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The Montesoro Legacy (Brandon Brothers Book 3) Kindle Edition

by Stella Riley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 468 ratings
B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree and Book Excellence Award Romance novel of 2024

A dangerous step-brother … a letter from a Venice … a secret key … and London’s most fashionable portraitist. Dark doings and deceptions surround an unexpected legacy … and an equally unexpected love story.

Upon learning that his step-sister, Mariella Talbot, is the beneficiary of a surprise inheritance, Sir Jerome Farrell decides to seize it for himself.
Already struggling to thwart her step-brother’s other wicked intentions, Mariella realises two things; to claim the Montesoro legacy, Jerome must make a lengthy journey … but without a certain item in her possession, he will return empty-handed.
Successful, sought-after and contemplating marriage to a lovely, young widow, Leo Brandon’s commission to paint Charlotte Farrell, takes him to Surrey for three days. Had he known in advance how those days would re-arrange his life, he might have made the catastrophic mistake of staying in London.
Meanwhile, the agents of M Section are interested in Sir Jerome for reasons of their own ... and, unlike Mariella, are less than delighted when he leaves the country.

“This author has a consistently high standard of writing and story-telling. Her use of appropriate language, manners and social mores of the day are meticulously researched and when I read her books, I am instantly transported to another, earlier time.” Book Readers Appreciation Group Review

"My sister, my son, and my nephew are all autistic. Sadly, I am usually disappointed with the 2-dimensional characters and stereotypical behaviours most authors use. This author captures conversation with a person with autism perfectly. I actually laughed because Donato reminded me so much of people I know .... how annoyed he gets when he's interrupted, his inability to remember to use social niceties and being rude without realising it. I think Stella Riley did a fabulous job of portraying autism and making us understand that, while Donato is clearly intelligent, his functioning is impaired by his lack of social skills." Amazon 5 Star review
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  1. Book 3 of 3
    Brandon Brothers
  2. Print length
    415 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 30, 2022
  5. File size
    927 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"This author has a consistently high standard of writing and story-telling which stands out in a genre in which some authors dress their characters in 18th/19th century costumes but give them the manners of 21st century men and women. SR's use of appropriate language, manners and social mores of the day, even the reality of the time taken to travel from place to place, is meticulously researched and when I read her books, I am instantly transported to another, earlier time." Book Readers Appreciation Review

"I appreciated this book from the standpoints of women's rights and the portrayal of people with high functioning autism." Book Readers Appreciation Review
​

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09SD81GPC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ; 1st edition (March 30, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 30, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 927 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 415 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 468 ratings

About the author

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Stella Riley

Stella Riley

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Winner of 4 gold medals (Readers' Favourite 2019, Book Excellence Awards 2020, Global Book Awards 2022, Book Excellence Awards 2023) and 14 B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.

Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair - hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

Visit Stella at https://stellarileybooks.co.uk for all the latest information on her books and her 'Who's Who' and Extras pages.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
468 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy the book's adventure and romance. They find the characters well-developed and the plot interesting. The book is described as a treat to read, with loyal family and friends. Readers praise it as a wonderful addition to the Brandon Brothers series and their favorite of the three books.

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RomanceCharacter developmentLoyaltyReadabilityBook series
8 customers mention "Romance"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the romance in the book. They find the story engaging with heartwarming characters and interesting plots. The book offers readers a sweet read with plenty of history.

"...This book, like the previous ones in the series, offers a heartwarming romance between two honourable and strong characters, a backdrop of loving,..." Read more

"What a marvelous conclusion to the Brandon brothers saga! A delightful journey of love for Leo the youngest brother- who, not unlike Julian Langdon,..." Read more

"...Legacy was its own rompy bit of fun, with there being a multitude of storylines and the romance being a quiet almost B-plot...." Read more

"...Each one of these books is full of fun and adventure as well as the romance...." Read more

6 customers mention "Character development"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They find the characters wonderful and major players in the story. The love triangle, villain, and family love are also mentioned.

