The Rogue to Ruin

July 1, 2019
The last thing matchmaker Ainsley Bourne wants is marriage, especially to the owner of the local gaming hell, no matter how handsome, intriguing, or protective he is. The day the aristocratic Bourne sisters (Ten Kisses to Scandal, 2018, etc.) moved into the town house across the street and opened their matchmaking agency, gaming hell owner Reed Sterling was amused and annoyed by--and secretly attracted to--the eldest Bourne, Ainsley. His plans to keep his distance--and his secret--take a turn when the two meet one day, and a sudden movement by Reed causes Ainsley to flinch. At first, Reed is angry that she thinks he would ever hit her, but he soon realizes it's a sign that someone else once threatened, if not abused, her. Ainsley, feeling even more vulnerable, reacts by declaring war on his gaming hell, determined to drive him out of the neighborhood to save her business even though London Society is mostly wary of the Bournes because their first major clients married the younger Bourne sisters. Ainsley isn't worried that will happen to her. She's already had enough of men after a former engagement went awry. However, the incident brings out a protective side of Reed, and Ainsley can't help but question her true feelings toward the handsome club owner. Their relationship is already evolving when the war Ainsley waged against Reed has unexpected consequences, and the couple will have to work together to save both businesses, then confront their fear and pride and be honest about their feelings toward each other even as past enemies are determined to ruin them both. The third Misadventures in Matchmaking series title is just as delightful as the first two, with a slightly darker subtext that only makes its effervescence more uplifting. Another clever, charming historical romance from Lorret.

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 16, 2019

Ainsley Bourne is the last unwed sister in a family of matchmakers and the proprietor of the Bourne Matrimonial Agency, currently situated across the street from a gaming hell she believes is to blame for the business's recent financial woes. Former boxer Reed Sterling, the establishment's owner, may be devilishly handsome, but Ainsley finds him as unsavory as his clientele and concocts a plan to scare him off the premises. Yet just as she's getting ready to accomplish her goal, her abusive ex-fiancé returns unexpectedly. To protect herself, Ainsley hastily claims she's involved with her rival neighbor. Reed is secretly thrilled, as he's already fallen for the hard-working Ainsley. Soon their pretend relationship is turning into something very real. VERDICT This third and final book in the series (after Ten Kisses to Scandal) is filled with delicious, fiery dialog between Ainsley and Reed, making readers who enjoy smart and witty historicals such as Tessa Dare's "Spindle Cove" series long for that first kiss and our enemies-to-lovers' happily ever after. This makes up for some of the secondary characters and plot points that occasionally fall a bit flat comparatively, resulting in a satisfying conclusion to a clever and engaging series.--Elizabeth Gabriel, Milwaukee P.L.

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.