ARC Review: Notorious by Nicola Cornick

This was the first book that I've read from this author and it definitely won't be my last. This book was just so good. I admit that when I found out that this book was a second chance at love story I was beyond giddy, those just happen to be my favorite. I believe that Nicola did it justice. I didn't want to put the book down. I was so engrossed with what was happening in the story.

I loved Susanna and Devlin together. They were just so feisty with each other. I really got a sense of them both having strong feelings for one another mixed with a lot of anger and pain.

Nine years ago Devlin and Susanna ran off and eloped together. After spending one blissful night together, Susanna got cold feet and left Devlin with the promise that she would be filing for an annulment. Devlin, feeling angry and betrayed leaves on his commission with the Navy without looking back.

Susanna's life has been nothing but hardships since she made the decision to leave Devlin. A decision that she instantly regretted. To make ends meet, she is somewhat of a reverse match maker. Parents who don't want their children marrying beneath them or to someone who is not right for them hire Susanna to seduce their offspirng. It is while Susanna is on a new commission that she encounters Devlin for the first time since she left him.

When Devlin sees Susanna again he is angry, both at her and himself for having all of these feelings rush back at once. He doesn't trust Susanna and knows she is up to something. He is also deeply hurt by her abandoning him after they were wed.

With Susanna, your heart just breaks to see everything she has been through over the last nine years. She deeply regrets leaving Devlin after their wedding and everything that has happened as a result of her leaving.

While reading this book, I got an immediate sense of longing from both Devlin and Susanna. They both were so hurt from the past and they are still trying to come to terms with everything that has happened. You can see that they both still share a mutual passion for one another even though they are constantly bickering. The banter between these two was great. You could really see the sparks between them. I very much enjoyed reading this book and watching these two finally find their way back towards one another. I was rooting for them from the beginning and I loved how things worked out.

**This was an ARC copy provided by NetGalley**