A country mouse author rescues a devilish owner of a casino with her purse pistol while out researching her next novel. She convinces his people to allow her access to the club and eventually figures out the staid country life and boring fiancee she left back at home are not for her, but Derek Craven, Cockney bastard, is.

For Derek, Sara is not like any other woman he's been with, especially different from his latest former conquest who is now on a jealous rage intent on harming him when he put her aside. As Derek slowly realizes Sara is the only one for him, he can't help but fear that when he loses his heart he could also lose Sara.

Controversial opinion, but I found Derek Craven to be kind of a big man baby. He has some troubling behaviors, he's very controlling (chooses her clothes, won't let her cut her hair, is extremely jealous), and also seems to be just a little too much of a loose cannon to actually have achieved what he has achieved. I guess I don't get the allure, but this was a fairly fun, if bananas read.

Also, I just wasn't into the psycho-ex plotline. I felt kind of horrible for that woman, who was forced to marry an old ogre and is acting out because she can. The solution to the problem of this murderous ex was also troubling...

Kleypas is so hit or miss for me.

Re-Read for the Fated Mates podcast:

I'm still dubious of Derek Craven. He has his moments and I appreciate him from a literary standpoint. Would I want to bop him? Eh probably not. If Sarah Fielding loves him and wants him, she can have whatever she darn well pleases because she's my favorite. I really did love the juxtaposition of Sarah and Derek, yet how alike they were in the ways that counted. I also appreciated unpacking some of the problematic elements along with the podcast.