The Best Intentions

GIVEAWAY

EDEN, SARAH M.

THE BEST INTENTIONS

In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one -- not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends -- knows that she is harbouring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And wish so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.

Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself  an unwitting guess at Artemis Jonquil's house party. He is warmly welcomed by all -- except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer.

As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.

My Review:

Sublimely happy sigh of supreme bibliophile joy! Sarah M. Eden does it to me every time, so why haven't I caught up on all her books yet?! That will definitely be a 2023 goal. 

I made some headway this year but petered out with the Jonquils though I have read some of that series so I was thrilled to meet up with this delightful family in 'The Best Intentions' too. Rest assured that this reads fine even if you haven't made any Jonquil acquaintances yet. I haven't read Artemis and Charlie's story either, which I think, introduces the Huntresses concept, but I had no problem diving right into this first of the Huntresses series.

And can I say, I just love that concept?! Young ladies with unique challenges who band together to support each other and make lasting friendships. The best kind of exclusive club ever! My guess is that each lady is going to get her own book and Eden has introduced them all in such a way that I am mightily intrigued and can't wait for more! Especially if they are as good as Gillian's story!

This author is known for writing witty banter and she doesn't disappoint here. Flirtations, heart-to-hearts, even haughty rebuffs were all swoonworthy to this Regency Romance lover. And I love the historical details the author has included -- from fashion, to games, to the ridiculous ins and outs of high society and a myriad other things as well. Makes it so easy to lose sense of time and place in my real world!

I can't say a whole lot about the romance without posting spoilers. Let's just say exquisite is too tame a word to describe the depths of emotion, the heights of giddy excitement and the profoundly thought-provoking moments. Of course, the hope for a happily ever after is not without complications which just made the read all the richer. And I will happily report that I figured out a solution to their major problem way before Gillian and Scott did. I'm pretty chuffed about that -- though it was a bit nerve-racking when neither hero or heroine heeded my advice. :-)

I listened to the audible edition expertly narrated by Luone Ingram. She does most, if not all, of Eden's book narrations and I love the familiarity of that partnership.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway is for a paperback or ebook copy -- Winner's choice.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of  The Best Intentions, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday December 17 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.