, and now leads him back to London to reclaim the life that was stolen from him. But upon meeting the innocent Imogene, his beliefs are trounced…as guarding his heart against her proves to be the fight of his life.

Review:
Forever a Lord begins in the slums of New York City, in the seedy realm of bare knuckles boxing. Coleman is trying to make a name for himself, but isn’t willing to give up control of his life or his boxing in order to obtain an investor in his career. He very soon finds out that there are people asking about him and trying to search him out. Once he decides to meet whomever is looking for him, he discovers that it is his deceased sister’s husband and son. Coleman, who is really Lord Nathaniel Atwood from Surrey, England, is stunned to say the least. But, it has been 30 years since he’s seen her. Nathaniel was kidnapped at ten years old and unbeknownst to his sister or his mother, his father lifted not one finger to get his son back. Secrets, secrets……….

Once Nathaniel finally makes his way back to London, he supports himself with a few fights and training others. He is approached by Lord Henry Weston, who would like to be his investor and have him fight for the title of Champion of England. Only, it’s not really Henry’s money, but his sister Imogene’s. A 19 year old who has been sheltered, but is bound and determined to make her and Henry’s life comfortable again by investing in Nathaniel. However, they have no idea he is actually a missing heir. But when Imogene and Nathaniel finally meet? Let’s just say there is a spark or two. And, then things get really interesting…………What will Nathaniel’s surviving family do when they find out he’s not dead? Will Nathaniel ever be able to let go of the anger that he’s harbored against his father for 30 years? And, then there is Imogene. Will she and Nathaniel both get what they want? Or is Nathaniel’s heart too calloused by too many years of just surviving?

Forever a Lord is a fascinating tale of devastating heart break, betrayal, revenge, and, ultimately, love. I have to tell you, even though there is a happy ending, there are a couple of things that will just tear your heart right out of your chest. This book, in my humble opinion, probably represents things in a more realistic fashion than most that I’ve read that cover this time period. Marvelle has done a wonderful job relating her characters’ stories and made it, not just believable, but palpable. A wonderful story not to be missed!!

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.