But the problem is she’d rather that didn’t happen. Along with her two friends (Mallory and Jordon) from college, they have a successful business (Historic Restorations and Designs) and if she completes the work to the high standards that the Lord has, it will add to their good reputation and further their success.
Immediately attracted to each other, Allison is also instantly irritated with his controlling manor. She has her job cut out for her to not only prove that she is more than capable of restoring the castle's tower but also not to fall for him.
Lord Hartley is a reluctant peer. Running a multi-million-pound business is a far cry from being involved with agricultural issues. However, the responsibility was thrust upon him when his father and brother were killed in a tragic accident. The last thing he needed in his life was a brash American structural engineer.
Just how long can they deny their attraction to each other? As they spend more time together, Allison and Ian discover hidden areas of their lives that make them more appealing to each other such as Allison's penchant for baking.
As Allison continues the necessary repairs on the castle’s tower, she also needs to work out what direction her life is going to take. Any involvement with Ian would be short lived as she’s heading back to the US to settle down to run the business. But does she really want that?
Ian knows that Allison isn’t the right woman for a long term relationship, even marriage. He's after a woman who will look the part as well as act the part of being Lady Hartley. Yet, there is something about Allison - could a relationship with her work?
In the classic style romance of 'will they, won't they', Carlisle's approach is to up date it with a career minded woman who can have a high powered role without losing her femininity. And, whilst Ian Hartley initially comes across as a man oozing pure masculine pride and self-reliance, the reader soon discovers his vulnerabilities and appreciate that there is more to him.
All the characters are believable with depth and the romance is not over-bearing. There are brief glimpses of Allison's business partners and their stories. Whilst the majority of the novel was solid, there were parts which felt a little disjointed perhaps edited too much? Overall though, as the first story of a trilogy, it's a good plot, with likable people and a good introduction to three women who are hard-working, down-to-earth and womanly. A recommended read for fans of romantic fiction.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review from Reedsy Discovery. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.
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