The Viscount Risks It All: Prelude to a Kiss
Regency romances are wonderful escapism, but sometimes they get repetitive. If you’re looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, The Viscount Risks It All by Erin Knightley fits the bill. The protagonists are more mature than your typical debutante and rake, with more life experience to influence their choices. Lady Felicity Danby is a young widow with a toddling daughter. Her marriage was a love match, and her husband’s sudden death devastated her. On a trip home to Bath to visit family, she reconnects with her childhood best friend, Gavin Stark, Viscount Derington. Unbeknownst to Felicity, Gavin was desperately in love with her and heartbroken by her marriage. He has made the best of life without her and is determined not to make the same mistake twice. Naturally, a romance is kindled/rekindled. However, what makes this such a pleasant read is how respectful the characters are, and how kind. They have a delightful repartee based on a longstanding friendship. There are no nasty grudges or prolonged, purposeful misunderstandings. They are surrounded by supportive friends and family who may misstep but who truly have the protagonists’ best interests at heart. This couple deserves their happily-ever-after.
