Review by Kayleigh


Favourite Quote:
Arthur Bair, Fifth Earl of Strathrannoch, caught the madwoman in his arms when she fell.
Great bloody bollocking hell.
He did not have time for a mad English ginger on his doorstep. He had to go catch a bloody zebra.
This, evidently, was to be his fate: no fortune, no prospect, but rich in exotic equines and insensible ladies.
Book Synopsis:
For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets. And for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the Earl of Strathrannoch, whose political ambition is matched only by his charm. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of—a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself.
Unfortunately, the Earl of Strathrannoch has no idea who she is.
When a bewitching redheaded stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned—but when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a provocative, radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)
But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe—even his heart.
Review:
Lydia has a fortune but is deeply socially anxious. She’s the one on the edge of ballrooms throwing up in plants instead of speaking to people. But that’s ok, because she’s having an amazing correspondence with the Earl of Strathrannoch who she has decided to marry, because he’s in need of funds. They’ve had such incredible correspondence for so long that clearly they must be in love.
Lydia, of course, finds herself immediately in trouble when she learns that the quiet and brooding earl, Arthur, has NOT been writing her, but rather it’s his vagabond brother. Arthur is worried why his brother is writing to Lydia, but more importantly just wants to get her back to London and out of his hair. Of course, the only way to get her home safely is to escort her. Mishaps and mysteries happen. Is Arthur’s brother a spy for France? Why is Lydia’s brother showing up at random house parties? Does Lydia’s mother think Arthur and Lydia are married? Lydia, while shocked to find out that Arthur isn’t the brother she’s writing, still falls deeply for his sensitivity and intelligence. Arthur is doing his best to keep his distance, especially has he fears Lydia has true feelings for his brother, and Arthur is so mad at the hurt David has caused her. How could she possibly care for him? The tension ratchets tightly until they have to do something about it. Just to get it out of their system.
I love Lydia and Arthur, they fall for each other, faults and all. Neither puts their best foot forward throughout their relationship, but rather they cheer for their flaws rather than their facets of perfection. Lydia is strong, smart and knows her value. Society is the one that does her wrong, and she’s not afraid to share her beliefs. If you read Ne’er Duke Well, the first in this series, then you will see many familiar faces throughout the story. I think you can read these as standalone, but frankly the characters are a delight and you should read them so you can see the growth and delightful community Lydia has around her.
Lydia and Arthur are hot because of their focus on learning about each other. They are thrown into a situation that neither expected and plunged into a hot water situation that has them frankly running for their lives, and through it all, they are drawn to one another. Arthur is tormented and tortured – his upbringing was not kind and he and his brother have some long-standing daddy issues they really need to work out. Throughout his time with Lydia, Arthur realizes he doesn’t’ have to be alone to work those out, and to be strong doesn’t mean to be alone.
Lydia is frankly a delightful heroine: she’s way too smart for her own good, loves her family that doesn’t quite understand her, and is loved by them as well. She is supported through her supposed flaws instead of expected to change, and has found kindred spirits who build her up rather than tear her down. Watching her come into her own power will have you cheering as you race through the pages.
Alexandra writes with a deep love of the time period, as a history professor I would expect nothing less. However, she also creates a world filled with action, mystery and suspense. I love the added storyline that has you wondering, will everyone make it out of this novel alive?
Alexandra Vasti has become a must read author for me. She is, in my mind, a current queen of historical romance who’s reign is just beginning.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.