Golden Girl by Joan Wolf

Golden Girl by Joan Wolf
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower

It should have been a marriage made in heaven. Cheviot was aristocratic and gorgeous—a man tempered by his father’s downfall and his own experiences at war. Sarah was artistic and free-thinking, shaped by the best education her nouveau riche grandfather could afford. But there was one problem. The marriage was arranged. The Duke of Cheviot needed money. Sarah’s grandfather wanted a title. And so, what could have been a perfect love affair was begun in a most imperfect way.

I felt the need to check out of reality for a few hours from all that holiday stress and escape into a romance book. I turned my phone off, hid in my room and picked up a book by one of my favorite authors, Joan Wolf. I picked Golden Girl because the synopsis sounded like my type of love story. I have a weak spot for arranged marriages that end in a happily ever after.

Anthony, the hero, was almost too perfect but there was something mysterious about him that drew me in like a moth to a lightbulb. It’s practically indescribable to explain why his character lured me. He had a secret strength about him yet was vulnerable to the heroine. I just loved Anthony.

The heroine, Sarah, was humble, down to earth and a free spirit. She was a character that I could respect and look up to.

When Anthony and Sarah started their relationship, I was smitten. I had a goofy smile throughout the story. Their relationship was sweet with the right amount of sensual to make me feel all gushy for them.

The cast of characters were well developed. I experienced a variety of feelings toward several of them at different times. I was definitely engaged starting on the first page all the way through to the last page. The story flowed at a smooth and steady pace. I actually paused a few times to soak in the moment with either a pleasant sigh, a gasp of surprise or to give a stink eye.

A heads up: the synopsis does not reveal the entire plot. There is an ongoing thread that is suspenseful. This particular thread escalates throughout the story, but it didn’t end the way I predicted. I was riveted to my seat from start to finish between the budding romance and through the plot twists.

If you are looking for a fun distraction, then I recommend this book. I felt so much better after reading it.