Welcome Back, Booklovers! Though I do like reading Historical Fiction I usually stay away from Historical Romance. Mainly because publishing has very strict ideas about the types of stories they'll consider for historical fiction and if it doesn't fit the imagery of European colonial with pretty ballgowns it's not considered valid. With race-bent Bridgerton being so popular right now it's nice to see some genuine diversity appear more in mainstream historical romance. The Spanish Caribbean is the backdrop for this romance stemmed from a forced marriage. I recieved a finished copy from Harlequin in exchange for review.
Paulina may live in a once lavish house but she's far from the wealthy society girl she appears to be. Her abusive brother Antonio controls every aspect of her life right down to how she dresses. And while he's a penny pincher when it comes to spending on her he has no problem blowing money on gambling debts. In an attempt to exort their neighbor Sebastation in to giving him money. Using the power he has over the magistrate and local guardsmen he forces Sebastian and Paulina into marriage.
Sebastian and Paulina settle into a routine with Sebastian spending much of his time a the sugar mill he owns and Paulina helping make his house feel like a home. But Antonio's threats are still looming and the couple must keep their guards up as they fight their attraction to each other.
I really did enjoy reading this book. I thought it was very well developed and I had a great sense of how they lived in the country vs the contrast of how life was in town. Sebastian has a good relationship with the mill workers as well as his housekeeper. And you can really tell he cares so much for his community and made sure to not only improve work conditions but raise wages. He also looks out for Dillia who is a widowed family friend.
Paulina doesn't have those familial relationships has to do a bit of adjusting now that she's finally away from her brother. We really see her growth as a woman who is able to finally speak her mind and make her own decisions.
Paulina and Sebastian had great chemistry that made their slow-burn romance worth the journey.
And for those looking for pretty gowns we still do get some pretty clothes moments but they're also moments that add value by moving the plot.
Enjoyed the review
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