Reviewer Comments: The Merry Widows series comes to a dramatic close with Grace Marlowe’s story; perhaps the most virtuous widow in the land. When she snags the interest of renowned libertine, Lord Rochdale; thus begins a charming and seductive romp of opposites attracting…
Widow to the esteemed Bishop Marlowe, Grace is all that is grace and virtue; never one to speak out of turn, raise her voice, or act in any way unladylike. When she is suddenly the object of the most notorious rake in England’s attention, she is at sixes and sevens. What is a woman whose passionate nature has been smothered by laws and strict moral values to do when a handsome charmer shows an unlikely interest? John Grayston, Viscount Rochdale is drawn into a wager, thanks to his bragging ways; he states there is no woman he cannot seduce, and so it begins. He has staked his most prized racehorse against the wager and it seems the woman chosen as his mark is none other than Grace Marlowe, the most stiff-necked woman in all of England. Not to worry, Rochdale didn’t earn his reputation lightly. He is a man possessed to win a wager, so he gives it his all to woo and win the tempting widow.
What a wonderful way to end a series; the most debauched libertine and the virtuous widow. I was hard pressed to accept the possibility of this unlikely pair making a believable story initially, but Candice Hern made a believer out of me. Grace and Rochdale are a perfect match in so many ways, and she seemed to soothe his wounded soul While he was trying to convince himself it was all for the wager, he was slowly being captured by Grace’s goodness and warm-heartedness. The story is fast paced allowing reunions with previous characters in the series, as well as a villain or two. A thoroughly delightful cast of characters adds depth and pizzazz to an already remarkable love story. Proof positive that Candice Hern is a master storyteller!
