This was another one of those stories about a Spinster. One that is not just on the Shelf but Under the Shelf by the standards of the era. I have gotten a bit tired of the Spinster storyline. These young lady's of this era were married off as very young girls. As early as 15. By 21 they were called a Spinster. At 25 You were not even thought of as a possible bride. Daphne was beautiful, rich in her own right and from a powerful rich titled family. So I didn't understand why she had to be a spinster. Why not just a young lady in her late teens to 21? That would have worked better. Then the story would have gotten 5 Stars from me.

So I guess you wonder why I gave it 4 stars. Well because I absolutely fell in love with these characters the H/H Paul Barstowe The Duke of Southart and Lady Daphne Hallsworth, Spinster! They are two lonely people who are looking for love and connection to someone or something in life. I felt there loneliness and lack of confidence in themselves. They were to very moving characters, that you will root for them to get there HEA.

Paul and Daphne have been friends since she was a very young girl. She was the sister of Paul's best friend Alex Hallsworth Marquess of Pembroke.

When Daphne is left alone and forgotten by her family at Christmas, she is rescued and reacquainted with Paul who is now the Duke of Southart. They both have common causes to help others and there romantic adventure begins. Both are lonely and alone at Christmas time.

The story is very romantic and Hot very sensual. There are surprise twist and turns. Lots of characters to come to love and you want to know more about.
The end of the story was perfect!!

I Received the ARC from The Author and St. Martins Press Publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
This is a Very Well Done Story!!

Lord Paul Barstowe and Lady Daphne Hallworth have been friends since childhood. Paul was her brother's, Alex's best friend until family complications came between them. Now he is not permitted into their circle. After her sister's death, Daphne has tried so hard to be perfect . So perfect to be almost invisible. When she is forgotten and accidentally left at home during the Christmas Season, she realizes that she doesn't come first in anyone's life.. She understands that she needs to be her own person. She is working toward building a home for unwed mothers and Paul wants to build a hospital in honor of his brother who died. When her journal is stolen, she must get it back since it holds so many family and personal secrets. Paul rescues her when she tries chasing the thief down and promises to help her retrieve her journal. They have been together several times while searching for her property. They are also, bidding against each other for the building that they both want for their own charity. The attraction and love has grown. Paul knows that her family will not accept him due to his reputation. Daphne promises to help him reconnect to his former friend. When things are beginning to look up for him, a big secret comes out and he knows that they will never be able to be together. I thought this was a great book with a wonderful storyline. First book I have read by this author but I plan to read the rest. I loved it. There are a lot of twists and turns which only adds to the story. I received this book from Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for a honest review and no compensation otherwise. 5+

This is my first book by this author. I enjoyed the book and it did not interfere with the story at all that I had not read any other of her books that came before this one. Very enjoyable. The concept was different than I had read before so I enjoyed that. I liked the two leads, especially Paul. Worth your time! I received a free copy for my review and here it is! Get it, read it, like it!

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher. Thank you!
This is the next novel in the series and it follows Lady Daphne Hallworth and Paul Barstowe, Duke of Southart. They have know each other since they were children. However, Paul's rakish ways caused a rift between the Hallworth family and Paul. Many think the worst of Paul, who as a second son should have never inherited. When he sees Daphne in a place she shouldn't be, he "rescues" her and learns her diary has been stolen. The diary could ruin her family. Paul promises to help her, but they also have an issue with a building they have both placed a bid on and he wants her to get her family's support by approving of him. Daphne is independent and wants to open a home to unwed mothers while Paul wants to honor his late brother's memory by opening a hospital. As Daphne and Paul spend time together, their feelings of love have never disappeared. However, a secret that comes to light will impact their relationship as well as the knowledge found in Daphne's diary.

I like JM a lot. Her characters are unique even if the story lines and nepotism tropes are traditional. A lot of emotion and redemption to be found in the hero of the story. I really like Paul a lot!

Daphne and Paul’s story is one of redemption and love. Daphne is the invisible sister who gets left behind for the Christmas holidays. While pondering her situation in a path, her kind donation to a poor boy ends up with her reticule stolen. In it was her longstanding personal diary. It would be devastating if it fell into the wrong hands! Enter in a chance encounter with Paul, newly minted Duke of Everhart. Their long association goes back to her childhood where he was always her knight in shining armor.
What transpires is a bumpy ride to their HEA. It is filled with twists and turns and uncovered secrets. But through it all is Daphne’s unwavering faith in Paul ‘s good heart!

I recieved this book in exchange for a review while on vacation. I was on my way home and was very excited since I had nothing to read. Let me just say that I when I got home everything in the car is still there. I have been so captivated by this book, I could not put it down.
Right from the beginning, where Daphne and Paul work together to save the baby bird from the cat, you could see the connection they had.

The story then moves forward in time to when Daphne is 25. She is considered a spinster and firmly on the shelf. She wants to pursue her charity and lead an independent life.

Paul, after the passing of his father and older brother, is now a Duke. He is considered a rake. He used to be the best friend of Daphne's brother. But that relationship has been destroyed by Paul's past behavior.

When Daphne is forgotten and left home alone by her family at Christmas, it is Paul who comes to her rescue. Without her brother around they rekindle their friendship, which leads to further feelings for each other. Of course, eventually, her brother must be faced.

This story was well developed. It flowed easily. You connected with the two main characters. You felt their friendship and their love for each other. You felt their hurt when each talked about losing a sibling who was also their best friend.
This book evokes every emotion. Love, joy, sorrow, anger, happiness, need, desire and gratefulness. It has a few twist and turns. As I said, completely captivated from the opening of the book.
Well done!