I received an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet, sweet story, with gentle humor and wonderful characters, I didn't want it to end. The author makes the hero and heroine real and enjoyable despite the well-worn trope of a rake and bluestocking. will make this lady a must-read.

Violet Somerset loves sketching and writing. She has no idea how much her hobby will get her into trouble.

Nicholas Balfour who has inherited his role as Lord of Dare now that his father has passed away weeks ago is back in London to his dismay. His Aunt requires he take up his responsibilities.

Hyacinth Somerset is fairly sick often but is grateful to have such caring sisters, a grandmother, and helpers who care well for her. She has intrigued the well known roque, Lord of Dare with her beautiful piano playing. He is enchanted by that and knows she may be a missing piece to his puzzle of getting back swiftly to Italy to his Italian concubine.

This story was so engaging and rich. It gets 5 stars for such an enchanting, captivating, thrilling read that was more than I could imagine a book could offer. It came to life in my very hands and had an amazing build up throughout the entire tale. This is a good book indeed!

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!
This novel was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the characters, the plot, and the romance. Violet Somerset is a bluestocking and is writing her own book, including sketches that she does herself. She is protective of her younger sister, Hyacinth, who is the ideal lady. Violet has very different interests from ladies of the ton. Nicholas Balfour, the Earl of Dare, does not want the title he inherited from his brother, for he feels he cannot live up to his standards. He is most interested in being a rake and only returns to appease his aunt in finding a wife that he plans to leave on his estate. Hyacinth seems the prefect lady, but he mistakes her for Violet and Violet does not correct him, wanting to protect her from this rakeshell. Violet has Nick taking her to places to draw her sketches for her book, using him. Both Nick and Violet use each other for their own purposes, but the passion and desire they stir within each other cannot be denied. However, things explode when Nick learns the truth. Nick and Violet need to open up to each other and clear the air. Still, misunderstandings occur between them. Somehow, they need to give the other what they need to show that they are more than what they have perceived themselves to be.

At least three times I thought that this book was coming to an end then Wham, something horrible happens to make it take a twist. If their relationship were left to fate I wonder if it would go anywhere. It's only because of Violet's persistence that it even had a fighting chance.