How to Play the Game of Love by Harmony Williams – a Review

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Description:
He’s everything she thinks she doesn’t want.

When Miss Rose Wellesley’s father threatens an arranged marriage, she knows she’d better settle on a choice quickly or end up having no say in who she marries. Fortunately, she’s garnered a rare invitation to Lady Dunlop’s “Week of Love” house party, an annual affair notorious for matchmaking. Her plans to expedite a proposal would go smoothly if not for the brash younger sister she must chaperone, her outspoken, disagreeable best friend, and the bullish Lord Hartfell who seems determined to dog her every step.

Lord Hartfell embodies every last thing Rose dislikes in a man. He’s domineering, tenacious, argumentative, and a little too casual with his nudity for her tastes. Worst of all, Rose can’t seem to get him—or his kisses—out of her mind.

Rose is determined to find a more appropriate husband, even if her heart disagrees with how unsuitable the stubborn lord is…

Review:

How to Play the Game of Love begins with Rose arriving at Lady Dunlop’s house party.  She and her sister, along with a couple of friends, are there for the week.  A very long week……..  Rose has her sights set on one man who is supposed to be in attendance as well.  As the festivities begin, she is bound and determined to not only catch his eye, but to wrangle a proposal out of him as well.  However, when he appears to have his sights set on someone else, coupled with the fact that he has a war to return to, Rose grows almost desperate.  She tries to orchestrate “chance” meetings with him, only to be thwarted at every turn.  It seems Lord Hartfell has made it his mission to keep her busy, if only she knew why….

How to Play the Game of Love has a good premise.  Rose is determined to find her own husband, and I was on board with that.  The supporting characters were interesting as well.  I’m also all in for a stubborn woman wanting to make her own way, but Rose pushed stubborn so hard, she looked like a spoiled brat.  The saving grace for me was Lord Hartfell.  The way he stayed true to his cause and his pursuit of Rose was nicely written.  I loved the way he handled her tantrums (albeit too many!) and I loved the way he fell for her.  There were parts that were truly funny, especially the last quarter of the book.  I know this is historical, but the way the “Week of Love” was handled was just too much. There were so many games the hostess had them play that I grew bored after the first few.  With all of that said, the author did a good job keeping the story flowing, but it was just too long with all of the games and such.  I do look forward to giving this series another go, because as I said earlier, the supporting characters were very interesting and I look forward to seeing who is up next.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher