I can’t believe how many times Sarah Mallory has appeared here on Linda’s Book Bag, without me actually getting round to reading one of her books. When Sarah kindly sent me her latest release Snowbound with the Brooding Lord I thought it was high time I rectified that error. I’m so glad I did and I’m delighted to share my review of Snowbound with the Brooding Lord today.

Snowbound with the Brooding Lord was published by Mills & Boon/Harlequin Historical on 23rd November 2023 and is available for purchase here.

Snowbound with the Brooding Lord

Will they forgive each other

By the time the snow melts…?

Years ago Sabrina walked away from her first love, Jack, because she was duty-bound to marry for money. Now a widow, she finds herself back in Jack’s intoxicating orbit―but he’s reluctant to trust Sabrina again. And it’s not just the brooding Lord who has changed…marriage has left a painful mark on Sabrina. So when they’re trapped by a snowstorm, will they find a way to finally be together?

My Review of Snowbound with the Brooding Lord

Sabrina Kydd’s happy life is about to change.

I thoroughly enjoyed Snowbound with the Brooding Lord because it is tantalisingly romantic and totally absorbing. 

One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the glimpse into the social whirlwind lifestyle of the rich and entitled which often belies the truth of who those people really are and how they might be feeling. Sarah Mallory includes historical detail that exemplifies the early 1800’s with clarity and helps create a feeling of authenticity. Expected manners, social niceties, and the veneer of respectability are illustrated through the soirées, parties and meals, and contrast brilliantly with the genuine passion felt by both Sabrina and Lord Jack Callater and the more simple lifestyle they are forced to adopt once they find themselves snowed in together.  

The plot is fast paced and frustrating! This is by no means a criticism, but just as the developing relationship between Sabrina and Jack is frustrated by withholding of truth, by circumstances and by gossip, so the reader experiences a similar frustration to them in being desperate for them to achieve their happy ending. I thought this was highly effective story telling. 

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Sabrina as she is a woman surviving in spite of what fate has thrown at her, but it was Jack who drew me in so completely until I found myself a little in love with him too! Both these characters are stubborn, proud, passionate, principled and foolhardy in their behaviour, leaving the reader wondering quite whether they will ever stop jeopardising their own happiness. 

As well as a passionate romance and authentic historical detail, what also adds to the pleasure of reading Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is the thread of social responsibility and reform weaving through. Whilst this might be a light and diverting narrative, it had me wishing the same level of altruism displayed by Sabrina and Jack might be applied to some of those with status and power in today’s world. 

Snowbound with the Brooding Lord is a super read that drew me in and kept me equally as captured as those held by the snow. Sarah Mallory has persuaded me that I really do need to read more of this genre. I thought Snowbound with the Brooding Lord was smashing! 

About Sarah Mallory

Sarah Malloryis an award-winning author of over 50 published books, including more than 30 historical romances for Harlequin/Mills & Boon, and she also writes sparkling adventure romances as Melinda Hammond.

Originally from the West Country, Sarah lived for many years high on the Yorkshire Pennines, but in 2018 she ran away to the Scottish Highlands and now lives by the sea, enjoying a whole new adventure.

You can follow Sarah on Twitter @SarahMRomance. You can also visit her excellent website and find her on Instagram or Facebook.