Notorious by Minerva Spencer Published by Kensington on November 24, 2020
Genres: Fiction / Historical / General, Fiction / Romance / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Romance / Historical / Regency
Pages: 384
Format: eBook
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Drusilla Clare is full of opinions about why a woman shouldn't marry. But that doesn't stop the rush of desire she feels each time her best friend's brother, notorious rake Gabriel Marlington, crosses her path. So imagine her dismay when she finds herself in the clutches of a scoundrel, only to be rescued by Gabriel himself. And when Gabriel's heartless--and heart-pounding--proposal comes, it's enough to make Dru's formidable resolve crumble . . .
. . . is a smitten husband.
She's sharp-tongued, exasperating--and due to one careless moment--about to become his wife. Still, something about Drusilla has Gabriel intrigued. First there's the delicious flush of her skin every time she delivers a barb--and then the surprisingly sensual feel of her in his arms. Gabriel even finds himself challenged by her unusual philosophies. And when he discovers a clandestine rival for Dru's affection, his temperature flares even hotter. But the real threat to their happiness is one neither of the newlyweds sees coming. If they're to save their future--and their very lives--they'll need to trust in each other and their growing love.
CW: Assault, murder, stalking, mental health issues
A heroine who has sworn never to marry and suffer unrequited love for her best friend’s half brother and said brother, who has his own reasons to skirt the marriage mart, quickly find themselves hitched to avoid her ruin in this first of a series.
I am new to Minerva Spencer and was happy when an auspicious start quickly found all the feels. The plot is full of misunderstandings, and there is some melodrama that might have gotten in the way (at least for me) of an otherwise compelling romance, but overall this was a quick, fun, and steamy read that gave me the twinges and twists of being invested in the story.
There are some elements of this book, including several intimate scenes, that will not be for the kisses only readers. There is also some on page violence and a fair amount of mature subject matter. I added a content warning in case any of the themes may be problematic to some readers.
I don’t think the MCs are going to be every readers cup of tea, either. Drusilla, for all her charity works, commitment to equality, and sass can also be kind of a wet noodle when it comes to setting boundaries with Gabriel. I had the epiphany while reading this book about how much our internal critics really do a lot of damage, and so in that sense I think the presentation was realistic and maybe even a revelation. Gabriel is also described with all the qualities I guess some people think women want in a partner (hot, rakish) but I also think he was problematic, at least in the way he couched feelings towards women. Granted, as someone raised to expect being the sultan of a harem, it would be unbelievable to expect he wouldn’t have some ingrained misogyny, but given his strong mother it also seems like maybe his character arc could’ve redeemed a bit of those leanings. I think it was the way he said he knew he loved his wife that was ick for me. Not a big ick, but a huh, really? kind of ick that made me wish Spencer had ditched the melodrama to do more work on the romance.
But the melodrama is necessary, as a set up for future books in the series, so I get it.
I did like the book though, and did think there was great tension, good chemistry, and a believable romance if imperfect. And honestly, I think that is what good romance is. Love is so subjective and yet had these intrinsic qualities that make it fascinating to read.
I would recommend this for readers who like a marriage of convenience/forced marriage plot and unrequited love/best friend’s brother tropes. It was a quick read perfect for a beach day or poolside. The character arcs are somewhat lacking and both MCs trend towards problematic, but I liked the supporting characters, found the intimate scenes well written, and generally enjoyed the book.
