This is the first more recent Loretta Chase novel I’ve read (previously I’ve only read her 1990s classics). There was a lot to love here. It has a pretty unique structure and pacing: the first two thirds of the book take place BEFORE the events of the previous books in the series, and is mostly a delightful reforming rake/brother’s best friend/ second chance romance between a feisty heroine and a dissolute duke. But that ends only with a fragile and temporary HEA. The final third becomes a kind of marriage-in-trouble book, as the couple’s history and obligations catch up with them and drive them apart. I have to say, this final third didn’t work so well for me, but I think it was partly because I haven’t read the two previous books in the series. So, although I am often someone who happily dips into series, for this book I would definitely recommend reading the first two books beforehand. I will go back and read those when I get a chance. The cast of characters is charming and Loretta Chase is just a masterful writer.

Thank you to Avon for sharing this ARC via NetGalley!