When Alex Ivanov was 12, someone tried to kill him. Now, 11 years later, they still want him dead.
England, 1842. Queen Victoria reigns, Buckingham Palace is overrun with rats, and the streets of London are filled with intrigue.
Alex Ivanov is a brilliant young innovator, designing cutting-edge train engines. But Alex has a secret—he isn’t really Alex Ivanov. As a boy, he was pulled from the Thames, presumed drowned, with no memory of who he was. Rescued and raised by the formidable Ryder Sherbrooke, Alex has built a new life, but his past is catching up with him.
Lady Camilla Rohman has problems of her own. Trapped by a scheming stepmother and a family determined to see her married off, she is as clever as she is desperate. When fate throws her into Alex’s path, their connection is undeniable.
But as their whirlwind romance turns into marriage, danger follows. On their honeymoon, a series of deadly attacks make one thing clear—someone wants Alex dead. As they race to uncover the truth, old enemies and long-buried secrets come to light, leading them to a shocking revelation that will change everything…
PJ's Thoughts:
A new Catherine Coulter historical romance with a Sherbrooke tie-in? I couldn't get to this book fast enough.
It's been many years since I read a Coulter historical and, admittedly, I had forgotten the ins and outs of her particular style of writing. It was disjointed at times, with sudden veers into secondary storylines that felt a bit superfluous, and slow sections that made it too easy to set the book aside, but the main couple - plus Ryder Sherbrooke (The Hellion Bride) - kept my interest engaged and the pages turning.
Alex and Cam were so easy to root for. I became emotionally invested in them from the very start and that attachment never wavered. I loved Cam's internal strength, cleverness, and determination to take matters into her own hands in the face of toxic family dynamics. Also, how she saved that same family when adversity came to call.
Alex was equally appealing. I adored him and loved how smitten he was with Cam, coming to love her because of her unique qualities not in spite of them. I also loved his relationship with Ryder. As a fan of the original Sherbrooke books, it made my heart so happy to watch Ryder as the voice of wisdom in a paternal role. I wish Sophie (his wife) had been part of the story as well but references in the book reassured readers that they continue to be happy, in love, and giving hope and home to abandoned and abused children.
The mystery that threaded through the book was a mixed bag. While I figured out certain aspects of it early on, there were others that eluded me until the reveal. It all built to a final climax which felt a bit rushed and left questions that I had unanswered. Others may feel differently but I guess I just like all my loose threads tied.
The romance, however, was a complete delight. I thoroughly enjoyed it and turned the final page confident that Cam and Alex had found their happily ever after, in more ways than one.
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