"...flavour as well as the recognizable heartwarming effect of the honourable character and emotional depth of each Brandon brother and the loving bond..." Read more

"...and friends, particularly Adam and Camilla both who are major players in the story. As well as M Section's involvement...." Read more

"...I very much enjoyed the host of characters we got to hear from, but I loved the continued presence of Sebastian and Cassandra, and that Leo's..." Read more

"...She had complex characters, interesting plots, and lots of history to read about (especially in her Roundheads and Cavaliers series)...." Read more

4 customers mention "Loyalty"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's portrayal of loyalty. They mention a backdrop of loving, loyal family and friends, interspersed with humor. The book depicts perfect peoplehood, with everyone loving and helping each other. It also features a romance between two honorable characters and great visits from old friends.

"...while sharing their principles of kindness, respect, honour and loyalty – his artistic talent, his ability to see and understand people’s feelings..." Read more

"...We have some great visits from old friends, and the fantastic reveal of Leo's portrait of Sebastian Wingham..." Read more

"...to meet up with or hear about many of them, all of them more examples of perfect peoplehood, with everybody loving everybody and helping each other..." Read more

"...There was a love triangle for a time, a very evil villain and much family love and loyalty...." Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They say it's a treat to read and can be read independently, but it's better if you have read the first book. The author gives the reader a warm understanding of the artist and his foibles.

"...herself well with her artist and his art, and gives the reader a warm understanding of their foibles and motivations...." Read more

"I have just finished The Brandon Trilogy by Stella Riley, and I loved all three books -- A Trick of Fate, Under A Dark Moon, and The Montesoro Legacy..." Read more

"...This one was my favorite of the three books. There was a love triangle for a time, a very evil villain and much family love and loyalty...." Read more

"...(It can be read independently, but you'll enjoy it more if you have read the first two books...." Read more

3 customers mention "Book series"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book series. They find it a great conclusion to the Brandon Brothers saga and a wonderful addition to the legacy.

"...This is a wonderful addition to the Brandon Brothers legacy. Highly recommended." Read more

"What a marvelous conclusion to the Brandon brothers saga!..." Read more

"...This is the 3rd book in the Brandon Brothers Books. This one was my favorite of the three books...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • noagnes
    5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful romance of the third Brandon brother
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Stella Riley managed to surprise and delight her readers again. The third book of The Brandon Brothers series, like the previous two volumes, has a unique flavour as well as the recognizable heartwarming effect of the honourable character and emotional depth of each Brandon brother and the loving bond of their extended family clan and circle of friends.
    This book focuses on Leo, of whom the prequels had revealed that he is a very talented painter. He is starting to make a name for himself as a portraitist, when he is thrust into a scandal through malicious gossip involving him and a young lady relative of one of his clients. This results in a "fake engagement" type romance story, allowing Leo to find what he was looking for, "a wife who would be the centre of his being" in the unlikely young lady who fights her attraction and love for him to avoid forcing his hand, unlike his previous infatuations with ladies of fashionable society who had been attracted to his fame or his charm or his connections but lacked the integrity of character revealed by the heroine’s actions.
    The lady in question is Mariella Talbot, a descendant of the Montesoro family in Venice through her mother, which is where the “legacy” in the title comes from. Her initial situation includes the responsibility for a younger brother (Donato) who is somewhat different – I’d say he is on the autism spectrum – and the oppression of a stepbrother who, we soon learn, is up to no good: keeps the Talbot siblings under his thumb, refuses to allow them access to their inheritance, and seems to be more and more threatening. The compromise situation, for Mariella, results in the unexpected opportunity to receive the protection of Leo, but being embraced by Leo’s family and friends, and seeing Leo shine in his friendship and sensitive care for her brother Donato will lead to her inevitable heartbreak when she’ll have to end the pretence.
    Leo’s protective actions immediately extend to involving the protagonists of the previous book, Adam Brandon and his wife Camilla, and through them, members of the secret government agency readers encountered in their story. This results in a storyline of secret agents against criminals sparkling with excitement and humour, counteraction of the gossips introducing Mariella into the aristocratic circle of friends from the previous books, helping Donato to integrate better with a new soon-to-be family, and in the end, revelation of the legacy and Mariella reconnecting with her family roots.
    This book, like the previous ones in the series, offers a heartwarming romance between two honourable and strong characters, a backdrop of loving, loyal family and friends, interspersed with humorous interactions between them. Its unique strengths are the way Leo is made different from his brothers while sharing their principles of kindness, respect, honour and loyalty – his artistic talent, his ability to see and understand people’s feelings and characters enable him to form a bond with the reclusive and socially awkward Donato, to create portraits that illustrate the subjects’ character rather than their superficial features (this resulting in a story thread that will delight longtime readers of the series, which I will not spoil here in the slightest!) and to support Mariella in all her difficulties.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Poetess
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mariella
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Leo's story is one I have been looking forward to since Adam's book. It was not the best week to really concentrate on it. It begs to be re-read. I really liked Mariella, her situation feels hopeless. And with the added responsibility of her younger brother Donato (who I am guessing is a high functioning autistic) her situation can only get better. It does with the entrance of Leo Brandon. There are lots of visits with Leo's family and friends, particularly Adam and Camilla both who are major players in the story. As well as M Section's involvement.

