⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Kitty and Leo went from frenemies to lovers, but they had to learn the hard way to trust each other.

Since she was a girl, Miss Kitty Beckett has been adept at finding trouble: sneaking brandy, running away, and getting under the skin of the boy who, like her, was an apprentice to an architect. Now Kitty’s a talented heiress who can take a dry building plan and breathe life into it with her pencils and paints. When Bellehaven Bay announces its first ever architectural design contest, she vows to win, with a little help from her childhood rival. Leo Lockland, a hardworking architect with a gift for numbers, has returned home after a few years in London, and he has secrets. The biggest? He’s been in love with Kitty since they were both apprentices. She refuses to give her heart to any man, but Leo’s determined to beat the odds, even if it means learning how to be a rake. Fortunately, Kitty’s willing to tutor him in the nuances of fashion, flirtation, and seduction in exchange for his help with the contest. But the whole plan would fall apart if she knew how he felt, so he’ll have to be very convincing. Leo proves to be a surprisingly quick study in the ballroom, on the beach, and in the bedchamber. Before long, he’s softening Kitty’s hard edges with his wicked words and kissing his way past all her defenses. Perhaps she’s a bit too skilled at teaching, because her lessons are threatening to backfire, putting her closely guarded heart in grave danger.

MY THOUGHTS

I loved the sensual interactions between Kitty and Leo that popped up at unexpected moments. But they were both so frustrating. At least Leo harboured no illusions about his feelings for Kitty and all he wanted to do was spend more time with her. Kitty was very hot and cold. She tended to attack first and ask questions later, though it was all meant to protect herself.

The contest and Leo’s secret provided excellent opportunities for tension, friction, and clever repartee. It was also lovely to see the characters from the first two books make plenty of appearances.

I can recommend this if you like steamy historical romance. This book stands well on its own, but the first two books are definitely worth the read.

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 23, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Rogues to Lovers
Other books in the series: Girls Before Earls, One Duke Down