I received a copy of A Summer to Surrender by Collette Perri. This historical romance book is the first book of The Tempting Tycoon Series by Collette Perri. It has been some time since I have read a historical romance book. I have been in a bit of a Bridgerton season 3 hangover, which is the reason I picked up this book. It follows the story of Phoebe Beaumont and the Earl of Westmore, Alexander Stanton.
Phoebe is an orphan from a working-class family now living with her Aunt. She has accepted that she has no place in the ton and wants to achieve her dreams and independence. She is extremely close to her cousin; they are like sisters. She wants to be a writer and move away to a small cottage alone. The first time she meets Lord Westmore is an amusing scenario, during the morning of a ball. It was something I wouldn’t have expected a meet-cute to be. This is the first time she has felt any draw to a man, and Alex is intrigued by her too.
Alex (Lord Westmore) is a businessman. It is considered inappropriate for someone with a title to be a businessman, but he is passionate about it. He is smart and resourceful. He has made his fortune through business ventures with his brother and friend. Alex has spent a lot of time fulfilling his duties as an Earl. He doesn’t attend many events of the society. But when he meets Phoebe, intrigued by her, he goes to a ball. Phoebe is happy to see Alex again, especially when he asks her to save a dance for him. Unfortunately, that is the night that changes Phoebe’s life. Embroiled in a scandal the night of the ball, she is ostracized from society, and she goes to live with her cousin Cat and her husband.
Alex and Phoebe meet again years later when she is invited to a party at a Westmore house along with her cousin. Reluctantly, she agrees to go for Cat’s sake. When Alex and Phoebe meet again, their chemistry is stronger than before. They are naturally drawn to each other and spend some time together. Knowing there cannot be anything permanent between them because of Phoebe’s familial background and scandal, Phoebe and Alex decide to explore their steamy chemistry without any strings attached. Collette Perri’s A Summer to Surender takes a while for their romance to begin, but it is worth it. Their connection is steamy, angsty, and cute. I loved their romance and how their individual conflicts played into their relationship.
I enjoyed reading A Summer to Surrender by Collette Perri. The characters were interesting, but Phoebe’s concerns with marriage are not properly explored. You can tell there is a reason, but it is never shown well until the end. Alex and Phoebe’s romance is what kept me hooked on the story. A Summer to Surrender by Collette Perri is a historical romance that ticked almost all the boxes for me. I can’t wait to read the next installment of The Tempting Tycoon series.
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