Where to start? I'll start with the issues so I can end on a positive note.

I am a fan of Ms. Balogh. If I was not, I might not have gotten through this one. It started very slowly and for the first three chapters I had no idea who the hero was. I had to go back to read the blurb to find out, and then I was surprised, because of the litany of characters we were introduced to in those first chapters, which I still couldn't keep straight at the end, he was the least likable. Between the courtesy titles and the given names, I was confounded by the ragged relationships between the characters. Avery hides behind affectations, and we don't get much insight into his character until the final chapters, insight which would have made a world of difference earlier on coming from his point of view.

As to the racism comments I've read in reviews - balderdash. A "Chinaman" teaches Avery martial arts. How is that racist?

Because it was Mary Balogh, I stuck with the story and read to the satisfying conclusion. The ending was a bit rushed, could have been spoon fed to us along the journey, but it explained away a world of sins throughout the story. Bullied as a child, Avery finds his way in the world with the aid of his martial arts teacher, who teaches him self-perception influences how others perceive you. Anna is the perfect Cinderella, thrust into a life she could only dream of with poise and grace.

If you're new to Mary Balogh, this is NOT the book to start with. If you're an "on the fence" Mary Balogh fan, skip this one. If you are a fan, stick with this one. It gets better.