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I am Lover of romance, who indulges in the romantic adventures of literature

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Audio Book Review-Match Of The Century by Cathy Maxwell

by | Aug 5, 2016 | Book Reviews | 5 comments

Audio Book Review-Match Of The Century by Cathy Maxwell

Audio Book Review-Match Of The Century by Cathy MaxwellThe Match of the Century by Cathy Maxwell
Also in this series: A Little Thing Called Love, The Fairest of Them All, A Date at the Altar
Series: Marrying The Duke #1
Published by Avon on November 24th 2015
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Narrator: Mary Jane Wells
Length: 7 Hours and 30 Mins
Pages: 356
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
ISBN: 0062388614
Goodreads
AmazonLibrary ThingLiteral Club
four-stars

In New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell's glittering new series, wedding bells are ringing… until the return of a rake throws a bride's plans—and heart—into a tailspin...
Every debutante aspires to snag a duke. Elin Morris just happens to have had one reserved since birth. But postponements of her marriage to London's most powerful peer give Elin time to wonder how she will marry Gavin Baynton when she cannot forget his brother, Benedict.
Already exasperated at being yanked from the military to meet "family obligations," now Ben must suffer watching his arrogant sibling squire the only woman he has ever loved. Joining the army saved Ben from sinking into bitterness, but seeing Elin again takes him back to the day they surrendered to their intoxicating desire.
As the wedding draws near, Elin tries to push Ben far from her thoughts. When danger brings them together, there is no denying their feelings. But can Elin choose love over duty?

My Review UpdatedSummary

Elin Morris has been betrothed to the Duke, Gavin Benton since she was born. It is expected of her to marry Benton. But there is one Match of The Centuryreservation she has….she fell in love with his younger brother Ben many years previous. But after sharing a passion filled night, he left the next day with no word and she felt betrayed. But she doesn’t feel its right to marry Gavin without letting him know the truth. But on the night of the betrothal announcement, Ben arrives when his brother takes his military career away from him to get him home from the war. Ben is outraged when he is forced back to England, which is the last place he wants to be just to be around as the “spare”. But then he is confronted with his painful past and the woman who has always been a part of him. When Elin’s life is in danger, Ben is the one that saves her life and protects her while they live in the woods on the run, trying to stay ahead from mercenaries who want her dead. Ben and Elin reconnect with each other and confront the past…but there is one issue they still need to face, how to tell the Duke that Elin will need to jilt him so she can marry the man she loves.

Plot and Story Line

Marrying The Duke is the first full novel of the latest series by Cathy Maxwell. I have been a fan of this author for many years. But I will admit I was nervous about this one, but when I obtained a audio copy through my library, I was thrilled!!But it was so worth it, and even though Maxwell’s previous series wasn’t a favorite…I truly loved what she did with this story. This is a second chance romance and one of my all time favorite tropes to see happen. I really loved these two together, and once they become honest with each other and misunderstandings about the past—the story really picks up. The romance that develops between these two is quite emotional and a bit of a tear jerker in moments. When they were younger, they fell in love. But other parties stepped in to separate them so the “betrothal” could go forward. This part of the book, is what is truly heartbreaking. Its also a bit frustrating with Elin’s parents. Now their love story is the novella that started off this series. They defied convention and scandal to be together. So I just had a hard time with understanding why they were “okay” with their daughter not marrying for love just so she could marry the Duke. It felt quite a bit selfish on their part. But it does get resolved in the end I loved the brothers….now at first they are at ODDS!! Literally, most of their lives they have fought and battled with each other and never agreeing with anything. But as the story winds down, we see them come to a truce and I truly loved seeing them work together in the end and build a strong relationship. I can’t wait for book two!!

The Narration

Mary Jane Wells did a fantastic job with the narration here!! I was so impressed, so authentically real in the british accents and I loved the way she implemented the story. I just wanted to hear more of her. She is definitely a new favorite now.

The Cover

What a beautiful cover!! I just love her dress here and the tone of colors that are used!! So classy and pretty.

Overall View

The Match Of The Century is a perfect start….a romance that delves into deep emotion, reconnecting two lovers and finding a happy ever after against odds that are stacked against them!!  SPLENDID!!

Series Order (2)Click On Image For Buy Link

 

About The Author Updated

About Cathy Maxwell

CATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.

She lives in beautiful Virginia with her children, horses, dogs, and cats.

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5 Comments

  1. Blodeuedd

    I read book 3, it was good 🙂

    Reply
  2. Rowena

    It’s been a long while since I tried a Cathy Maxwell book. She’s hit or miss with me but this one sounds good though I’m still on the fence. Still, lovely review. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Eva

    Great review! Love this idea of the mystery aspect of this one because I don’t often read that in HR!

    Reply
  4. Jennifer_FairyTales

    I haven’t read a Cathy Maxwell book for a few years, but I remember liking her style. This one sounds really interesting especially with the second chance element.

    Reply
  5. Michele H

    Nice review! I wholeheartedly agree with you and am glad you felt the same way about Elin’s parents. I just adored their novella so the way they behaved in later years was a surprise to me. But Ben and Elin were perfect together and I loved their second chance at romance. Plus seeing the brothers reconcile really was quite wonderful!

    Reply

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