    It slows down in places. The trip to Venice is almost a travelogue.

    My favorite scene is Donato and the pot of blue paint. One of the villains gets his comeuppance in a most unusual way.

    This is a wonderful addition to the Brandon Brothers legacy.

    Highly recommended.
    One person found this helpful
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  • D. Lloyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love and danger and portraits
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    What a marvelous conclusion to the Brandon brothers saga! A delightful journey of love for Leo the youngest brother- who, not unlike Julian Langdon, is feted for his looks and charm and only secondly for what really matters to him, his art. Also reminiscent of the Rockliffe series #6 Cadenza, Ms. Riley acquaints herself well with her artist and his art, and gives the reader a warm understanding of their foibles and motivations. As an artist myself it was a real pleasure to see this care go into the portrayal of an artists' motivations and inspirations, as well as the real work that goes into their craft. She also sensitively portrays our heroine Mariella's brother- a young man most likely on the spectrum, but also previously denied the brotherly love that we see, in the person of Leo, is able to bring him out of his shell and on the path to more interactions with friends and family. I can only hope that Ms. Riley may grace us with a novella describing Donato's personal happiness with a suitable young lady. But back to Mariella and Leo- a truly dastardly villian in the person of Mariella Talbot's half brother- who is also in the sights of the deliciously intriguing M Section, provides much excitement. We have some great visits from old friends, and the fantastic reveal of Leo's portrait of Sebastian Wingham (which I with joyful tears guessed long before the moment). What a treat! I am very much looking forward to the audio of this book.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • k2
    5.0 out of 5 stars Nice story
    Reviewed in Germany on May 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Nice story, and I like the author’s style.
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  • avidreader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Leo's story - and what an enthralling story to end the Brandon Brothers trilogy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The youngest Brandon brother, Leo, is a happy-go-lucky, extraordinarily good-looking, charming and very talented man, a portrait artist, who has caught the eye of the great and the good, and risen almost instantly to fame, thanks to commissions pouring in. Without vanity, he knows that he attracts women like bees to honey, and falls in and out of love, each time convinced it is the real thing - to the slight consternation of his two older brothers, who worry that he doesn't take life seriously enough. Nevertheless, they love him, have his back, as they say, and stand foursquare behind him, whatever the situation.

    Leo is pitchforked into a situation brought about by a malicious, meddling gossip, which pretty much scuppers his latest romantic fancy, and finds him in a false engagement to one of the author's most delightful female characters, Mariella. There is intrigue, mystery [THAT legacy!] and several unsavoury characters, one of whom is a step-brother to Mariella, who would like her out of the way and her brother committed to an institution to pave the way for his fraudulent use of their money. He is also involved, at a higher level, in what we would call organised crime, and it is this, coupled with his actions against Mariella and Donato, her brother, which bring him to the attention of M Section, first introduced in the middle brother, Adam's book, 'Under a Dark Moon'.

