Seeking Persephone by Sarah M. Eden

Synopsis:

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses—and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he’s offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger. Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke’s castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul.

But the Duke’s steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke’s armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

My Review: 5 Stars

Adam was born with his right ear missing. Several surgeons believed that his ear was just under the surface and with surgery they could dig it out of hiding. Several unsuccessful surgeries later, his parents finally gave up hope that the ear would ever make an appearance. But all this left Adam even more disfigured and scarred both physically and emotionally. Feeling rejected by his mother, dealing with his father's untimely death and then being shipped off to school was just too much for little 7 year old Adam. He became cross and grumpy. Everyone feared and coward away from him. He never felt accepted or loved and did everything he could to hide his feelings from the world. When he discovers who the heir presumptive to his fortune is he will do anything to make sure the idiot never inherits his title. Even if it's paying for a desperate bride whose family is in need of financial security.

At the age of 12, Persephone's mother passed away giving birth to her youngest sister. From that moment on she could not longer be a child, she had to grow up and take care of several responsibilities. She was the mother, the cook, the maid, the bookkeeper, you name it and she did it. She was the glue that kept her family together. So when a letter arrived with a marriage proposal that would give her family the financial security they had always longed for, she was torn on what to do. She did not like the fact that she was being purchased and really wanted to turn it down. But, as always, she put her family first and accepted the proposal.

Adam and Persephone's marriage got off to a pretty rocky start. But with help from Adam's life long friend, Harry, Persephone will get some of the insight she needs to understand and connect with her husband. She knows there is something in his past that has caused him to shut himself off from the world. The more she tries to figure out what it is, the more she grows to care for her husband. But will he ever return her feelings? Or will he just keep rejecting her? 

When tragedy strikes Falstone Castle, Adam is forced to open his eyes and see what's right in front of him. Will he choose to continue to keep the world at bay? Or will he open up and learn to not only live but love as well.

I absolutely adored Seeking Persephone! Even though I had read it once before, years ago, I was still sucked in from the very beginning and did not want to stop until I had finished it. I was very upset that real life got in the way of my reading time! I enjoyed getting to know Adam, Persephone and Harry all over again. I found myself laughing at the witty banter, getting teary eyed during the sad parts, growling in frustration and letting out little sighs throughout the book. My only complaint was the ending felt a bit rushed. I would have loved a little less of the misunderstanding/lack of communication and more of them together as a real couple. Other than that I LOVED it! :) Definitely a must read if you are a fan of Beauty and the Beast or Regency. ;)

I do have to admit that the casting for this one was a bit hard for me. But I love it! :)