In monetary matters, Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, is used to being in control, but from his first sight of Lady Charlotte, his carefully cultivated world is rocked to its foundations. Determined to best her other, more eligible suitors, he goes to great lengths to ensure his betrothal to Charlotte. A locked black leather box holds the dark secret that has assured his success.
Innocent Lady Charlotte is baffled by her new husband’s behavior. Why does Lord Dearing seem so distant one day, and so attentive the next? Her family’s dire financial straits did not allow her the luxury of an extended courtship. If only she could entice him into the marriage bed! When at last Charlotte’s efforts are rewarded, she revels in Jeremy’s unexpectedly bold possessiveness. But outside of their bedchambers, her groom’s guardedness quickly returns. Passion is no longer enough for sweet Charlotte, who vows to unlock the mystery of this complicated man. The truth, however, might be more than her principled heart is prepared to handle. . .
Titles in the Midnight Secrets series include — London’s Wicked Affair – London’s Best Kept Secret –
Title: London’s Best Kept Secret
Series: Midnight Secrets #2
Author: Anabelle Bryant
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Published: March 26, 2019
Publisher: Kensington Books – Zebra
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Sometimes we make foolish mistakes, reckless decisions with the best of intentions but then reality sets in and what we have is a disaster simply waiting to happen. Jeremy, Viscount Dearing, is excellently talented in anything to do with finances but has very little clue as to how to express the feelings of his heart. In true, logical fashion when it seemed that he would remain shy and unable to express his affections to the lady he wanted to marry and that other suitors were also vying for her hand, Jeremy made a decision… one that would come back to haunt him in unexpected ways including giving enemies ammunition for his downfall and making his longed-for marriage a disaster from the beginning.
Charlotte has no true idea of how her marriage came about. She believed that her husband had affection for her but that has been proven false by his actions. Even as well protected as she has been Charlotte knew that it should never have taken months for them to share a true kiss let alone consummate their marriage. No, it’s obvious that her husband has no feelings for her. But she isn’t about to give up. She’ll seduce her husband if she has to, but she will learn the truth about her marriage for she cannot continue on like this. Be careful what you wish for, sometimes your wish will be granted.
LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET is an intense, sensuous journey for two people who should be living a happily married life but aren’t for there are secrets that should they come to light will destroy every last hope for their future. I was easily caught up into the world of Midnight Secrets once again. I adored both Jeremy and Charlotte, and it’s easy to see the affection between them and to understand how it can all go badly so very easily because of one decision. How this couple saves their marriage and confesses their love for each other is a beautiful experience that you should discover for yourself.
If you enjoy a good, solid Romance with interesting characters, intriguing story developments, a few secrets to share and some bad guys to thwart… then you’d love LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET for it has all of that and so much more to enjoy. I would highly recommend this story and the entire series to readers who love a romance with heart, mistakes, and enjoys that moment of redemption for a lover who did everything wrong for the right reasons… being in love.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Available in paperback, audio, and for the Kindle