    How it all plays out is, as always with Stella Riley, told with great attention to historical detail and fact, and as always, with a great deal of the author's trademark wit and humour. It is exciting and fast-moving, the action moving from Surrey to London and ultimately to Venice, villainous plots being foiled, villains getting their comeuppance - and, of course, the deep love and devotion developing between Leo and Mariella.

    Characters from the Rockliffe series and the two previous Brandon brothers' books are involved, which is
    such a treat for those of us who have read the entire series - which I wholeheartedly recommend. However, the three main characters in this book - Leo, Mariella and Donato - are absolutely delightful. Leo is not just a sweetheart, he has depths of compassion and understanding which shine through. Particularly, his relationship and interaction with Donato, who also has artistic skills but some issues with social situations, is written so well. Leo doesn't force the relationship, but through his understanding, humour and kindness, and without the author fundamentally changing Donato's character, Leo wins Donato round, in a very gradual and realistic fashion. Mariella is, I think, one of the author's most appealing female characters. She doesn't come with any romantic emotional baggage, and her fierceness in her protection of her precious younger brother, safeguarding him from their step-brother's wicked plans, and her plotting and planning to find a way to rid them of his hold over them is a joy to read. She is a lady through and through, with a good upbringing, but circumstances have kept her in the country, so she is not at all sophisticated, is not especially knowledgeable about art or theatre and is convinced that Leo would never look twice at her. Even in London, she is charmingly unsure of herself, anxious about her situation - and I was rooting for her happy ending from the start.

    Hegarty, Leo's 'acquired' valet, is another memorable character - quiet, unassuming, but devoted to Leo and Donato. So is Charlotte, Mariella's younger step-sister, Donato's age, who loves and understands Donato. These are the details which make a book absorbing - characters who may not have major roles, but are so important in the unfolding of the story.

    There are some truly memorable events; two which immediately spring to mind concern a portrait commissioned by Sebastian [the Wicked Cousin] and the second, the meeting between Max [the oldest brother, 'A Trick of Fate'] and Donato. Those, in particular, brought a lump to my throat [and damp eyes!] and are worth rereading - which I have done several times.

    Delightful book, a very fitting ending to the Brandon Brothers series.
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  • Clare McQuin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stella just gets better!
    Reviewed in Australia on March 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Mostly set In and close to London, with characters from the Rockliffe and earlier Brandon Brothers books, this centres on the youngest Brandon brother, Leo. We already know he is an accomplished artist, who has changed his medium to oils in the last few years; studied for some time in Italy and has just started gathering clients among the ton. He is also a very charming young man and starting to consider matrimony. But he is asked to paint a young lady and is suddenly caught up in the machinations of her older brother and the effects these have on their family. Leo finds himself also embroiled in a scandal and losing clients, but this does have its bright side - he can concentrate on other tasks and people, with assistance from his family and friends.
    This book starts out peacefully, but the birthday house-party spins out in multiple directions and develops old and new personae from Ms Riley's G
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  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning finale to Stella Riley’s Brandon Brothers trilogy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Stella Riley has brought her Brandon Brothers trilogy to a stunning finale with The Montesoro Legacy and, whilst I loved Max, Adam and their wives, Leo and Mariella tip the scales as my favourite couple of the series.

    Leo, the youngest of the brothers, has led a charmed life; he’s handsome and charismatic, if somewhat naive, and perhaps inclined to fall in love a little too easily. His extraordinary talent, coupled with two extremely high profile commissions, has guaranteed professional success and popularity with the ladies. The climb up the ladder of popularity has been rapid and, as the darling of society, he is now even more sought after as a portraitist to the rich and privileged. However, its all a little too much too soon, because society can be fickle and, as he discovers, if one climbs the ladder of success too quickly then the way down can be equally as fast, even when one has done no wrong.

