This book is delicious from beginning to end. 

Miss Phoebe Dawson has been burned by love in the past, so at the age of 21, she’s ready for a marriage of convenience. She will get that title her mother so desperately seeks; her husband-to-be will get the infusion of cash that he needs; and her heart need not be involved. 

 

But when Robert Kirkian, Marquess of Landon, turns up at his country estate in the middle of a house party five years after he was presumed lost at sea, Phoebe’s plans and those of her betrothed, the cousin set to inherit Robert’s title and fortune, get derailed. 

 

As it turns out, Robert’s ship went down under dubious circumstances, and he is bound and determined to enact his own revenge and to bring the accountable parties to justice. A substantial part of his plan involves spending time with his cousin’s bride-to-be. 

 

She’s supposed to be a means to an end. He is a welcome distraction from the inanities of the house party. Neither is looking for love, but we all know how these things go. 

 

The banter. The chemistry. The playfulness. The care. The tenderness. 

 

They’re good for each other, and I’m so glad they find their happy ever after. 

I received an advance copy of the book from Entangled Publishing and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.