Book Review: An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter, Book 4 of Hawthorne House

"The seating arrangements couldn't have been more obvious than if Mother had tied a sign around his chair that said Unmarried Duke, Ripe for the Picking." (163)

Title: An Inconvenient Beauty

Series: Hawthorne House, Book 4

Author: Kristi Ann Hunter

Publisher: Bethany House

Release Date: September 5, 2017

Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction

Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, so he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. While he's certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, she is strangely elusive, and he can't seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.

Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, she has no choice but to agree to a bargain that puts her at odds with all her romantic hopes--as well as her conscience. And the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she regrets the unpleasant obligation that prevents her from any dream of a future with him.

As all Griffith's and Isabella's long-held expectations are shaken to the core, can they set aside their pride and fear long enough to claim a happily-ever-after?

I closed An Inconvenient Beauty by Kristi Ann Hunter with a heavy, yet delightful heart. It's quite sad to see one of my favorite series come to an end. Hawthorne House gave me great stories, book boyfriends and wonderful heroines. To close with Griffith, the Duke of Riverton, the older brother, the responsible and always calm one was just perfect. It was just perfect.

"Haven't you heard? I'm a duke.." (various)

I loved everything about this story, from our heroine, Isabella Breckenridge to our hero, Griffith, we were able to be immersed in the dynamics of the Regency marriage dance. The secondary characters are just as appealing, including the more villainous roles. And speaking of secondary characters, I love seeing my favorites from the rest of the series making their appearances. The "boys' chat" was just as hilarious as it was in An Uncommon Courtship. Add in the sisters' take on Griffith's love life, you won't be able to stop a smile from making its way on your face. Skip the smile, laugh. You'll laugh. I definitely see the author's humor throughout An Inconvenient Beauty and I can't wait for more!

"Marry that woman. As soon as you possibly can." (254)

Yes, the characters are perfection, but I have to say, the plot was just as intriguing. I was thrown in for a loop when several unexpected twists showed up. Then there's the matter of the trees. . . Yes, trees. I think the intelligent Isabella had really allowed me to love her when that scene with the planes of the trees happened. I mean, she's quirky in a sense and I just love that. I didn't know where the story will take us, but the conclusion satisfied this fan. It was one with the series that I know I will cherish and revisit many times over.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

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Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is the author of the Hawthorne House series and a 2016 RITA Award winner and Christy Award finalist. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia.