This book is second in the series but reads perfectly fine as a standalone. Jewel has had her heart broken by an insincere relationship and she is determined to save the Earl of Winchcombe from her cousin's scheming to trap him in marriage.

This leads the two on a quick paced adventure together. It can be rather funny in spots and I especially enjoyed the discussions on dress color. It was surprisingly steamy, so I rather liked that aspect to it as well.

But. It was just one of those books that to me really loses the romance in all the craziness of the plot. There was SO MUCH going on in this book. And it also included a few instances of miscommunication, overhearing something/making assumptions and thus making an ass of yourself...I really dislike that in romance. I also prefer my romances to be more focused on the character development or the growing relationship. I don't mind a bit of plot obviously, or adventure...but this book had it all haha. I think this would work for many people though.

I give a solid 3 ½.

This was my first book by this author.

I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

****Spoilers Ahead*******
The reason I didn't love this book was it had all of this going on, and it would have been wonderful with just a bit less, or a moment to catch my breath haha.

Spoiler

There's a secret plot by the family to get the Earl compromised into marriage

The heroine's father is arrested in America

There is a horrible, conniving Uncle lying and trying to steal the heroine's fortune

The Earl's sanity is being challenged by other lords and they want to put him in an insane asylum because he's scarred and scary.

The Earl has a terrible scar that makes everyone scream and throw milk pails at him.

The hero and heroine create a fake marriage to further each of their goals

They adopt a lady that lives in the forest as their maid.

There's a former fiance from America that of course comes to England and harasses them.

Someone is demanding the deed to the Earl's property has been gambled away two years ago by his dead father and they are taking over his property.

There's a missing diamond that's legendary and the royal family wants it back.

I feel like I just read 16 books. And I stopped taking notes on all this at 60%.