Hero of My Heart by Megan Frampton

Mary Smith is tossed up on the auction block by her debt-ridden step brother and sold to the highest bidder, Alasdair Thornham who really has no idea why he bought her, only he felt the need to rescue her.  Somehow through his opium induced haze, he recognizes that Mary needs to be taken care of and he seems to be the perfect man for the job.  He will simple marry her and then she will have access to his home and funds and he can go off and let the opium to its job, rid him of all his painful family and war memories.  What he doesn't expect is a fierceness in Mary to save Alasdair from his drug haze.  Mary is determined to set Alasdair free and help his realize the past can not be changed and everything was not his fault, not his burden to bear now.  Mary's step brother and Alasdair cousin, who wants Alasdair's title, force this couple to hide and take a trip across the countryside.  Close quarters allow for Mary and Alasdair's feelings to develop but what will happen once they reach London?  Will Mary be able to tell Alasdair her real desire to get to London, a secret she is sure will shame him?

While I did enjoy this romance, I also felt a bit let down.  I felt like some things were just glossed over, most specifically with Alasdair's opium addiction.  He struggles and fails early on but once they are forced into the countryside with no money or transportation, his struggles fall to the wayside and he has no side affects and I felt like there needed to be more of a struggle with that aspect.  I also would have liked to have seen more of Mary's secret explored and expanded upon as it was something a bit fresh in this genre.  Even with Alasdair's struggles, both inner and outer  he is a very swoon worthy hero; smart, handsome, generous and witty and I really enjoyed him.  Mary is strong, brave and not afraid to voice her opinions yet hesitant to trust a man who easily breaks his promises and is dependent on something that alters him.  Another thing that was a bit off for me was the trek through the countryside...they had a few bumps and then they were easily to London.  I feel like the ending could have been much stronger and really been a better fit for this story as it had good potential, but it just fell a bit short for me this time.  However, I do plan on checking out the future releases of Megan Frampton as I feel like she has a good voice that will hopefully connect together a bit better for me over time.  Recommended for fans of unique story lines with personal struggles and a happily ever after that will make you smile.  3 1/2 stars

eARC provided by Loveswept via netgalley.com...thanks!