I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A Night of Forever (The Disgraced Lords, #6) by Bronwen Evans Series: The Disgraced Lords #6
Published by Loveswept on October 25th 2016
Genres: Historical
Pages: 240
Goodreads
FINAL DECISION: An enjoyable end to the drama of the Disgraced Lords series, the romance between Arend and Isobel has much angst and distrust on Arend’s part. Isobel must get beyond the shields that Arend has erected while an enemy intends to destroy them both.
THE STORY: Arend Aubury will do anything to protect the only people he trusts, his fellow Libertine Scholars. After all his friends have suffered from the person who is trying to destroy them all, Arend knows that he is next and he is ready. He suspects the stepdaughter of their enemy, Lady Isobel Thompson and intends on keeping a close eye on her. When Isobel approaches him with her own suspicions about her stepmother, Arend agrees to work with Isobel — while secretly suspecting her. Isobel wants a marriage like her friends, but can’t seem to ignore the dangerous Arend. A fake betrothal hides their investigation but also ignites a strong passion between Isobel and Arend while they question motives and evade their enemies.
OPINION: This book brings the series story regarding the Libertine Scholars enemy to a close. This book overlaps the fifth book in the series, A TASTE OF SEDUCTION. I enjoyed this book because Arend and Isobel are an intriguing match with a significant amount of angst.
Arend is a man who thinks himself unworthy. He has lived in poverty, been abused, betrayed and as a result has a difficult time trusting anyone. Even his attraction to Isobel is something that he distrusts. At the same time, Arend is loyal, caring and willing to sacrifice himself for those he cares about. His guilt and shame and fear prevent him from having an open relationship, but he cannot seem to resist Isobel.
Isobel is a woman who has been tainted by her stepmother’s evil, but still sees the good in people, especially Arend. Even as Isobel is warned away from him, she finds him irresistible. Isobel is strong willed and willing to go after what she wants. She can also stand up to Arend which is important. Most significantly, she believes in Arend’s goodness and is determined to make him see it as well.
I liked the relationship between Arend and Isobel because many times Isobel is the strong one if the relationship which is a reversal from traditional roles. Arend has the poor self-image and abusive background and it is Isobel who must help him accept himself and believe that he is entitled to a good future.
I enjoyed this book as a closure to the series (even though there will be some spin off books). I thought that there was enough about the other characters to see where their lives are going without overwhelming the story and the overarching storyline was neatly wrapped up as well.
WORTH MENTIONING: Although this book completes the continuing story in the Disgraced Lords series, Evans states that there will be some future connected books wrapping up the romances of other characters in the series.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A NIGHT OF FOREVER is the sixth book in the Disgraced Lords series. The romance can be read as a standalone although there is an overarching story in the series that finishes in this book.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.