⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Embrace the quirky chaos with this delightful and amusing double romance.

Before entering into a supremely-advantageous arranged marriage with James Clay, the new Duke of Earnhurst, clever, independent Lady Meg Pinwell has to see if he’s really the rake he’s rumored to be. But how is a well-bred young lady going to make sure he’s all that he seems? With the help of her Aunt Clara, they plan some discreet reconnaissance at the Duke’s country estate. Meg will pretend to be her aunt’s maid/companion to see the true state of affairs at Earnhurst Manor. But Meg isn’t the only one pretending to be someone she isn’t. In order to escape Clara (who is surely a marriage hunter!), James has traded places with Riniken, the former Duke’s man of business. Soon everyone is falling in love with the absolute wrong person! They say the course of true love never does run smooth… at Earnhurst, it’s running amuck!

MY THOUGHTS

This story weaved an intricate and entertaining tale of secret and mistaken identities. The four main characters each got their own point-of-view chapters, as well as a few other characters at times, so we had the pleasure of experiencing all their thoughts. The humorous writing style took us through plenty of ridiculous situations and excellent banter. It was easy to keep track of all the pretend roles and how they related to each other.

James the butler was charming and hilariously insolent (for a pretend servant). He learned a lot about himself, his servants, and his inheritance. Elliott and James came to a new and enlightened understanding of one another, that probably would not have happened without the two ladies’ timely interference. It was clear that Clara and Meg were two different women, with some overlapping interests and characteristics. Meg’s youth and innocence shined through at times, which was to be expected.

I was curious and concerned about when and how this house of cards would fall down, and it toppled over beautifully. Apart from the almost constant grin on my face, there were also a few out loud chuckles. I can recommend this no-spice historical romance for the entertainment factor alone. See what other readers are saying on Goodreads.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Historical Romance
Published: April, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Subtle 
Tropes: Regency Romcom, Mistaken Identities, Forced Proximity, Arranged Marriage