Third Son's a Charm (The Survivors #1) by Shana Galen

Title: Third Son's a Charm (The Survivors)
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Historical Romance (Regency)
Series: The Survivors (Book 1)
Format: Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (November 7, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1492657034
ISBN-13: 978-1492657033
Author's website: http://shanagalen.com/
Notes: I received an ARC at the RWA annual conference courtesy of the publisher. (Review not required).

Ewan Mostyn, the third son of the Earl of Pembroke, earned himself the nickname 'The Protector' in the Peninsular War. He and a group of "disposable" peers were assigned to what was essentially a suicide squad. They were assigned tasks that others refused and most did not survive. Of the thirty who were chosen, only twelve came back. Ewan was one of the lucky ones, and was known for doing all he could to ensure that others survived as well--even if it meant putting his own life at risk. It's this reputation which causes the Duke of Ridlington to seek out his skills. The duke's daughter is infatuated with an unsuitable suitor and he wants to make sure nothing happens to her. Lorrie's beautiful, stubborn, gullible, and in love with the idea of being in love which makes her an easy target for the fortune hunters. She just refuses to believe that Francis' intentions are anything but honorable.

Ewan knows Francis quite well and is about to refuse the job when the Duke mentions his name. Francis, you see, is Ewan's cousin and honorable he is not. Ewan will do all he can to make sure Francis doesn't get what he wants. What he never expected, however, was to find himself falling for the chit himself, complicating everything.

 

This was a delightful read that had me shaking my head at Lady Lorraine  'Lorrie' and falling instantly in love with Ewan. Lorrie keeps looking for love in all the wrong places and is practically screaming for attention. She reminds me of a young and naive 16 year old who has dreams of falling in love with Prince Charming and living happily-ever-after. It's not a bad dream as long as you realize that not all men are Prince Charming and can recognize insincerity when you see it. Alas, Lorrie cannot. As she gets to know Ewan more, however, she starts to notice the differences between him and Francis and starts to question her feelings.

Ewan is the strong silent type. He never minces words, and chooses them with care. He suffers from word blindness (ie dyslexia), and is sensitive about being thought of as stupid due to his inability to read. Stupid he is not. The disorder, however, has caused a rift between him and his father that has yet to be resolved. It is where his sensitivity stems from.

While Francis may be the person Lorrie's father declares is the reason she needs a bodyguard, there are others who may harm her as well. There have been a number of kidnappings involving heiresses who have been held for ransom. Ewan's loyalty, bravery, and resourcefulness will be put to the test in this story.

Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I enjoyed the story of these two. Lorrie saw Ewan for who he was and not as someone with limitations. Until Lorrie, Ewan really had no plans for the future. She makes him want more and believe he can have it. Lorrie, on the other hand, needed someone to ground her and that is exactly what Ewan does. There is a lot of drama, tender moments, and depth to this romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the rest of the story.  On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.