    Having discovered that public opinion can turn on a sixpence and, disappointingly, that his so called love believes the unfounded gossip surrounding him, Leo sets out to minimise the damage caused to the reputation of Mariella Montesoro Talbot. She is the lady who has unwittingly become the target of malicious gossip as the result of an innocent encounter with himself. Having learned the hard lesson that his comeliness and charm will not save him, Leo re-visits Mariella who suggests a plan to embark on a fake engagement which should save his honour and her reputation. The eventual goal is for Mariella to break the engagement, with honour to both parties restored.

    Leo had ‘noticed’ Mariella with his keen artist’s eye when he had encountered her on a visit to her step-brother’s home, where he’d been invited to meet Charlotte Farrell, the subject of a portrait he had been commissioned to paint…

    Leo’s eye was immediately drawn to the taller of the two, partly because of her half-veiled amusement but mostly because of her extraordinary hair. Mingled shades of the rose-gold one sometimes saw in a perfect sunrise, it would challenge any artist’s pallet…

    so becoming ‘engaged’ to Mariella wasn’t too much of a hardship. And, as we discover, the two soon become friends… and more.

    Mariella is a delightful character and fully deserving of the attentions of the delectable Leo, whose honour and protectiveness is soon at the forefront when he takes her and her younger brother, Donato, to London under the protection of his family. He is soon helping Mariella to uncover the treachery of her smarmy step-brother, Sir Jerome Farrell. Mariella has fought hard to keep herself and Donato safe from Jerome’s machinations. With no one to turn to, and with sinister, unexplained ‘accidents’ to her person and dark, barely veiled threats regarding Donato, she has been afraid for their safety for a long time. It’s therefore a relief to have Leo in her corner. Even now, the only reason Mariella has been able to make her escape, with Donato, to Leo’s family in London is because Jerome has gone on a wild goose chase to Venice in search of Mariella’s Italian Montesoro inheritance. But she’s no fool and has bought herself time by hiding a vital piece to the clue necessary to ‘unlock’ the inheritance. She knows she’s on borrowed time, for when he returns all hell will break loose.

    There’s more to Sir Jerome Farrell than meets the eye because not only Leo, but also Adam Brandon and the agents of M Section, are investigating his participation in far more sinister activities. It’s good to see this eclectic group of people working as one again behind the scenes. The ensuing investigation and mystery is cleverly plotted and brings the story to an exciting climax with Sir Jerome Farrell getting his comeuppance in a very satisfactory manner.

    There are some special moments in this book which stood out for me. Although Donato is a secondary character, he’s skilfully drawn and developed. Throughout the book he grows in stature under Leo’s patience, care and guidance, bringing a richness and fullness to his character. Initially he’s quiet and withdrawn; the only person who really ‘gets’ him is Mariella, and then only as a loving and protective older sister might… until Leo. Donato finds pleasure in his garden and loves to paint the specimens he has grown himself. Leo, recognising his exceptional skill as a botanical artist, shows him how to use other painting methods and treats him as friend and equal, with the result that Donato ‘flowers’ before our very eyes. Jerome Farrell has only ever seen him as a candidate for an asylum, and one whose inheritance he can steal, by stealth of course. However, through the eyes of lovely Leo, we see an intelligent and talented young man who deserves respect and admiration. I would love to see Donato get a book of his own.

    Also, without giving too much of the plot or story away, there’s one truly beautiful and inspiring point in this story that completely took my breathe. Fans of this author’s work will know when you reach it, as it’s necessary to have read The Wicked Cousin to understand the significance of what I’m talking about. I was not expecting it, and it stands out for me as a truly moving and spine tingling moment. One I returned to and read more than once.

    Some of the main characters from the author's award winning (Rockliffe) series pop in as usual; it really is like having old friends to visit… especially, in this instance, Adrian (The Player)and Sebastian (The Wicked Cousin) - be still my beating heart! Was there ever such a wonderful, funny, endearing and charismatic character as Sebastian?

