Restored (Enlightenment, Book 5) by Joanna Chambers; Narrated by Simon Goldhill

A historical romance with a shattered love that gets a second chance. A caring duke that is willing to do anything to restore the love he lost.


From the blurb:

Eighteen years ago, Henry Asquith, Duke of Avesbury had to leave his kept lover, Kit Redford, in order to devote himself to raising his young family. Now, a lifetime later, his children are moving on and, for the first time in years, Henry is alone.

During a rare visit to London, Henry unexpectedly happens upon an old friend of Kit’s and learns that Kit did not receive the financial pay off he was entitled to when Henry left him. Instead, Kit was thrown out of his home and left destitute. Horrified, Henry begs Kit to see him and allow Henry to compensate him. But Kit, who now owns a discreet club for gentlemen of a certain persuasion, neither needs nor wants Henry’s money.

“Perhaps you should earn the money you owe me the way I had to earn it? On your knees, and on your back, taking my cock like a whore.”

Kit thought he had put his old hurts and grievances about Henry behind him, but when he sees Henry again, he discovers that, not only is the old pain still there, so is the fierce attraction that once burned between them. When, in a moment of fury, Kit demands a scandalous form of penance from Henry, no one is more surprised than Kit when Henry agrees to pay it. As Kit and Henry spend more time together, they learn more about the men they have become, and about the secret feelings and desires they concealed from one another in the past. Henry realises he wants to build a future with Kit, but can he persuade his wary lover to trust him ever again? And can two men from such different worlds make a new life together?


Lesetiger's review:

The story of Kit and Henry is incredibly well written. It is a historical romance novel that wonderfully captures the atmosphere of the time with contemporary language and appropriate descriptions.

It didn't take long before I found myself immersed in Henry and Kit's world, which was very emotional at first, as both of them have a moving past. After a flashback, there is an 18-year time jump. Will the two find their way back to each other? Their paths diverged under circumstances that neither of them chose, and yet this separation caused a lot of pain—at least for Kit, who is initially out for revenge. But the more Kit learns, the more he wonders if he really wants to humiliate Henry. Henry also has deep scars from the past.

Both characters are portrayed as mature and deal with their problems in a very adult way. The author manages to pack a lot of emotion into the story. The second chance is hard-won, a victory for unshakeable love.

Once I started listening to the audiobook, I was drawn into the story. I was captivated from beginning to end and highly recommend this emotional historical romance novel!

Simon Goldhill narrated the story atmospherically and gave the protagonists fitting voices. With his performance, perfect pacing, and well-chosen tone, he brought the story to life.


Restored is currently available as an audiobook, e-book and paperback