A Groom of Her Own

Scandalous Affairs, Book 1

De: Christi Caldwell

Narrado por: Tim Campbell

Years earlier, young noblemen were ripped away from the folds of their powerful families and forced into a dark existence on the streets. When these lost lords of London were restored to their rightful place among Polite Society, they weren't the only ones whose lives were irrevocably changed. Innocent ladies now pay the price of their families trickery and cheating....

A Lady Lost

A family scandal has left artist Claire Poplar without friends, suitors, or means. Art is her only joy and respite, despite her talent being mocked by famed artist Caleb Gray. On an impulse, knowing there is no way back to the life she had before, Claire decides on her own path. A path that will see her wed, and no longer a financial burden and spinster poor relation. The wedding may be a business arrangement, but it will give Claire freedom and stability away from the prying eyes and censure of society.

An Artist with a Dark Past

American artist, Caleb Gray, hates all things English. Impressed into the British Navy against his will, Caleb lost everything. His past has left him cold, unfeeling, and jaded. Using the ice in his veins Caleb has built a career as a renowned artist, letting his feelings take shape in his paintings and nowhere else. Now, an English inheritance offers Caleb a chance to devote himself entirely to his painting and to his travels. He’ll find a biddable English wife to manage his estate for him, and save his passion for his art. Caleb’s plan is in motion until his nemesis Claire Poplar happens to upend his world. The woman who's been an adversary from the start will have him hungering to kiss her and imagining...even more.

Will Claire and Caleb pursue their art or listen to the wisdom of the heart?

©2021 Christi Caldwell (P)2020 Christi Caldwell Inc

Happily ever after

I have nothing negative to say about this book! I just love reading an enemy-turned-lover. But I also love when the man eventually comes to his senses! I will be waited with anticipation for the next installment!!

A Groom of Her Own by Christi Caldwell

Normally, I enjoy Christi Caldwell Author, but I really did not feel the enjoyment that I have had with her previous novels. I do think Tim Campbell is an excellent narrator, and I really give him five stars.

A Passion for Art

Caldwell delivers another enjoyable Regancy romance.
Misconceptions and inner demons cause the main characters to fight
one another in a lively battle of words. Sparks ignite with passion and a new understanding of how two wrongs can be very right for one another!

Hero's love isn't believable...

He was attracted to her, yes. Maybe even got to know her & appreciate some things about her. But he was so mean, cutting, & unkind throughout - and his weird preference "friendship" with her sister so dotingly reverent, that it made the heroine look even more like a doormat. Every time she kept coming back for more, giving more, compromising more for the jerk, I cringed. He was not worth her weeping or lamenting or craving.

Though the plot moved forward and keeps the reader engaged and interested, the HEA felt annoying rather than happy. The fact that her sister coordinated hero's return was another odd element that divided hero's passion or intent for heroine. If his beloved friend that he cared so much for didn't clue him in to come, would he have come for heroine? I doubt it.

Even his eavesdropping confession in the end was not romantic as I think the author intended. If he "knew," it just made his coldness/absence even more despicably not loving. No amount of his selfish art-loving or vengeful past pains can excuse how he treated & interacted with heroine from beginning to end. All of his tenderness & respect was reserved for his "friend," the heroine's sister. Though I listened to that book, too, and enjoyed how the sister (Poppy Tidwell) & sister's husband (Tristan) met, both stories left shades of non-resolution about how this hero could so put Claire's sister on such a high pillar above all others while continuing to treat Claire so poorly in this one. It was funny and fed the plot in Poppy's story, though a few uncomfortable things still gave pause. I'm not sure why author wrote this character like this. Ultimately, this hero was appalling from previous story to this one.

But the heroine's inability to demand or command respect from him was equally annoying. If flirting with someone else (others) was the only way he showed any interest (and it was), it borders on controlling abuse, not love. Heroine's strength could've been applied more liberally in getting the better of & humbling the hero into respect/adoration/preference. Instead of true tenderness & passionate choice & love, in the end it seems like he only wants her bc she's his muse. And says so. User/Doormat, here we come.

Unsatisfying HEA. Unbelievable love from hero. Unresolved sister issue complication. Unearned love for hero by heroine. Annoying "love" arc. So at best, 3 stars.

Narrator

I will literally read/listen to anything that Tim Campbell reads. He is extremely talented and makes listening to books so much more enjoyable