Question Q

[Jonetta]

Any other topics you’d like to discuss? Your overall opinion of the story?

[Charlene]

This was my least favorite so far, mostly because of the murderous turn Ash took, his violence even toward the one person who treated him well those twenty years before. I felt the author stretched too far to make him able to change for Lorelai.

[Robin]

I have a question. Mortimer lost Southborne Grove in to Gooch in a card game. Wouldn't Sylvester Gooch's heirs get the estate? Also, when Mortimer died, how did Ash get his title? Was it because they claimed he was a long lost cousin?

[Jonetta]

My memories faulty on Southborne but I believe Mortimer got it back by agreeing to the marriage.

Ash did indeed get his title because of the heritage claim.

[Anita]

I agree with Charlene, this was not a book I really liked. It was tough to believe the change from murderer The Rook to gentleman Ash. I'm not clear on Southborne Grove either. I thought Ash bought it from the heirs.

The bogus long lost cousin is why he could claim the title, although I don't see how that would fly. Maybe Dorian helped facilitate that with some forged documents.

I was overjoyed that they were able to fix Lorelai's foot. I thought throughout the book that is was probably possible to do that.

[Jonetta]

I loved this story primarily because of Lorelai and then the revelations about Dorian and Morley. These relationships gave Ash/Dorian his humanity back and the scenes involving the reveals almost made me cry. These men had nothing, came from nothing but were able to create life lasting relationships that were stronger than family. It was so well written and an important theme.

[Karen ♐]

I loved this book too. There were so many surprises in this story. The big ones were definitely Dorian and Morley. I have to admit I teared up a couple times. And I was so happy that they could fix Lorelei's foot. I was hoping that would happen.

[Lauren]

Charlene wrote: "This was my least favorite so far, mostly because of the murderous turn Ash took, his violence even toward the one person who treated him well those twenty years before. I felt the author stretched..."

Interesting. I didn't see it this way. Rather he managed to restrain himself because she was the most important person to him.

This one is tied with book 4 as my favorite.

[Lauren]

Regarding Robin's question, yes, Ash obtained the title pretending to be a distant cousin.

As to Southgrove, I have a feeling the estate was entailed and that Gooch's family's claim to it would not stand up in court. With Dorian's help, Ash could have petitioned Parliament to have it restored to him.

[Jonetta]

Thanks for clarifying, Lauren!