Addictive

The beginning was a bit bland, especially as we know exactly what we’re getting into after reading the title and description – the story can only go in one direction. The exciting part is how we get there.

There is an obvious attraction between our two main characters, Octavia Staunton and Viscount Althorne (Lord Simon Caswell). Octavia impresses his Lordship right from the very start with her gentle manner in trying to instruct his obnoxious niece, despite all the tantrums and refusals. Somehow the three of them form a tenuous bond that can only grow over time.

We hear about how Simon’s niece, Leah, tragically lost both of her parents. Yet, despite the start where the Staunton sisters are just coming out of mourning for their parents, who died a year previously, we hear nothing of what caused their deaths. This could have been a point of conversation, yet the only thing we hear about them, aside from their deaths, is about their scandalous marriage. It might seem morbid, but it bugged me to not get the full picture of what happened.

That aside, once I got into the pace of the book, I could barely put it down. The last few chapters and pages just breezed by, as the romance heightened. It was quite beautifully done, although we have to wait to the next book for any nuptials. Luckily I already have it ready to go!

Final rating: ★★★★☆ – Really liked

*I received a free digital ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*