"I Close My Eyes" by Regina Puckett

 


DESCRIPTION AS ON AMAZON:

The last thing The Duke of Greystone wants is a wife, until The Lady Jane Blackmore seeks out his quiet corner of Earl Braxton’s ballroom. But there she stands, attempting to shut out the rest of the world by simply closing her eyes, but the duke understands better than most that life is never that simple.

The last thing Jane wants is a husband, until she opens her eyes to find the scarred and much too handsome stranger secluded in her chosen quiet corner. Why can’t the obstinate man understand she just needs a brief moment of solitude before returning to face her tormentors? But no matter how many times she tells him to go away, he remains. So is it her fault that her father misunderstands the young duke’s intentions?

Whilst marriage isn’t on Phillip—as she learns the duke is called—or Jane’s mind, when society’s trials and tribulations come, they soon become each other’s touchstone, and by it discover that joy is tantalisingly within their grasp, although others seem intent on thwarting their every wish.


I liked Jane and Phillip. He rescued her from her oppressive and terrorizing father and stepmother. She saved him from his choice not to love and have children. The author was able to convey their chemistry without overt sexual content. I didn't really understand why so many people were "out to get" Jane. I also thought Phillip gave up his vow not to have children without much thought. Also, he disappeared at one point without explanation until later on. Viola's fate felt lacking, and I was disappointed in how that played out. The ending was touching and sweet. This story entertained enough that I read the story in one sitting.