Mr. Donahue's Total Surrender

Sweet story with likable characters Calista is an American, a senator's daughter, who's down on her luck after traveling to England to get married only to find her intended had just died. They weren't in love, but he was a better option than the man who's blackmailing her father unless she agrees to marry him. Steven, an earl's son, invested his inheritance in an exclusive hotel, in which Calista finds work as a scullery maid. Once he finds out that she's "high born" he rescues her from the inappropriate placement and vows to help her get back home. This part didn't set well with me, because it was made extremely clear that she was only deserving of his help due to her obvious good breeding. If she'd been just an ordinary girl from London, her situation wouldn't have been something he'd have thought she needed to be rescued from. Privilege in its most unabashed presentation. Once I accepted that this was de rigueur for the time, the story was nicely paced as Calista and Steven get to know each other and fall in love. There's a bit of conflict with some of his social peers and with his brother, but ultimately Steven solves all of Calista's problems as only a respectable gentleman can. The HEA was neatly handled, with happiness spread about for everyone. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Life has always given a series of ups and downs to everyone but it is how you react to these things that determine what kind of person you are. Calista has had the worse luck lately, and it doesn’t help being treated as the scum of the earth by most everyone she comes in contact with. That is until Steven takes note of her bearing and switches her life upside down. Yet while caring for her, he discovers a woman unlike any other. Meanwhile, Calista knows she must return home to face an unwanted future. Between meals and outings, these two discover more and more to like; perhaps even enough to fall in love. Despite all negativity floating around them, they manage to form a special attachment for each other. The question is will it be possible for them to form a forever kind of relationship? A very unique historical romantic story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Calista’s plan to go to England to marry well and help save her father’s reputation, things doesn’t go well. Stranded in London with no money, she finds employment at a hotel as a scullery maid. This doesn’t go well either. Her luck changes when she meets the hotel owner, Mr. Steven Donahue. Over the time they know each other their relationship grows and deepens. Steven has a plan to help Calista, but will she accept it? Steven and Calista are lovely characters. He is practical, hard-working, and a bit protective. She is sweet and caring, but a little naïve. This a quick read, a charming story. This is the first story in a new series. I enjoyed it and look forward to meeting more Enterprising Scoundrels. I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout. My review is voluntary.