Viscount in Her Bedroom Book

[Now we aren't sure if the grandmother employs the h for her grandson's benefit or her granddaughter's. You see, the h has been quite successful at helping her prior employer's granddaughter improve herself and catch a husband. Well, whatever the old lady's motivations, she keeps her cards close to her heart. And she doesn't need to encourage the h as she's itching to make changes in both these lives on her own! So the shy young girl is (gently) pushed and prodded out of her shy clumsy shell and the H is prodded similarly but in a much less subtle way. Ummm, yes she's one of those know-it-alls.

The variation to the theme is that the H has a genuine problem with the h helping his sister. He's heard rumours regarding Miss Shelby that make her unfit to even accompany a young deb, much less help her launch in society. Being a nice guy (and he's that) he cannot come out and state the obvious but he tries too discourage the h. The h doesn't know anything about her tarnished reputation but did leave her prior employment because of unsavoury propositions made by the men in that family. So it was a wait and watch as to when the h would come to know about it and from whom and how she'd react.
And when that happens, she's shattered....I don't know but her reaction resonated with me very deeply. Maybe because situations maybe different but many of us have gone through something like this when we think a memory or relationship tainted because of a revelation.
'She had a fast reputation.'
Everything seemed starkly clear now. What she had thought of as a good rapport with men, was only because they thought that she was easily...seduced. Every memory of her happy life as a popular woman of Society was tainted. Every meaning, every motive was suspect now, and memories flashed in her head at a dizzying pace. She had thought herself so happy, so popular, so at ease, and instead, everything was a lie.
The 'spreader' of the lies turns out to be closer home than expected but redeems himself nicely. But can a reputation be restored in society's eyes?

The h/H strike a good enough chemistry and the title is justified as he starts visiting her bedroom at night - and it's all quite innocent to begin with. They talk and share and unburden themselves but it slowly progresses to more and the h, sweetly and unrestrainedly, lets him kiss her and more. But to give him credit, he never 'takes advantage' because of her said reputation but because he cannot help himself. But yes, one does think if 'ladies' and companions do get to be treated differently. He realises she's like no other he's ever met but marriage is out of the question. And his declaration also comes out rushed and pushed because of a rival's proposal.

Problems?
I liked this book overall but it does bemuse. The plot and writing oscillate between fresh and forced. It has a raw, immature feel to it at times, especially in the first chapter and then some later on. His knowing of her reputation and the wait for the 'exposure' is also dragged out. And that's the main conflict and not his blindness. (hide spoiler)]

3.5 stars
This is the third and final book in the Sisters of Willow Pond-trilogy and tells the story of Louisa Shelby and Simon Wade.
Louisa is the youngest Shelby-sister and Simon is the friend of David Thurlow who is the hero of book 1 and now married to Louisa's eldest sister Victoria.
This book contrary to book 2 gave me the same vibe as book 1 did.

I can't say I didn't like the book, because I did like it and that was because of the characters, both hero, heroine and secondary characters.
They were well written, having depth and their development throughout the story was very nice to read.
I liked Simon because of the way he tried to deal with his blindness. His independence and his way of trying to protect the people he loves.
I liked Louisa's compassion and her desire to help people she cares for with their problems and difficulties.
They are both genuine and very loveable characters you can easily relate to and have sympathy for. They learn to trust each other with their fears and doubts caused by actions of their parents and peers
The tentative flirtations between Simon and Louisa lead to deeper feelings and they slowly fall in love. This is written in a very believable way and as a reader you grow into the relationship with them
Of the secondary characters I loved Manvil, Simon's valet. He was witty and impertinent, not afraid to tell his employer what he thinks. His sense of humor matches Simon's and was very refreshing. I also loved Georgiana, Simon's sister. She grew as a character throughout the book.

The story did lack a plot, which was something I really appreciated in book 2. It gave that book that little bit extra. Unfortunately in this book there was too much focus on secrets, lack of trust, misguided assumptions, hiding true feelings and lack of courage to be open and honest. It all lingers too long in the story and causes unnecessary misunderstandings.
This bothered me in book 1 and now again in this book, but the characters and character-development did make up for this.
The recurring element was the effect parents and their actions have on their children and how their outlook on other people turns out to be.
This is a wonderful theme and I can't but think that it could have been brought out even better with less focus on the misunderstandings and assumptions.

In conclusion I thought this an average but enjoyable trilogy with an average start, a better and lovely second installment and an endearing last book.
For me book 2 was the best one if you look at the plot and book 3 was the best one if you look at the characters and their development.
The theme throughout the trilogy is trust: trust in yourself and others, especially the ones you want to love and the ones you think you can always trust, in this case: parents.
Even though the books weren't very exciting or thrilling they each suited the different sister's personalities, as did the heroes. The combination of the characters was done in a great way.
This made it an acceptable trilogy. Uncomplicated and simple, with no intricate plots but genuine people overcoming their insecurities and issues by finding true love and the ability to trust their feelings in the hand of others.