*This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you buy a book through my link. There is no extra charge and I use these funds to feed my book addiction and keep my puppy in sweaters and toys. I only post links for books I love.*
In Darkest Days May Bloom by Leila Snow
My Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Spice Level: 💋💋💋
Bruised but not broken, she stood in the mud of the street, wearing nothing but a tattered shift the day Jonathan first saw her. He had watched in mesmerized fascination as the girl swiped a filthy arm across her split lip, squared her shoulders, and raised her chin in defiance of her assailants. But when, by random happenstance she turned her head and her piercing, blue eyes met his regard, Jonathan knew his entire world had tipped on end.
Charlotte had known nothing but adversity and hardship the entirety of her life. Orphaned at a young age and condemned to fend for herself, she learned to trust no one and rely solely upon her own strength. Yet, when she’s cut down in the street for a crime she didn’t commit and Jonathan comes to her rescue, Charlotte is begrudgingly compelled to the realization that perhaps hope and love do exist in this miserable world.
England, at the end of the 18th century, is a land exemplified by firm divisions between the social classes. What is a life of ease and prosperity for some, is an arduous existence for others. Nevertheless, ’tis true that love can bloom in the unlikeliest of places. But when a grievously injured Charlotte is falsely accused of a crime and sent to one of the most infamous prisons in the land, the tender bud of Jonathan and Charlotte’s love is threatened. Jonathan is forced to defy family in a desperate bid to save her from the hangman, whilst conspiracies and betrayal are afoot in a cruel effort to keep them apart.
Love at first sight and being from two different classes means a long road of difficulty for Jonathan and Charlotte. Every time I thought they caught a break something else was thrown at them. It’s quite clear from the start who is going to be the problem, but I was shocked by how far he would go to keep them apart. I was holding my breath the whole time she was in London hoping he would find her before it was too late. When they finally found each other again there was still a threat that I didn’t see coming.
The added story of her friend was heartbreaking because the hateful way she acted was her way of coping. I was so glad that his brother came to his senses and in the end, he helped so much. The ending left me wanting for and I hope there is more to come.
Charlotte never gave up hope that he would find her and she never stopped fighting. I loved her from the start with how she wouldn’t go down without a fight. She also never gave up on her friend and was willing to do anything to help her.
Jonathan knew he lost his heart the moment he saw her and he didn’t care what anyone thought. He never gave up and wasn’t going to stop until he found her. I loved that he never hid his feelings.
