Lord Alexander Dutton, Lord Marksman, and Lady Theodora Duncan are the two youngest of my heroes and heroines in this new mystery/romantic suspense series. Alexander is four and twenty, and Theodora is barely nineteen. I thought it important after Lord Richard’s and Lady Emma’s story in book one to contrast Richard’s carefully predicted actions with those at the other end of the spectrum: the impulsive ones. I admit, I am not impulsive, unless I am angered, and, even then, most would still think me possessing reason.
Rational decision-making involves careful consideration of all available information and potential consequences before making a choice, while impulsive decision-making is characterized by quick, often emotional, choices with minimal forethought. Essentially, one relies on logic and analysis, the other on instinct and immediate gratification.
Rational Decision Making:
- Process: Involves a systematic approach, often including identifying the problem, establishing criteria, evaluating alternatives, and selecting the best option.
- Considerations: Focuses on long-term consequences, potential risks, and benefits, and may involve gathering data and seeking expert opinions.
- Examples: Carefully researching and comparing prices before purchasing a car, or developing a detailed financial plan before investing.
The Human Project Foundation tells us, “Why Humans Lean Toward Impulsivity
“Emotional Influences: Emotions can override rational thinking. In emotionally charged situations, impulsive reactions can emerge before reason has a chance to catch up. This is why conflicts between individuals can escalate rapidly if emotions aren’t managed.
“Evolutionary Heritage: Impulsivity is rooted in our evolutionary past. In survival scenarios, quick decisions were often essential for escaping threats or seizing opportunities. While modern life is less fraught with immediate dangers, this survival instinct still influences our inclination toward impulsivity.
“Instant Gratification: The allure of instant gratification is a significant driving force. The brain’s reward center responds to immediate rewards, releasing dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction. This can make impulsive actions, like binge-watching a show instead of studying, more appealing than a delayed, but ultimately more rewarding, activity.
Which are you? Impulsive? Rational?
Lyon’s Obsession: The Lyon’s Den Connected World
Short on temper. Long on pride. True to his word.
Lady Theodora Duncan, daughter and only child of Lord Macdonald Duncan, reluctantly embarks on a London season in hopes of making a suitable match. She had always thought she would marry Lord Alexander Dutton, 12th Earl Marksman. After all, they had been raised together in her father’s house since Duncan became Marksman’s guardian when his lordship was but twelve. Her father’s estate marches along with Marksman’s, and they had shared multiple words of devotion, as well as stolen moments and heated kisses. Yet…
Lord Alexander Dutton always planned to marry Lady Theodora Duncan, but not until he finds his family. His father, long before Robert Dutton became the heir to the Marksman’s peerage, had sold Alexander’s mother and younger sister to the captain of a sailing ship. Alexander has searched for them for some ten years, spending thousands of the Marksman fortune in his desire to reclaim them. He cannot think truly to know happiness until he can share his title and his wealth with them. Assuredly, Theodora understands why he has not made an offer of marriage. Yet, if she does, then why does he constantly find her on the arm of a Sardinian count? He never expected Theodora’s abandonment, but Alexander is finally so close to knowing his real family again.
Must he risk one dream to know another?
Tropes you’ll love:
✔️ Friends to lovers
✔️ Soul mates
✔️ Secret identity
✔️ Fish out of water
✔️ Unrequited love
✔️ Dark secret
✔️ Emotional scars
✔️ Marriage pact
✔️ Innocent cohabitation
✔️ Love interest vs. Missing family
✔️ Honorable marriage
✔️ Marriage pact
✔️ Emotional scars
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Every Woman Dreams... 