⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Absolutely. This book was pure delight from the first chaotic encounter between Arthur and Lydia, all the way through their amusing escapades, to that heart-wrenching ending.

For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets. And for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the Earl of Strathrannoch, whose political ambition is matched only by his charm. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of, a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself. Unfortunately, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no idea who she is.

When a bewitching redheaded stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned, but when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a provocative, radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.) But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe, even his heart.

MY THOUGHTS

A misunderstanding about letters brought her to his doorstep and what ensued was a madcap race all over the country to find Arthur’s brother and get to the bottom of Davis’ actions. Arthur and Lydia were both so endearing and a little bit lost and I just wanted to hug them all the time. They were so good for each other, on top of all the superb banter and electric chemistry. Lydia discovered her adventurous side and Arthur had a heck of a time keeping up.

The clever and witty writing drew me in and I thoroughly enjoyed this glorious adventure. I can highly recommend this if you like steamy historical romance with comedy and weighty feelings in equal measure. This book is part of a series but stands well on its own.

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: January 21, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Hot
Series: Book 2 of Belvoir’s Library Trilogy
Other books in the series: Ne’er Duke Well