⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. The red-headed, green-eyed triplets that stoked up some superstitions and prejudices just by existing made for a fun and intriguing plot device.

Miss Edwina Fine has one shot at finding a husband before the ton learns her secret. With red hair, green eyes and being one of triplets, she knows the superstitions and rumors about women like her. So when a marriage proposal from the Duke of Stonerick arrives by mail, Edwina jumps at the chance to solve her problems. But nothing could prepare her for the attraction that sparks between them when they finally meet. It will take more than Edwina’s wit to navigate her past, reservations about marriage and the passion that ignites within her for the irresistible duke. Rick, Duke of Stonerick, enjoys his life exactly as it honing his expert marksmanship, playing cards and fencing with his friends. He even enjoys exchanging affectionate humor with his mother about his lack of matrimonial engagement. But when a recurring illness reminds Rick he has no heir, he picks a name from the list of prospects his mother presents and writes a simple marriage proposal. Then he forgets about it, until that very lady with an iron will and breathtaking bravery shows up at his doorstep, ready to accept. Edwina tempts him like no other and suddenly, marriage doesn’t seem much of an inconvenience after all. But will keeping his illness a secret cost him her love?

MY THOUGHTS

I loved the Duke’s no-nonsense proposal (that he also promptly forgot about) and Edwina’s presumptuous appearance in his life. Rick was a very likeable character. He exhibited a quiet stoicism about going through with the wedding, but not in a resentful way. He was more than willing to accommodate Edwina’s wishes and to ensure his future sisters-in-law’s happiness.

I liked the story just fine. But Edwina very stubbornly stuck to her promise to her father and continually ignored her sisters’ own desires. Every time it seemed that she might soften her attitude a little bit, something happened to further cement this idea in her mind.

This is the second book in the Say I Do series. I haven’t read the first one yet, and this one worked very 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: March 26, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Say I Do