I had so much fun with the first half of this romance, and then it turned into a mystery subplot and the pacing just didn't end right for me. that said all in all a great time like only Lorraine Heath can bring.

I thoroughly enjoyed the premise that Bishop was a pretend // counterfeit scoundrel who invites various women to his home to "ruin" them so they can secure a divorce, but really all they are doing is playacting to trick his servants and staff and to make it SEEM like they are having sex. Daisy//Maguerite is hired by one of the husbands to catch his wife in the act, and she and Bishop have instant sparks despite her being "a maid."

Where it started to fizzle for me was when Daisy finds out he is not indeed a scoundrel and ope she is more than just a spy in the household she's a private detective? And now he's implicated in the murder of one of his former "flame's husbands" and Daisy is going to prove his innocence. I didn't love the whole "this woman is evil, actually" stuff so meh.

BUT BUT BUT the upending of a chocolate dipping bowl over Bishop's head was gold, the carriage shenannies and the feisty aunt, also great.

Not my fav Heath but well worth a read for sure. I'm excited to meet more of the Chessmen.

Free print copy provided by Avon for review.