I'm always happy to see a new Ella Quinn book, I'm a fan (ok, uberfan). Although I'll Always Love You is part of the Worthington series, it works well as a stand alone tale. We have a story about one of the secondary characters from other Worthington books. He's been in the background long enough. This man was so likeable that you wanted him to have his own happily ever after and Ms. Quinn delivers. I'll Always Love You will be on the shelves of your favorite bookseller on 11-27-2018.
Our hero is Gerald, Earl Elliott and he really is a hero. You can always count on Gerald. The Duke of Rothwell (It Started With A Kiss) askes his friend, Earl Elliott, to help watch over his sister during her first season on the marriage mart. Since Gerald is titled, handsome, and single, he's a favorite of ton hostesses. You can bet he'll be at every event and Rothwell's request should be a piece of cake (ha, ha). The Duke invites Gerald to tea so he can meet the lady he's agreed to keep out of trouble. Our Earl has decided being bummed about his bad luck with the ladies won't get him a wife. He's got to get back out there and keep his eyes open for the right woman.
Lady Lucinda Hughlot is our heroine. She's the Duke's younger sister and excited about having fun and dancing the night away at loads of balls. Her mother is still embarrassed about a scandal involving her late husband and doesn't want to go out in society. She comes up with an engagement to the son of a friend, conveniently sparing her being her daughter's chaperone. After meeting said Marquis, Lucinda knows they would never suit and she needs to find him another bride. Self-preservation is a powerful motive. Rothwell is not happy, at all, when he finds out what their mother has done. Mom finally agrees to a shortened season before the engagement is announced. Lucinda better get to it, pronto.
Tea that afternoon proves to be an eye opening experience. There's a warmth rather than sparks but it's enough to interest our couple in pursuing the feeling. Lucinda is floored to find Gerald is a real looker. He's tall with broad shoulders, mahogany hair, deep blue eyes and the cherry on top...a dimple. I'd be interested too. Gerald is taken aback by how lovely Lucinda is. She has glossy chestnut hair, sea green eyes, a perfect oval face and...she's smart. As they interact during the course of this journey, the attraction grows and Gerald is reluctant to get involved with his friend's sister, but he'd sure like to. Lucinda has no such qualms and sets her cap for the hot Earl.
A suitable lady is found for the Marquis and hey, he likes her! We get a reticent man, a determined lady, 2 engagements, one confrontation with the mothers and a Paris honeymoon. The Dowager Duchess of Rothwell does not take the news well, she looks like she sucked on a lemon. She comes around in the end, thank goodness.
As this is a romance book there is a happy ending (yea Gerald). We'd be disappointed if there wasn't. Receiving a free book ARC is a true privilege and one I certainly enjoy. Being able to share my opinion is a pleasure. Both are free and without obligation. Happy reading.