This is my second Lisa Torquay (I read the first in the series). This can be read as a standalone. The characters from the first book make 2-3 very brief appearances as acquaintances of the hero and heroine in this book.

Lisa writes explicit sex bordering on erotica (romantica?). In both books I have tried there's been a bit of plot but most of the focus of the book is on the sex, the wanting, the feelings. While it's explicit, I don't feel it crosses any lines being more vulgar or raunchy (it's spicy vanilla sex?? lol). No bdsm. Light language used (f*** only used once and more like an expletive) so nothing crazy there. Maybe give her a try if you like things extra steamy in the bedroom. (I know some language people don't like so trying to take note of what's used)

Edwina is described as a prudish spinster. Her parents have died and unfortunately her father was in debt to Harris' company. Edwina is worried about providing for her sister and making sure she has a chance at a good marriage. She makes her own lace and sells it but it's not enough to pay off the debt. She goes to Harris to arrange a deal.

Harris starts out being kind of a jerk. He's very bossy, he expects his orders to be followed. I thought he would be a jerk straight through the book and very demanding of Edwina, but he was actually quite gentle and loving. He's an alpha hero and he retains that arrogance but he's not cruel sexually or anything.

I feel like this plot is the loosest thing to hold this book together. (I mean, she's worried about her sister making a good marriage but strikes a bargain where she goes and lives with a known rake for an indefinite amount of time like that won't ruin the whole family's reputation...) The character development is rather low. You get some emotional pull more so from the hero (for me at least.) The heroine was just there for the most part, I didn't really feel anything about her.

Still there was something about this book I liked. Probably the sex because I guess I'm that shallow hahahaha. I enjoyed reading it. I liked it more than the first and enough to probably buy and read the next in the series some time.