The Determined Lord Hadleigh

The Determined Lord Hadleigh

by Virginia Heath

4 out of 5

Synopsis
He’s got iron control…

But she might be his undoing!

Part of The King’s Elite: Haunted by Penny Penhurst’s courage on the witness stand, meticulous barrister Lord Hadleigh offers her a housekeeper position at his estate. Despite trying to stay detached, Hadleigh is charmed by her small child and surprised by how much he yearns for this proud woman! Can he break through his own—and Penny’s—barriers to prove he’s a man she can trust…and love?


Review
Barrister for the crown, Lord Tristan Hadleigh, has to interrogate the wife of a traitor. Afterwards, he can't get her quiet pride out of his mind. After years of living with an abusive husband, Penny tentatively finds her freedom, and doesn't want to risk her new life for anyone.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited to get the final book in the King's Elite series. Whereas the other books in the series could potentially be read as stand-alones, The Determined Lord Hadleigh definitely needs previous reading of the series to appreciate the end of the smuggling ring plot.
There are also other relationships that are picked up midway.

Tristan Hadleigh is a barrister, focussed entirely on his job. He is cool and clinical, and stubborn in all his decisions. He is full of good intentions, but can overreach himself, unable to see how other parties may feel.
Tristan's blinded views are put to the test, when Penny comes into his life. After years of running from his past and locking down on the grief and guilt, he finally finds the strength to embrace them.

 Penny blames herself for blindly falling for the first cad who chased her for her money. She spent a long time blaming herself for the abuse she suffered at Viscount Hadleigh's hand. She became a mouse, a shadow of her former self. Finally, with his arrest she is free. Her first step towards rebuilding her courage was to testify against her husband. Then when Hadleigh is killed in prison, Penny starts to build a life for herself and her son.
She suddenly has to deal with the surprising interference of a certain Lord Hadleigh, who crushes her delicate bloom of independence, with his clumsy good deeds.
It was wonderful to watch Penny (whom we first meet as the downtrodden Vicountess in the first book) learn to stand up for herself. She puts so much value in her freedom, and the pride she feels in earning a living, she doesn't want to bow to any man again.

After the light-hearted nature of the first three books, I was mildly surprised at how serious this was in comparison. It was a little off-putting to begin with, but the tone of this book perfectly suits its central couple - Tristan and Penny. It was quietly engaging, as emotions deepen throughout the book.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and  I can't wait to read more of Heath's work.


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