Beautiful and elegant, Miss Diana Highwood is destined to marry a wealthy, well-placed nobleman. At least, that’s what her mother has loudly declared to everyone in Spindle Cove.
But Diana’s not excited by dukes and lords. The only man who makes her heart pound is the village blacksmith, Aaron Dawes. By birth and fortune, they couldn’t be more wrong for each other…but during stolen, steamy moments in his forge, his strong hands feel so right.
Is their love forged strong enough to last, or are they just playing with fire?
Diana Highwood and her family moved to Spindle Cove originally because of Diana’s asthma. Now it’s been two years and she’s pretty sure she’s cured. She wants to move on with her life now that she knows she can have one without worrying about that little thing called breathing. She’s got it bad for a man but she’s not sure what to do about it. You see Diana’s mother has high hopes for Diana marrying a title and she’s constantly pushing her in front of Lords, etc. Diana, however, has her eye on the local blacksmith, Aaron Dawes. She’s fascinated by his strength and she loves his kindness among other things. She finally gets her chance to speak up to him about how she feels and lo and behold – she goes for it!
Aaron has been pining for Diana just as much as she has for him. When Diana comes clean about her feelings Aaron is shocked that this beautiful, gentle woman could even think about loving him but he’s not going to let her go. They will have to get by her mother but he knows if they can live through that they’ll be able to accomplish most anything.
This was a wonderful novella – as are all of the novella’s I’ve read from this author. I’ve been wanting to read Diana’s story for a while and I LOVE that she was paired up with Aaron as they make such a great couple.
The story shows us Aaron’s insecurities about himself as well as Diana’s about herself. They really worked these out together though and I thought that was the way it should be. Yes there were moments of doubt but really they threw themselves all in and reaped the rewards.
I also very much enjoyed Diana’s sister, Charlotte’s, character in this story. It showed us the spunk that she has and her easy acceptance of Aaron put her up another notch in my book.
In the end the love, devotion and understanding between Aaron and Diana was what swept me off my feet. I ended the book with a smile on my face and great big sigh of satisfaction. Good stuff and definitely not to be missed.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Great review! Don't you love it when a book makes you smile? I really love Dare's writing and need to get this one and get ready for her next release.