Willa is shocked when her father announces that his gambling debts are so pressing that she will have to marry a duke in order to pay off the debt or they will lose their home. James, the duke in question, has to fulfill a legal clause that requires him to marry if he wants to keep his inheritance. Willa's father is only too happy to make a deal with James, but Willa is fiercely independent and refuses to marry the duke. James is hoping to change her mind, and uses all his charm to beguile her into marriage. Can Willa trust her heart and happiness into James' keeping, or is he just greedy for his inheritance?

This sweet clean romance was exactly what I wanted! It's adorable and funny and delightful! I love reading stories set in the Regency era, and this book gives that Jane Austen vibe for sure.

I loved Willa's character. She is grieving from her mother's death years before, and especially missing a mother's guidance as she contemplates her future. She sparks with annoyance and anger at the duke, but at the same time she feels an irresistible connection to him. Willa also has a health issue that she is trying to hide from her father, because she doesn't want to worry him. But she is really scared about her health. She has a lot of complex emotions rolling around in her heart and I found it so interesting to go along with her on that inward journey.

I liked that James starts out really self-centered, but because Willa rejects him, he starts to rethink his life. He has been horribly spoiled because of his rank and riches, and it has made him selfish and thoughtless. Through the story, he starts to think more about Willa's feelings, instead of just thinking about himself. I loved his character development! By the end of the book, he is a hero worthy of Willa's love.

There is a trigger warning for sexual assault, but the person is rescued before anything really happens. There are no graphic descriptions, but it was still disturbing to read about, and I wish that that scene had been shortened or entirely cut out.

There are quite a few errors in grammar in the e-copy that I received. However, it was not so bad as to ruin my enjoyment of the book. Mainly just verb tenses that didn't agree and things like that.

There is also a scene were James and Willa ride on horseback together, and Willa sits in front of the saddle on the withers of the horse. God, that must be so uncomfortable! I hate that trope. It makes me roll my eyes. It just seems so silly to me. I guess some people think it's romantic though. To each their own, I suppose.

Overall, this book is a delightfully clean romance that captured my heart! One time I was reading it while cooking, and I burned my breakfast because I was so enthralled with the story! Haha! I couldn't put it down.

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.