Unwrapping a Guest Review by Connie Fischer of LONDON'S BEST KEPT SECRET, a Midnight Secrets novel by Anabelle Bryant

Greetings my darling readers, I know I’ve been remiss in providing you reviews of good reads this past year and I apologize. Life has a hold on me which does not allow me much reading time. I have tried to make up for that in publishing my own good reads for you and I hope you’ve given them a try. So to make up for my neglect, I will be offering up guest reviews for you enjoy. I hope to be back reviewing for you soon but in the meantime, I hope you’ll enjoy my dear friend, Connie Fischer’s reviews to guide you to good reads. Enjoy and Happy Reading!

I present to you a guest review of LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET, a Midnight Secrets novel by Anabelle Bryant, published March 26, 2019.

Blurb for LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET:

In Anabelle Bryant’s latest novel of ardor and ambition, a lord will stop at nothing to possess the woman of his dreams . . .

In monetary matters, Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, is used to being in control, but from his first sight of Lady Charlotte, his carefully cultivated world is rocked to its foundations. Determined to best her other, more eligible suitors, he goes to great lengths to ensure his betrothal to Charlotte. A locked black leather box holds the dark secret that has assured his success.

Innocent Lady Charlotte is baffled by her new husband’s behavior. Why does Lord Dearing seem so distant one day, and so attentive the next? Her family’s dire financial straits did not allow her the luxury of an extended courtship. If only she could entice him into the marriage bed! When at last Charlotte’s efforts are rewarded, she revels in Jeremy’s unexpectedly bold possessiveness. But outside of their bedchambers, her groom’s guardedness quickly returns. Passion is no longer enough for sweet Charlotte, who vows to unlock the mystery of this complicated man. The truth, however, might be more than her principled heart is prepared to handle. . . .

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Connie’s Review:

Charlotte Lockhart, Lady Dearing, is being gifted a kitten by her friend, Amelia Beckford, Duchess of Scarsdale. But, Charlotte knows that her husband, Jeremy Lockhart, Viscount Dearing, will not let her keep the adorable little ball of fluff.

Jeremy had rescued Charlotte’s family from financial ruin and Charlotte’s parents informed her then she would wed the man. Now, after 10 months, the marriage has yet to be consummated.

One thing Jeremy likes to do is find investments that may seem risky, but have made him quite wealthy. But, Jeremy has a secret about the financial transaction he made with Charlotte’s father. Should she ever learn the secret, he fears she will hate him. Therefore, his secret is locked in a leather box on his desk and he carries the key with him everywhere…until one day he loses it.

Jeremy spends a lot of time in his study working on his accounts. But he breaks away when he hears Charlotte play the piano in the afternoon. She is an accomplished pianist. They both long to break the ice between them and make their marriage a real one.

When Jeremy realizes how attractive Charlotte is to other men, he decides it’s time to woo and court his wife. Before long, they are spending more time together and getting to know one another.

Can their marriage become a loving one? Should Charlotte ever learn the secret he carries, will she hate him?

The author did a great job writing this love story that grows in steps. Both Charlotte and Jeremy are well-constructed characters and I found myself rooting for them to open their hearts to one another. Of course, when you add a kitten to the mix, it can’t help but be a fun story. Well done, Annabelle Bryant!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET, a Midnight Secrets novel by Anabelle Bryant, Zebra Books, available now in ebook, print, and audiobook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.