Amanda’s review ~ Remember Me by Mary Balogh

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Remember Me by Mary Balogh
Published by Penguin on June 20, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 368
Format: ARC, eBook, Paperback
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Can Lady Philippa Ware forgive the man who once shattered all her youthful dreams? Discover the passionate and heartwarming new novel on the redemptive power of love from New York Times bestselling author Mary Balogh.

Philippa, elder daughter of the Earl of Stratton, grew up eagerly anticipating a glittering debut and a brilliant marriage. Then her brother caught their father out in a clandestine affair and denounced him publicly. The whole family was disgraced, and Philippa’s hopes grew dim, then were fully shattered when she overheard the dashing, handsome Marquess of Roath viciously insult her upon learning of her father’s identity. Only years later does Philippa find the courage to go to London at last to meet the ton. She is an instant success and enjoys a close friendship with the granddaughter of a duke. Only one man can spoil everything for her, but surely he will not be in London this year.

The Duke of Wilby is nearing death and has tasked his grandson and heir, Lucas Arden, Marquess of Roath, with marrying and producing a son before it is too late. Lucas, who usually shuns London, goes there early in the Season in the hope of finding an eligible bride before his grandparents come and find one for him. He is instantly attracted to his sister’s new friend, until that young lady asks a simple question: “Remember me?” And suddenly he does remember her, as well as the reason why the daughter of the Earl of Stratton is the one woman he can never marry—even if his heart tells him she is the only woman he wants.

Unfortunately for Philippa and Lucas, the autocratic duke and his duchess have other ideas and believe them to be perfect for each other. They will simply not take no for an answer. Telling Philippa the full truth is the hardest thing Lucas has ever faced, and the discovery of it will change them both before they discover the healing power of love.

The author has created a Regency era masterpiece in depicting the London season and the marriage mart with heart, emotion and accuracy. ~ Amanda – Simply Love Books

 

Remember Me is the second story in the Ravenwood series and for me it was the story that I anxiously anticipated its release. Phillipa Ware is about to embark on her debut into Society and is concerned that her father’s past will prevent her from making a match. Four years ago, she overheard the Marquess of Roath, Lucas Arden, declare her as spoiled goods, which devastated her and led her to postpone her debut. Now she is ready and isn’t going to let anyone again stop her from living her life. Except the Marquess is in London as well, looking for a wife. And who should be her mother’s dearest friend in town with her family? Lucas’ Aunt Kitty, along with his immediately family. Lucas’ grandfather, the Duke of Wilby, has decreed that Lucas Arden must marry before the end of the Season and has his sight on Pippa to be his match. Family and circumstances keep bringing Lucas and Philippa together, and their paths cross several times making it hard for them not to feel an attraction. But what can they do about it when something clearly stands in their way?

I thought that this enemies to friend story had an interesting twist and the romance a slow but steady build. The first time they met, Lucas and Pippa felt an instant attraction but his insult put a halt to it. Meeting again in London, they now must learn to be in each other’s company and be civil. The both realize that if it wasn’t for the insult, they probably would have become friends and even betrothed. But when the Duke persists that Lucas court her and propose marriage, Lucas has no choice but to reveal his secret. With revealed secrets, Lucas and Pippa can truly put things in perspective and move forward. I also thought that the secondary characters truly enhanced the story. Jenny Arden, Lucas’ younger sister, is brought to life each time she is in the story. She doesn’t let her being cripple dampen her attitude and zest for life, and really does look at things with a positive yet realistic spin on things. Her story is bittersweet and I truly hope to see her again. Then there are Lucas’ grandparents, Percy and May, and how they have had a long and romantic marriage and truly are devoted to one another. He may be an autocrat with his grandson but he is genteel and loving with his wife. You can tell he loves his family deeply and wants to make sure all is in place before he dies. I have to say the secondary characters just made this story so much better and made the romance slowly come to life. The author has created a Regency era masterpiece in depicting the London season and the marriage mart with heart, emotion and accuracy. Balogh is a true master of historical romance and it is really a marvelous story.