Nearly a Lady by Alissa Johnson

I had so many emotions while reading this Nearly a Lady by Alissa Johnson. First, it started out as sweetness because I adore the friendship between Winnefred and Gideon. It was so cute and they were meant to be together from the very start. Then, there was heartbreak because while these two are friends, they're also unconsciously falling in love with each other... and Gideon refuses to let that happen. And finally, peacefulness because the ending was worth all of the rollercoaster of emotions that any reader while reading this book will encounter. It's just the perfect book to bring you back to the historical romance genre for anyone who's having a difficult time going back.

I'm pretty sure you get of the gist of the plot from the summary so I will skip that and go right into the characters. Lord Gideon Haverston is one heck of a tortured hero. Every time we get to peek inside his mind and emotions, I always feel like crying because while he wants to court Winnefred and give her whatever she wants... he also tells himself that he can never have her. There were many times in the book where I wanted to tell him to just go for it and move on from his guilt. But even though Gideon is classified as a tortured hero, his entire personality consists of being cheerful and very humorous. It's definitely a nice change of heroes from other romance novels! It's so heartbreaking because of the circumstances that his stepmother had put Winnefred in, he constantly wants to spoil her and buy things for her. The fact that he tries so hard to detach himself from her yet he can't help but be near her is so sad. It's a contradiction in itself and as a result, he's torturing himself.

Winnefred Blythe is pretty much the other half to Gideon. Their romance was just so touching because while being a wonderful and kickass heroine, she also has insecurities of her own. For example, not being good enough as in terms of being a 'lady' and disappointing her best friend, Lilly. I loved her character because she never gives up in whatever she wants and it's just that kind of determination that will eventually win Gideon's heart! And thankfully, he realizes his error in the end or he would have lost her forever. Oh! I forgot to mention that there was also a secondary romance to this book? It's actually Winnefred's best friend, Lilly and Gideon's brother, Lord Engsly. The author doesn't go much into detail about these two... except for the fact that they had a past together. Overall, I totally loved this book and it's definitely something that all romance lovers shouldn't miss out on! 5/5 stars!

Rating: ★★★★★