Forced to return home after an injury to his knee during the Napoleonic Wars, Bram finds himself tasked with training a militia to protect the small town of Spindle Cove, a sanctuary to gently-bred ladies who don't quite fit society's norms. His task threatens the idyllic and mostly man-free atmosphere Susannah has carefully cultivated for her ladies and she is adamant Bram and his militia not interfere with her mission. Both are intent on getting their way but may realize working together is much more delightful, in more ways than one.

Super sweet and sassy, I really enjoy this series and it was fun to finally read the first. I've totally read these out of order, but really it doesn't matter. I especially loved the lamb named Dinner.

It was so lovely to return to Spindle Cove, and I had so much fun rereading this with the #butdotheybang crew. On the re-read, some of Bram's charms were lost on me, as I didn't appreciate how he sort of pushed Susannah without also giving her time to think and very enthusiastically consent. What Dare does with aplomb though, is make your heart sing with feelings for these two, and we as a group appreciated her depictions of Bram's leg injury, and Susannah's past trauma with "doctors."