Young widow, Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, takes residence of a new house that has a boarding house in the back that will be for girls who love family in the from the Seas, like her husband. However, that move brought Lord Lyon, son of the two-timing Earl of Marksworth, on the other side of her fence. None of the meetings are appropriate; the old lady with a spyglass across the street isn't helping. Instant attraction, children interfering, and not want to lose the freedoms make this a slow burn book that is under 300 pages.

Why get married again, if the first time wasn't great. Being a young widow has perks, and Adeline would rather have the perks than to be married again - when she doesn't have to be. Lord Lyon would like to settle down with all the perks marriage would bring, and he would like those perks with Adeline. Battle of wills and desire that both share, but Adeline doesn't want to lose what she now has.

The book is a slow burn and things start getting interesting about 40/8 chapters in, it kept my interest. I would recommend it.

Tropes - Young Widow, Friendmies to Lovers

A received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's for an honest review.