The novel starts with Lady Henrietta working in the household of Damion, the Marquis of Ashton. Whilst the blurb for the book highlights her escape from her stepfather, this was not apparent in the first chapters, making it difficult to equate the two versions. Amelia knows Damion from her childhood but it only when they start their affair, that Damion realises this. It soon becomes apparent that this relationship will face several challenges with Damion betrothed to marry another woman whilst Amelia constantly faces the challenge that she will be recognised and be ‘sold’ by her stepfather, to work in a brothel.
Whilst Damion and Amelia were strong characters, I found their dialogue very stilted and at times, quite unnatural. Whilst the storyline was interesting, the time spent on Amelia’s daily chores plus the forced dialogue, made this a difficult read.
I received an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest review.

I requested this title from NetGalley because I was intrigued by the synopsis and it is listed as erotica. One of my favorite genres is historical erotica.

I was confused when I started reading the book. The synopsis says that Lady Henrietta escapes from her evil stepfather and finds employment as Amelia Brown as a laundry maid in the home of Damion, Marquis of Ashton. I expected the book would open by establishing the backstory. Nope. It just jumped into an odd scene where the housekeeper figures out that Amelia's dress is too small.

Because I thought the book was so well written, I kept reading and waiting for something to happen. I felt like I was in the Victorian version of "Upstairs Downstairs". There was just so much detail from Amelia's daily life as a laundress that was not needed. It wasn't until Chapter 5 or 43% into the book that Amelia tells Damion how they know each other and explains what happened to her family money.

I loved Amelia. She was such a strong, powerful character. I felt bad that Damion was stuck in a marriage that he didn't want. I just wish that there had been less of the daily life of a laundress and more of Amelia's life after her arrangement with Damion.

I am giving this book 4 out of 5 stars because it was so well written.

I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you.

Lady Henrietta escapes from her stepfather's clutches. He wants to sell her to the highest border as a wife because he needs the money. He has squandered everything her father had worked for. She needs to hide from him as she is not twenty one yet. She finds herself as Amelia working below stairs doing menial jobs to hide and she also, needs the money. The estate she is working on happens to being to Damion, the Marquis of Ashton. He is a childhood friend who does not recognize her until after they become lovers. Damion is betrothed to Elizabeth and must marry her due to legalities that cannot be changed. The marriage will never be consummated due to reasons that Amelia is aware of. When Amelia is recognized by guests of Lord and Lady Ashton, she must leave as she knows her stepfather will come for her and if he catches her, she will be sold into work at his brothel. I loved this book and hope to read more by this author. It is the story of someone who does what she has to do to live. I cared about the characters and was happy with the endimg. Love is not black and white but filled will areas of gray. I would recommend this book to a friend. I received this book from Net Galley and Totally Bound Publishing for a honest review and no compensation otherwise.