Review: A Lady’s Choice by Donna Lea Simpson

Print Length: 195 pages

Publisher: Beyond the Page Publishing (December 15, 2016)

From Goodreads.com:  For as long as she or anyone else can remember, the beautiful but cold Rachel Neville has always adhered strictly to society’s rules, and she is now reaping the rewards with an offer of marriage from an eminently suitable fiancé. Yet despite the secure future that lies ahead, Rachel is suddenly questioning her acquiescence to the strictures of the ton—and her future husband. Stranger still, she is preoccupied with thoughts of Colin Varens, a wholly unsuitable man whose proposals she has rejected several times. 

Colin can’t remember a time when his heartfelt declarations for Rachel weren’t being rebuffed, but the rough-and-tumble country gentleman has finally come to terms with the rejection—and Rachel’s betrothal—and has made peace with her as friends. But as he and Rachel spend more time together, he finds her once-haughty manner thawing into the warmth and vivaciousness that attracted him so many years ago, just as he is finding a growing strength and confidence of his own. 

As Rachel finds comfort in Colin’s strong embraces and the unfamiliar emotions simmering within, Colin must struggle with feelings he thought stifled once and for all and admit the hope he still carries in his heart. And as Rachel’s marriage draws near and both of them confront the reality of a life without the other, they will discover that the habits of a lifetime are not carved in stone, because a lady’s change of heart can change everything. 

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My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Although this novel comes as part of a series, you do not need to have read the others (I didn't) in order for this story to make sense. 

I very much enjoyed watching Rachel's transformation unfold. From almost the beginning, I found fault with her fiance. I mean who invites their mother on their wedding trip? Who presents their fiance with a portrait of themselves and their mother as a gift? 

For a time, I was worried that this was going to turn into one of those stories where the lady ends up regretting her choice of husband, and takes a lover. Thankfully, that was not the case. Rachel very much came into her own in this novel, figuring out that what society thinks of a person is worth much less than what their heart wants. 

I also adored Colin's sister Andromeda (although I wish she would have gotten her own story to adequately explore her own love story), however, I felt her dedication to her brother admirable. The boxing aspect was something I hadn't experienced before, so it was interesting to me to have a character that engaged in such sport.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy historical romance novels. I would read more from this author. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                                 A Lady's Choice is available from Amazon.com