⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. A berserker and a tinker make an unlikely love match while thwarting the efforts of a power-hungry, demented neighbour.

Bold, curvy Elizabeth Wynchester loves cuddling hedgehogs almost as much as she adores vanquishing villains with the sharp blade concealed inside her cane. Despite others’ opinions about her body and gender, nothing will stop her from seeing justice done. When her next mission drops her at the dastardly Earl of Densmore’s castle, she’s prepared to duel like gentlemen, only to be locked inside! Her trusty sword cannot defeat the castle’s hidden traps, or protect her heart from the devilishly handsome rogue guarding the keep. When reclusive inventor Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days, he didn’t expect the earl to vanish altogether. Nor could Stephen predict mounting death threats, or the arrival of a beguiling, blade-wielding spinster who declares herself his new bodyguard. As the earl’s enemies lay siege to the castle, Stephen fights his way past Elizabeth’s defenses. She’ll share his bed, but when the adventure concludes, she vows to sever their affair. Unless he can somehow convince a swashbuckling siren to surrender her heart…

MY THOUGHTS

I loved Elizabeth’s unabashed appreciation of Stephen’s physical form and his reciprocal feelings of admiration. Elizabeth took charge of the situation and Stephen, and he was happy to let her. All he wanted was to work on his inventions and for the world to leave him alone. And then, for Elizabeth to be a part of it all. They were definitely two unusual personalities, but they fit together so well.

The Wynchester’s devious scheming and obvious enthusiasm were very catching, and I felt completely immersed in their efforts and exuberance. As usual, I enjoyed every moment of this farcical battle and the way the family banded together. This is not your garden-variety historical, that’s for sure.

I look forward to Jacob’s story, even though that will probably be the end of this wildly entertaining series. This is the book for you if you like steamy historical romance with over-the-top characters, and can suspend disbelief for a moment.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher 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: August 6, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Book 5 of The Wild Wynchesters
Other books in the series: The Duke Heist, The Perks of Loving a Wallflower, Nobody’s Princess, My Rogue to Ruin