Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder - compelling historical romantic suspense / Books Teacup and Reviews

Never Forgotten is a compelling historical romantic suspense about love, loss, and second chances.

Never Forgotten

Never Forgotten by Hannah Linder

Publication Date : November 1, 2024

Publisher : Barbour Fiction

Read Date : November 20, 2024

Genre : Historical Fiction / Romantic suspense

Pages : 390

Source : Many thanks to author for e-copy.

Synopsis

All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.

Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.

Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.

Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?

Review

Never Forgotten follows the story of Simon and Georgina, whose paths were intertwined in their youth. Simon returns to London thirteen years after abandoning his engagement to Georgina. Following his wife’s tragic murder in America, Simon seeks vengeance while confronting his father’s will, which stipulates he must marry Georgina to claim his inheritance⁠⁠.

Georgina has never forgotten Simon—or the pain of his betrayal. When he returns, the love and hurt she had long suppressed resurface. Determined to avoid a loveless marriage, she refuses his proposal. Yet, their frequent encounters pull her into Simon’s quest for justice. As Simon digs deeper into the mystery of his wife’s death, he faces escalating danger, with death following close behind. Meanwhile, Georgina harbors secrets of her own that begin to unravel alongside Simon’s.

It’s fascinating to watch how their encounters transform Simon’s perceptions, bringing them closer together and reigniting love amidst danger and uncertainty.

The writing took some time to adjust to, possibly due to the shift in genre, but the plot is richly layered, weaving themes of corruption, crime, familial discord, betrayal, and second-chance romance. The story successfully balances suspense with an emotional exploration of characters.

Initially, Simon’s strong, negative opinions about Georgina were off-putting. While his frustration with his controlling father and his desire for independence were understandable, his decision to leave behind the love and support of Georgina and his family felt naive. Even upon returning, Simon’s initial outlook hadn’t changed much, which was frustrating. However, through many conversations and experiences, Simon gradually comes to appreciate Georgina’s kindness, compassion, and inner strength.

Though his reluctance to fully pursue her after the brutal loss of his wife was understandable, his hesitation often felt drawn out. Despite these frustrations, his development was compelling—Simon grows to acknowledge his mistakes, understand his father’s intentions, and embrace love once again. His devotion to his children and his determination to find justice for his wife, despite societal disdain, were particularly admirable.

Georgina, on the other hand, was likable from the beginning. Shy yet compassionate, she loves deeply but harbors a fear of loss. After Simon’s departure and her father’s death, she guards her heart, knowing Simon’s stay in London is temporary. The threats to her own secret surrounding her father’s death add further tension to her character’s arc. Amidst all the tension and dealing with old wound she still tries to help Simon, even after the scandal and accusation against Simon.

Watching her transformation—from a gentle, delicate woman to a fiercely protective figure willing to go to great lengths for Simon’s children—was inspiring. Her eventual willingness to give Simon a second chance and let go of her fears was a heartwarming resolution to her journey.

The secondary characters were flawed, morally ambiguous, and deeply impacted by life’s misfortunes, adding depth and intrigue to the story. The suspense was expertly crafted—I had no idea how Simon would uncover the truth with so little to go on, and each clue he unearthed built the tension further. The author did a remarkable job keeping the mystery intact until the climax, with near-death encounters and red herrings maintaining the suspense throughout.

The romance between Simon and Georgina was intense and added a layer of tension to the already gripping plot. Their inability to acknowledge or confess their feelings was frustrating at times, particularly after the danger had passed. However, the resolution, where they finally let go of their fears and found happiness together, was well worth the wait.

Overall, Never Forgotten is a compelling historical romantic suspense about love, loss, and second chances. While the characters’ flaws and struggles can be frustrating, their growth and the gripping suspense make for a memorable and satisfying read.