A Midsummer's Kiss (Farthingale Series Book 4) by Meara Platt Series: Farthingale #4
on February 3rd 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 302
Goodreads
FINAL DECISION: A gently developing romance with a hero with a broken leg and a reluctant betrothed, I loved that this book is about Laurel and Graelem talking and getting to know one another. There are people plotting against them, but the true center of this book is the time Laurel and Graelem spent quietly together.
THE STORY: Laurel Farthingale literally knocks Lord Graelem Dayne off his feet. Unfortunately, it is because of her headstrong horse which manages to break Graelem’s leg. The accident ends up with Laurel becoming betrothed to Graelem against her wishes. Laurel loves and intends to marry a childhood friend. As the two end up spending time together, Laurel sees a different side to the gruff Scot. Graelem must marry Laurel because he needs to marry in a month in order to retain his inheritance. While he came to London intending on having a business relationship with his future wife, Laurel’s caring nature seeps into the soul of a man who has been alone for a long time.
OPINION: There is something I really enjoy about Platt’s characters. They are all gentle, nice people. Don’t get me wrong, they are not boring, but rather there is a tenderness to their personalities that I really enjoy.
Laurel is caring and nice and she is willing to protect those she cares about. Even when Graelem annoys her, Laurel deeply feels his pain and wants to comfort him. What is a triggering part of their relationship is that Graelem almost immediately wants to care for Laurel in return. Without knowing her and having good reason to dislike her horse, Graelem shields Laurel and her horse from being separated.
The books has a different feel since Graelem is convalescing for much of the book. This gives him a weakness that should not be attractive in a hero. Yet it manages to do the opposite here. Graelem always appears in control despite his physical limitations.
This book also contains a special relationship between Laurel and her sisters. I enjoy the interaction between these sisters which isn’t stereotypical but rather feels deep and real. I also enjoy the meddling Farthingale family in general. They are annoying, loving, nosy, unfair, judgmental, supportive and everything that a real family is like.
WORTH MENTIONING: Because of the unique order in which these books are written, there are intriguing reveals no matter what order you read the books in.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A MIDSUMMER’S KISS is the fourth book in the Farthingale series. It is actually a prequel to the other books in the series and can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.