The Improper Bride by Lily Maxton – a Review
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Description:
Cold, arrogant, and demanding Henry Eldridge, Marquess of Riverton, would never dally with a mere servant. But when Henry is injured in a horrible fire, his pretty housekeeper Cassandra nurses him back to health, throwing them together day and night. As he slowly heals from his burns, their friendship blossoms, and the class walls between them start to crumble. Cassandra is surprised by glimpses of a kind and thoughtful man beneath her employer’s hard façade—and even more surprised when she develops tender feelings for him. But anything between lord and servant is impossible…and besides, as a widow, she knows love only leads to heartbreak.
Henry is changing, as well. His close brush with death has opened his eyes to his self-imposed emotional isolation…and has urgently reminded him of his duty to marry a well-bred lady and produce an heir. Determined to do right by his family name, he immediately begins searching for a suitable bride. But Cassandra is the only woman who is never far from his mind or his heart. Contrary to everything he’s been taught to believe, he realizes his lovely housekeeper might just be his perfect match. Now, if only he could convince everyone else of that. Especially Cassandra…
Review:
The Improper Bride is a historical romance by the talented author Lily Maxton. Some of the characters in this book are mentioned or featured in her other book or books. This is the story of Henry Eldridge, the Marquess of Riverton, and his housekeeper, Cassandra Davis.
The story begins with Henry in his bedroom and finding that this wing of his house is on fire and he is about to be burned to death. However, while trying to get out a beam from his bed canopy crashed down and hit his head, resulting in many horrible burns on half his face and body. The servants managed to pull him out and save his life, but he was unconscious for a long period.
Cassandra Davis, a widow, is a young but able housekeeper and doing a marvelous job. The doctor charges her with helping to keep Henry occupied and pull him out of melancholy or depression while recovering. She does this by a unique idea of having him tutor her in German.
That’s the set-up. This story is well written with a slightly more modern language instead of antiquated terms. I didn’t feel any of the historical significance was lacking by it, in fact it made the story more compelling and easier to get into.
It’s a slow building romance between members of separate classes in society. It’s alternately heartwarming, frustrating, provocative, infuriating, and heart wrenching in the telling. Once they leave the privacy of his sick room and he begins to regain his life, the obstacles of position and class make themselves felt. The attraction and growing respect between the two characters is incredibly well done.
If you enjoy a really good romance, and all the frustrations that can be done while you wait for it to build, this is the book for you. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It felt a lot like living it along with the characters.
Grab your favorite beverage, cuddle up (or down) and be prepared for an enjoyable trip of emotions!
Reviewed by Georgianna
Copy provided by Publisher
