This is book 3 in the new gilded age series, and it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I haven't read the others in the series and this was very much about the couple and their interactions. A few previous characters make brief appearances from previous books I think, but nothing major.

So, the title. I think it's so true. This book was just SO different than anything else I've read lately. Looking for something different? This could be it. I also love when the cover actually relates to something in the book and the Wild Rose pink silk she is wearing on the front is a part of the story. Love when that happens!!

I think you try this book if you are into:
-second chance romance
-enemies to lovers
-gilded age time period in New York
-you want an 'older' heroine – she's 36 (I can't remember the hero's age, but it's similar)
-are loving the independent, hard working, and self saving heroines
-want some characters based on real life heroes/heroines of the time – the authors notes themselves were amazing in this book and made me appreciate all the more what takes place in the story

Beatrice and Wes have a history. And when Beatrice returns to America after 16 years abroad, she wants nothing to do with him and he wants nothing to do with her. She decides to try to save her family's department story, Goodwins, which is going bankrupt. He has built his empire from nothing and has become the 3rd richest man of the times. His empire is the competition – Daltons, a store so famous and sought after, it doesn't even need it's name on the store.

This book has revenge and enemies to lovers but it wasn't done in an annoying way. Sometimes I read enemies to lovers and it's just all anger and fighting and arguing and sarcasm and this wasn't like that at all. It was quite enjoyable. It was rather adorable watching Wes attempting to hold onto his revenge, but losing the feeling and the drive and having that replaced by oh so wonderful love.

Beatrice will secure hearts of independent women everywhere. She does the unheard of and gets a divorce from her unhappy marriage. Again, she does the impossible and takes over the family store. Getting people to listen to is another matter. You find yourself rooting for her so much in this 'man is boss' world. And what she creates really is beautiful and has me excited.

I felt like this really was a fun and different story. I gave 4 stars because some things about it just felt so contemporary to me, perhaps it's just that almost turn of the century time period and the speed of New York City. I also wanted the hero and heroine to have a bit more page time together. This story was just as much about the romance as it was about Beatrice really finding herself and her strength to be her own woman. She made me mad a few times with her decisions as they seemed a little selfish and I hurt for Wes, but I also understood her struggle. I just love that part of romance where they NEED each other, and this was more about Beatrice firmly not needing Wes, but still loving him and choosing to be with him. And there is beauty in that too, but it just wasn't what I love.

Thank you netgalley for the complimentary ARC. These thoughts and opinions about the book are completely my own.

Slight spoilers ahead

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Spoiler

We have a childless HEA, which is almost unheard of. I rather liked it because it was different and addressed that maybe everyone doesn't want children in their relationship, or can't, and it's still a complete love story.