Fabulous narration and performance by Deborah Balm. I appreciated her skill at switching from British to Irish accents, for male and female characters. I felt she really brought out the personalities of the characters. Really well done! This series is a favourite, and presents especially well via audiobook. Leslie Diamond has created such a favourable set of characters for it, I will always remember them. I anxiously await Jane Bennet’s turn in the the series.
Book review:
Running from his past, Nicholas flees to Ireland to spend time at the estate he has inherited. Approaching the property, he has a most surprising encounter with the fiery Lady Fiona, a woman that the reader soon learns can give Elizabeth Bennet a run for her money when it comes to her impertinence and headstrong nature. I refuse to spoil the details of this encounter. Raised by her father and without a mother, she is everything that a lady of the ton is not, yet still a lady. She has also sworn she will never marry—until her father decides to arrange a marriage for her to an old Irish earl, which forces her to take matters into her own hands and propose marriage to someone of her own choosing. Any guesses?
In addition to these two main characters, we meet new and likable ones in Ireland—Fiona’s father and Nicolas’s devoted staff. The plot of this mature and passionate romance is brilliantly paced, beginning in London with Nicholas’s encounter with his former lover, then taking him to Ireland where he discovers his true love. There’s a touch of angst and drama when Nicholas rises to defend Fiona’s honour after she is insulted by a cad. Finally, the story circles back to England for a reunion with his family and a final confrontation with his former lover.
One of the things I love most about this series is the Montford family bond, so dearly expressed in all three books. The love and support among all of them is truly heartwarming and entertaining as well. Their personalities really shine. I love these characters so much. Book four will feature Jane (Bennet) Montford. I simply cannot wait!
I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
Contains scenes with adult content.