War Chest

Title:  War Chest

Author:  Lynne Connolly

Publisher:  Samhain Publishing

Publisher URL: https://www.samhainpublishing.com

ISBN/BIN:  9781619230798

Genre:  {M/F} Historical

Rating:  4 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer:  Amethyst Nymph

Ruth Simpson’s primary goal was to make sure her nephews were in good hands.  Securing a position as a governess with their care giver was the perfect solution.  Since her sister’s disgrace Ruth’s parents treated her worse than ever, so she knew she was risking be disowned.  Ruth was willing to take that chance for a better life.  Never in a million years did she expect to be attracted to the handsome duke who seduced her sister.

Being the god of war has perks that Marcus, the Duke of Lyndhurst, enjoys.   But, it also brought problems that haunted him daily.  Marcus knew the tall, elegant lady who showed up seeking a job wasn’t being truthful, but he was curious.  He needed a distraction right now, and Ruth would do nicely.  Spending time with her was the only thing Marcus looked forward to.  If circumstances were different, Marcus would choose to have Ruth with him forever.

Marcus and Ruth’s romance is threatened by secrets and the interference of others.  Ruth has no idea that Marcus is a god or of the obligations he has, while Marcus is clueless about Ruth’s true identity.  Falling in love with her nephews has Ruth confused.  Part of her wants to stay, while another part knows that staying is impossible.  A life or death situation puts things in perspective when the couple is nearly robbed of their chance to choose.  I was mesmerized by the drama that unfolded towards the end of the story.  Of course one hopes things work out for the best, but there were moments I was afraid for Ruth and Marcus.  My favorite scene was when Marcus found Ruth after she tried leaving him.  If your heart doesn’t melt after reading that, I swear it’s made of stone.  

War Chest, the fifth installment of the Even Gods Fall In Love series, reminded me of the appeal of an immortal gentleman.  Even with all his powers, at the end of the day, Marcus needed what all men need, a good woman by his side.  His willingness to give it all up for Ruth was touching and selfless and I know readers will eat this up like a late night snack.