Tuesday, July 2, 2019

Tour Review & Giveaway - - The Determined Lord Hadleigh


The Determined Lord Hadleigh
by Virginia Heath
The King's Elite - Book 4
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Release Date: July 1, 2019
Reviewed by PJ
 




He’s got iron control…

But she might be his undoing!

Part of The King’s Elite: Haunted by Penny Penhurst’s courage on the witness stand, meticulous barrister Lord Hadleigh offers her a housekeeper position at his estate. Despite trying to stay detached, Hadleigh is charmed by her small child and surprised by how much he yearns for this proud woman! Can he break through his own—and Penny’s—barriers to prove he’s a man she can trust…and love?




My thoughts:

Lord Hadleigh certainly is determined! His heart is in the right place when he decides to anonymously provide financial assistance to the widow of the traitor he prosecuted, a woman the government has left destitute through no fault of her own. Secret events from his own past guide his actions. But, while his heart may be in the right place, his high-handed charity is neither wanted nor appreciated. The barrister is about to be schooled...by a woman who has lost everything, but gained so much more. Finally free of her abusive marriage, Penny is determined to make the most of her independence. Never again will she allow herself to be subjected to a man's control, or dependent upon his financial generosity. But, when both Penny and Hadleigh end up at Hadleigh's estate along with other members of The King's Elite, as preparations for the final smuggling trials draw near, walls slowly begin to crumble, a tentative friendship forms, and secrets are divulged. Will friendship develop into something more? Or will the emotional wounds from both of their pasts be too much to overcome?

Virginia Heath has worked her magic once again with this emotional, heart-tugging final story that brings The King's Elite series to a conclusion. While not as action-packed as previous books in the series, the emotional intensity of this one kept me invested in these characters from beginning to end. There's a poignant sweetness to their relationship, even with the powerful emotions - and stubbornness - at play and plenty of cheer-worthy moments as Penny begins to regain her sense of self-worth and control of her future. I especially enjoyed the humorous, enlightening, and motivating discussions between Penny and the other women staying at Hadleigh's estate. And, the middle-of-the-night scenes between Hadleigh and Penny's young son melted my heart. 

Even though this is the final book in a series, it's told in such a way that someone new to The King's Elite should be able to enjoy it as a first book. However, if you're a fan of the series, you'll no doubt enjoy seeing all the couples brought back together and, especially, the "helpful" advice dispensed to both Penny and Hadleigh as they work their way through their relationship potholes. And the epilogue - OMG, I loved the epilogue! - is one of the best I've read in ages. It was the perfect way to bring Penny and Hadleigh, their journey, and the series to an end.

The Determined Lord Hadleigh has my enthusiastic recommendation. I'm excited to see what Virginia Heath has in store for readers next. 

Are you a fan of epilogues?

Have you read any books by Virginia Heath?

Do you enjoy working heroes, such as our meticulous barrister, Lord Hadleigh?


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Author Bio – When Virginia Heath was a little girl it took her ages to fall asleep, so she made up stories in her head to help pass the time while she was staring at the ceiling. As she got older, the stories became more complicated, sometimes taking weeks to get to the happy ending. Then one day, she decided to embrace the insomnia and start writing them down. Despite that, it still takes her forever to fall asleep.

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6 comments:

  1. I love epilogues.
    Virginia Heath is a new authot to me.

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  2. This sounds delicious, and I love that the heroine is determined to pull herself out of the horrific situation she ended up. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!

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  3. Ms Heath is new to me. Thanks Epilogues are always helpful for me....inquiring minds want to know, at least mine does. I love heroes who are not cookie cutters. You have made this series sound really terrific. I would be the kind of reader who would need to start at the beginning. But, this book does sound like it would do it for me.

    Thanks - you have made me have a new urge for a new book.

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  4. I love a great Epilogue! I've read several of Ms. Heath's books and enjoy them tremendously. I think it is wonderful that the heroes work.

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  5. I love epilogues. I've not read Virginia yet but she's been recommended. Thanks for the review PJ.

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  6. I haven't read this series yet. I do love epilogues. Sounds like a wonderful read.
    Carol Luciano

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