I give maybe 3.75 stars and rounded to 4. I think it’s my favorite of the Wilde series so far. But there were things I disliked, probably directly due to my expectations I’ve formed over the last two books, which is always a problem for me.

Lavinia and Parth never got along. The book starts with Lavinia proposing marriage to Parth because it would solve all of her problems, especially the small detail that she was financially ruined. The man had a self made fortune and owned a bank. The book focuses almost exclusively on the relationship with only a small amount of family drama. But there was also a lot of monotony throughout the middle.

I didn’t like how the author skimmed over how their feelings for each other changed. One of my favorite things about the enemies to lovers trope is that moment when they realize they don’t actually abhor the other person. Or something pulls them together for that unexpected first kiss and totally alters their relationship. I felt like you didn’t get that with this book. It was kind of implied that they were always attracted to each other and covered it with their behaviors. So Lavinia was always attracted to Parth but instead called him horrible names and baited him. I just felt like it was a missed opportunity.

I also felt like this book was pretty slow moving. But I have felt that about all the Wilde series so far. This book spends a lot of time talking about and addressing how “shallow” Lavinia is, and her love for clothes. You will get lots of clothing details, as that is Lavinias interest, and she ends up creating Diana (the main character of the second book who is marrying Roland Wilde - North - the future Duke) wedding trousseau. Some of the descriptions were interesting but as it went on I just wish more of that time had been spent inside Parths head, or better explaining their emotions. Their main relationship problem is Lavinias belief that Parth doesn’t respect her.

I almost felt like this book was half Lavinia and Parth and half Diana’s wedding. It really grated my nerves at first because I found Diana so whiny and unlikeable in the second book. I definitely didn’t want to read about her. But she was much better in this book and even funny. But I almost felt like Lavinia and Parth weren’t getting their full story told.

I absolutely love Lady Knowe. What an amazing character.
Also Parth initially has an interest in an Italian contessa named Elisa. I also loved her character and hope that Eloisa (author) includes her in a future book.

At this point I feel like I’ll probably read all the Wilde stories. I feel like as the books have gone on you do get a glimpse of the whole family and their workings and it’s rather charming. I really am hoping for a passionate book from Eloisa though. Her recent works to me haven’t made my heart beat faster.