Blog Tour + Review: "Mr. Knightsbridge" by Louise Bay

I am thrilled to participate in the blog tour celebrating the release of author Louise Bay's latest novel, "Mr. Knightsbridge," the second book of the Mister series. This story reads as a total standalone, perfect for readers (like me) who are new to the series.

I've been hearing wonderful things about Louise Bay's writing for ages, but have never found the time before now to pick up one of her books. I'm so happy I finally did because "Mr. Knightsbridge" was a delight! Main characters Dexter and Hollie were incredibly likeable and well-developed, and I loved the way they brought out the best in each other while sharing their mutual love of jewelry design. I highly recommend this sweet, charming story for all fans of contemporary romance and can't wait to dive into the rest of Ms. Bay's backlist titles as soon as I can.

About "Mr. Knightsbridge"

Dexter Daniels prefers gems over women. Emeralds over girlfriends. Diamonds over marriage.

He might be the most successful jeweler of his generation, a loyal friend and some say the most handsome man in London, but his past means he doesn’t deal in love.

When Hollie Lumen enters the ballroom where exquisite royal jewels are on display, she brings Dexter’s world to a screeching halt. Despite her hand-me-down dress and borrowed shoes, Hollie is even more stunning than the jewelry. Feisty, funny and ferociously independent, she’s all Dexter can see.

Hollie Lumen can’t catch a break. She thought an internship in London was her chance to escape her responsibilities back in Oregon and for her dreams to come true. When she’s fired only a few weeks after touching down, she’s ready to give up and go home. Hollie never asks for help. She knows the only person she can rely on is herself.

So what’s she going to do about the tall, dark, handsome stranger who keeps rescuing her?

She’s going to rescue him right back.

Mr. Knightsbridge is a stand-alone romance.

My Review

"Mr. Knightsbridge" by Louise Bay was a sweet, funny, and charming story featuring incredibly likeable, well-developed characters and an engaging plot that I adored. I've never read a book focusing on the world of fine jewelry design and fabrication before, so I especially enjoyed learning more about the industry as well as imagining myself wearing the beautiful earrings, bracelets, and tiaras the characters created.

The romance between main characters Dexter Daniels and Hollie Lumen was very well crafted. When they first met, they didn't seem to have much in common aside from their mutual interest in jewelry making, but as their feelings for each other grew, they truly brought out the best in each other. Hollie was very strong, determined, independent, and hardworking, but had grown accustomed to caring for herself and everyone around her without receiving much, if anything, in return. Dexter helped her see that a relationship could be a two-way street, and that receiving was just as important as giving. In return, Hollie helped Dexter overcome the grief of losing his parents and his first love so that he could truly move forward with his life.

The secondary characters in this book were just as wonderful as Hollie and Dexter and added a tremendous amount of depth and humor to the narrative. I particularly enjoyed Dexter's bromance with his friends Gabriel, Beck, and Tristan, who were more like brothers to him than friends. I also loved Hollie's younger sister Autumn, who seemed wise beyond her years and, like her older sister, was determined to achieve her dreams no matter what stood in her way.

"Mr. Knightsbridge" was the first book I've ever read by Louise Bay, but it certainly will not be the last. I look forward to checking out more of her work soon!

*ARC provided by the author via Candi Kane PR. All opinions expressed are my own.