Series: Matches Made in Scandal (Book 2)
Every woman wants to marry him
But what if he is already taken?
In this Matches Made in Scandal story, Jean-Luc Bauduin, Parisian society’s most eligible bachelor, is determined to take only a wife of his choosing. But until that day comes, he’ll ward off his admirers by hiring Lady Sophia Acton to wear his ring! The passion Jean-Luc shares with his convenient bride is enormously satisfying -- until he discovers Sophia’s utterly scandalous past!
Good book. Sophia has had to make difficult choices in her past, choices that have left her reputation in ruins. All she wants now is the chance to start a new life. She is offered that chance by a woman known as The Procurer, who helps women such as herself rebuild their lives. All she needs to do is travel to France and play the part of loving bride for a French wine merchant.
Jean-Luc is young, handsome, and very wealthy. He has recently been approached by a woman who claims that he is the missing heir to a dukedom and the man her parents betrothed her to when they were children. He needs a fake wife to protect him until he can investigate the claim.
There was a connection between Jean-Luc and Sophia from the moment they met, as well as a spark of attraction. I loved how easily they both slid into the role of a happily married couple. It wasn't long before each of them found themselves forgetting that the marriage wasn't real. But Sophia's past still haunts her. The things that she had to do still cause her deep shame, and she fears what Jean-Luc's reaction would be if he knew. Jean-Luc senses that there is something that isn't right with Sophia. He doesn't push for answers to his questions, sensing that it will take time for her to trust him.
I liked both Sophia and Jean-Luc. Sophia is a stronger woman than she thinks she is. She came through her ordeal with her pride intact, though not her ability to trust. My respect for her grew as each piece of her past was revealed. I also liked the way that she insisted on helping Jean-Luc unravel the mystery of his past. Jean-Luc is an amazing man. He grew his business from almost nothing to being one of the best in the country. He is kind, and honorable in his treatment of both Sophia and Juliette.
I loved the development of the relationship between Jean-Luc and Sophia. They spend the time together to convince the public of their marriage and quickly discover that they like each other. There are some marvelous scenes of them together, as Jean-Luc shows Sophia around his beloved Paris. I also loved Sophia's support of him as they delved into the mystery of his past. As the attraction between them heated up, Sophia had to deal with the memories that would come between them. I loved Jean-Luc's patience as he waited for her to be ready. I ached for Sophia when her past made an unexpected appearance. Her pain and shame as she confessed all to Jean-Luc were heartbreaking. I loved Jean-Luc's reaction and how it showed just how well he knew her and the depth of his love for her.
The mystery of Jean-Luc's background was very well done. It's obvious from the start how it is going to turn out, but the journey there was terrific. With the unusual setting of post-Revolution France, there were many twists and turns before the truth was uncovered. The epilogue was good and wrapped up some loose ends.
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