⭐⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. Delightfully funny at times, solemn and stoic at others, this is a romance that cuts through the brutal effects of war and trauma with laughter and love.

Celeste Dubois has lived life at the edge of the stage and the margins of society. But now that she’s an heiress, she dares to dream—not of balls or titles, but of falling in love. Real love. The kind revered by Shakespeare and whispered beneath the moonlight. She’s determined to find her perfect English prince… as long as she can keep her fluttering heart from panicking first. Alexander de Warenne, Earl of Hawkhurst, General of His Majesty’s cavalry, has no patience for frills, French nonsense, or feelings. Yet he owes her father a debt—and that means transforming the tulle-wrapped ballerina into a proper young lady before the Season ends. One summer. No distractions. No attachments. But Celeste is a whirlwind of innocence and wonder. She charms his household, unsettles his routines, and upends his well-defended heart with every sigh and smile. And the more she dreams of love, the more Hawk begins to dread the day he must give her to someone else.

MY THOUGHTS

There was a significant age gap as well as a power imbalance. Celeste came across as quite naïve and child-like, and somewhat impulsive. Hawk vacillated between the stern general trying to whip her into shape, the guardian concerned for her wellbeing, and the man who desperately wanted her. He needed her to bring colour and gentleness into his life that was mostly filled with war and death. Celeste needed him to provide safety above all else.

Their attraction and intimate moments were anguished and intense. Maybe because it was not quite appropriate. Maybe because Celeste was silently demanding something from Hawk that he was reluctant to give. Maybe because his reactions were real and spontaneous in that moment, but then he’d let reality take over.

Celeste’s chaperone, her maid, and Graves, with his oblivious comments, were hilarious. This book had some seriously funny dialogue at times that was just a pleasure to read.

I can recommend this if you like a swoony historical romance that uses a dash of frivolity to help the heroine overcome some very serious fears. This book is part of a series but stands well on its own.

Thank you to the author 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: October 28, 2025
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: Book 2 of The Swans of Paris
Other books in the series: The Duke’s Dream