    Ms. Riley’s always outstanding skill in character development is very evident, as is her familiar wit and humour in the way she has Leo bantering and interacting with his brothers, their love and affection for one another obvious…

    ‘Eat your cake,’ recommended Adam. ‘You’ll find it tastes better than either your foot or my fist.’

    The Montesoro Legacy is a beautifully romantic, clever mystery, and a fabulous addition to Stella Riley’s catalogue of books. A perfect ending to the Brandon Brothers trilogy.
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  • Jill
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another wonderful story by such a talented writer
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this story. The title itself drew me in and I always enjoy “fake fiancee” tropes. However, as always with the Brandon series, the story is more than just the (lovely) romance. It involves adventure and jeopardy that added exciting, page-turning elements that kept me reading until the small hours.

    I was struck by numerous moments of jeopardy throughout the story. From Adam and Camilla’s initial doubts about Leo’s involvement with Grace Chartley to whether Leo would be forced to offer marriage to someone he hardly knew and on through all the twists and turns engendered by Sir Jerome’s headlong rush to obtain Mariella’s inheritance: these added a frisson of danger that made me want to keep reading.
    This novel works as an exciting, adventure story. There is plenty of action, full of danger and suspense, as Adam, Camilla and M Section hunt down Sir Jerome and Cox. It is a real battle of wits supported by good detective work, gritty determination and a certain imaginative panache.

    However, it is the central relationship between Leo and Mariella that is the beating heart of the story. Their love story is woven seamlessly with the thriller elements and is all the richer for it.

    Leo is a real triumph. We have had captivating glimpses of him in Trick of Fate and Under a Dark Moon, but it was wonderful to see the whole of his character revealed as the story progresses. We already know that he is handsome, intelligent, charming and very talented so I really liked that Adam and Camilla set the scene early on in this novel, wondering how Leo would cope with adversity. I enjoyed watching Leo increase in confidence and decisiveness in dealing with the problems that beset him. I loved his understanding, compassion and sensitivity, especially in his relationship with Donato. His dealings with Donato revealed the essence and depth of his personality, as did his amazing portrait of Sebastian. Who could fail to melt at his protective instincts and care for Mariella.

    Mariella is also an interesting character. She is more subtly drawn: she is quietly strong, intelligent, honourable and fiercely protective of her little brother. Her proposal to Leo was quite bold and demonstrates strength of character. Mariella’s shy pleasure in her new life in London; the way she immediately fit into Leo’s family and was accepted by his circle of friends; her sense of humour and her quiet dignity in dealing with the way she had been treated by Sir Jerome are all qualities that make her attractive to Leo.

    I really liked the way Leo’s love story with Mariella developed. There was no “coup de foudre” for him, although Mariella fell in love with Leo at first sight. The enforced proximity of the fake betrothal enabled us to see the rapport build between them to the point where Leo realised that Mariella was essential to his happiness. His realisation of his love is truly delightful.

    One of Ms Riley’s greatest strengths is her creation of wonderfully vivid and authentic characters. Donato is a lovely example. It must have been tricky to get the balance right but there are no false notes, and he is just delightful, adding so much depth to the story.

    Readers of Ms Riley’s novels will recognise many characters from her previous stories. This is another aspect of her writing that I particularly like. The new story is fresh and exciting but it is set against a recognisable background. It is lovely to meet so many old friends: Adam and Camilla, Sebastian and Cassie and the operatives from M Section. The novel does work as a standalone, but it is so much richer if you know the previous stories in the Brandon Brothers series. Indeed, if you have not read them or the Rockliffe novels, you have a veritable treat in store. They are all a similarly high standard.

    I don’t want to talk about the actual Montesoro legacy for fear of spoilers. However, the denouement of the story offers us the opportunity to go on a beautifully described journey and is a fitting conclusion to a wonderful story. I just loved it.
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