I don’t know why, but I always assumed Locke to be nerdy socially awkward and shy. So the first part of this book had a bit of dissonance. Once I got over that, maybe about halfway, I enjoyed the developing love story between Locke and Portia. I figured early on she was pregnant and just looking to be married, surprised the men didnt figure that out right away. But I. The writing, what I think was meant to be little teases were far too frequent to be intriguing, and became annoying.
At the end though, love me a good “I’ll find you no matter what”, beatings on Beaumont and how Locke accepted all of Portia.
And the relationship with the Marquess was so tender. He was a good father and a good soul at heart. Misunderstood.
The epilogue? Good lord.
All in all, I wasn’t in to the book really until the end. I wish it had been more consistent.