The Escape Artist Book Blog

** spoiler alert ** After surviving the Napoleonic Wars, Sir Benedict Harper is struggling to move on, his body and spirit in need of a healing touch. Never does Ben imagine that hope will come in the form of a beautiful woman who has seen her own share of suffering. After the lingering death of her husband, Samantha McKay is at the mercy of her oppressive in-laws—until she plots an escape to distant Wales to claim a house she has inherited. Being a gentleman, Ben insists that he escort her on the fateful journey.

This is the third book in The Survivor's Club series and the first book I've read by Mary Balogh. This book could stand alone as there was some introduction and reference to characters who I assume were in the other books. Sir Benedict Harper was an ideal gentlemen. He felt guilty about how he acted after he encountered Samantha McKay, and went about righting the wrong. I pictured Colin Firth for some reason when imagining Ben. I also loved how he brushed Samantha's hair and helped her with her dress - he was so considerate and thoughtful. I also liked how Samantha didn't cater to him but was thoughtful too. She challenged him without pushing him too far. I really enjoyed reading about the development of their relationship.

I liked the author's writing style and enjoyed the book until maybe 3/4 of the way through. Then it got predictable and cliche and reminded me of something my grandmother would like to read. Not that there's anything wrong with that as she's a huge romance reader, but she prefers books that are more tame. I must admit that I've become more "wanton" in my tastes and like more steamy scenes once the h/h have ascended to that level in the relationship. I was hoping for a smoldering reunion between the two and it did not occur which was disappointing.

It's an enjoyable read and great if you like your romances on the tame side.

Thank you to Negalley for providing me with a DRC.

Originally posted on Goodreads.