If Ever I Should Love You
by Cathy Maxwell
Series: Spinster Heiresses Series
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Publisher: Avon Books
Publication Date: December 26, 2017
Once upon a time there were three young ladies who, despite their fortunes, had been on the Marriage Mart a bit too long. They were known as the “Spinster Heiresses” . . .
He’s inherited a title, but not a penny to speak of, so the Earl of Rochdale knows he must find a wife—preferably one tolerably pretty and good-tempered, but definitely wealthy, and willing to exchange her fortune for his family name.
His choice: Leonie Charnock, one of the season’s “Spinster Heiresses.” Years before, the earl had saved the dark-eyed beauty’s reputation, and she is still breathtakingly lovely, leading Rochdale to hope that their marriage will be more than in name only.
However, Leonie doesn’t want to be anyone’s wife. Nearly destroyed by the secrets in her past, Leonie agrees to their union with one condition: there will be a wedding but no bedding. But it’s a condition the new Countess Rochdale isn’t sure even she can keep . . .
Review:
Wow. Wow, wow, wow. Leonie’s story–and struggle here–blew me away.
The book’s blurb doesn’t really address what its heroine’s biggest problem will be, but to be honest I hadn’t even read it all that closely before saying, Another new series from Cathy Maxwell? Yes, please! so I might not have noticed even if it had. Ms. Maxwell certainly did take on a whole lot with these two characters–their complicated backstory, Leonie’s difficult homelife and her unconventional (for a Regency romance heroine, at least) way of dealing with it, and Roman’s complicated feelings for her and uncertainty of how (or even if) he could help her–and still made me root for them all of the way. Even while practically screaming at her, “No! Don’t do it!” Ms. Maxwell made me understand why Leonie often still did.
Though I am sure Leonie and Roman’s challenges are far from over at the end of the book, the ending Ms. Maxwell gives us definitely leaves us with the hope that together they will be able to come out on top. I can’t wait to see glimpses of them in future series books–how soon will they be coming out? 😉
Rating: 4 1//2 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
About Cathy Maxwell:
Bestselling novelist Cathy Maxwell embraces her writing romance as a way to express her belief that “loving well is the greatest adventure of all,” and to explore her fascination with the Regency period.
The author of over thirty historical romance novels and novellas. Cathy’s latest is the upcoming IF EVER I SHOULD LOVE YOU, the first book of the “Spinster Heiresses” trilogy from Avon Books. The series, set in the Regency period England, will be quintessential Cathy Maxwell–traditional historicals with a contemporary sensibility and a touch of humor. Other books include, A Date at the Altar, A Seduction at Christmas, The Marriage Ring, The Earl Claims His Wife, and His Christmas Pleasure. Her books have appeared for multiple weeks on The New York Times and the USA Today Best Seller lists.
Cathy received recognition from the start with her first novel, All Things Beautiful. Published in 1994, it was nominated for Best First Book by the Romance Writers of America and for Best First Historical by Romantic Times magazine. It also received first place recognition as Best Read of 1994 from the Reader’s Voice. She has been honored by Romance Writers of America with three RITA Award nominations. Romantic Times has honored her talent with three awards for writing books brimming with “Love and Laughter.”
Born in Olathe, Kansas, Cathy once called Virginia home, noting she is “a Virginian by choice, but a Kansan by nature.” She is now learning how to be a Texan and feels like Austin is the perfect place for her to hone her cowboy skills. She worked in television news and spent six years in the Navy, including a stint in the Pentagon. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Washington Romance Writers, and Virginia Romance Writers and she is a frequent speaker at writers’ conferences, libraries and special events. You can always reach Cathy at http://www.cathymaxwell.com
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Giveaway!
To celebrate the release of IF EVER I SHOULD LOVE YOU, we’re giving away one paperback copy of A DATE AT THE ALTAR by Cathy Maxwell! GIVEAWAY LINK
GIVEAWAY TERMS & CONDITIONS: Open to US shipping addresses only. One winner will receive a paperback copy of A Date at the Altar by Cathy Maxwell. This giveaway is administered by Pure Textuality PR on behalf of Avon Romance. Giveaway ends 1/1/2018 @ 11:59pm EST. Avon Romance will send the winning copies out to the winner directly. Limit one entry per reader and mailing address. Duplicates will be deleted.
