There were elements of this book that I liked. I adored that the heroine was American and she questioned some of the ridiculousness of British aristocracy. I liked Leo and felt her connection with the child was realistic. Like liked Hadrian was my favorite type of hero, a duty-bound one that gets his world rocked by love. However,though things were questioned it still felt like the book came out in favor of the idea that certain people are "born superior" to others whether by skill, money, blue-blood, or race and that is they way of the world, that there is the ability to move, but certain rules are still supposed to be obeyed and there is a certain centering of white European ideals that just made me feel uncomfortable. I thought the writing was good and detailed and the plot was refreshing. There were just some things i could've done without.

I generally liked this book. The plot was good and I liked the characters. However, the problem was the constantly written references of Natalie’s discrimination and disdain of the nobility. At times the references took away from the story. I still enjoyed the story just not the constant harping of dislike of nobles.

Loved it! It’s been quite a while since I’ve been drawn to a Victorian book. The perfect setting for an all the feels read made my day of reading a complete success.

Romance, laughs and exceptional writing had me from the beginning. The story was fast paced but the book itself, although long, felt like mere moments since I started. I absolutely loved the descriptive writing as well as the character building. Outstanding! My only complaint is no epilogue into the future. It’s a standalone but ends with a happily ever now.

Passionate and emotionally involving, with the right dose of steam given the historical setting of the book, an enticing story of a duke who has plans to settle down by marrying one of his ranking, unaware of what fate has in store for him. A snobbish aristocrat with his pompous world and an American spunky girl with beliefs of equality. This is such an unusual match but the reader will soon be caught by their growing connection to one another.

Well-written with likeable protagonists. Patriotic American, Natalie Fanshawe, does not think highly of the English, especially not the English nobility. And that was even before she lost her close friends to the violent war atrocities committed by English soldiers. And yet, here she is on English soil, accompanying the orphaned child of the friends to unite him with his titled grandfather. Turns out, the task is easier said than done, because the grandfather and his family perfectly live up to Natalie's low expectations of the aristocracy by treating both her and the child with disdain and distrust.

Enter Hadrian Ames in all his ducal and glory. He reluctantly comes to the rescue of this frank woman and the lively little boy while on his way to meet the young lady, earmarked to be his wife. As it turns out, the orphan's grandfather is the sire of the potential wife in question and so his compulsive chivalrous nature demands that he accompanies them to their joint destination. Of course, his marital plans get derailed pretty much at first sight of the beautiful Natalie and suddenly the thought of marrying a young and timid debutante is as distasteful as the knowledge that Natalie intends to sail back to America as soon as her promise to her deceased friend has been accomplished.

I like both protagonists and the little boy is a cutie. It was amusing that she was revulsed by his incestuous marital intent (the girl was his 2nd cousin) as well as the age difference (11-12 years?). I like her egalitarian attitude and refusal to genuflect or show deference to anyone else and I adore his unwavering support for her beliefs.

"You are the equal of any noble. I won't have you acting against your principles."

I would have loved for him to start off with being the haughty man, he and his acquaintances all referenced. We just never saw any evidence of this arrogance and snobbishness from him. He was nice and supportive from the start.

He set his jaw. "Society will accept you. I'll make certain they do."
Smiling wistfully, she shook her head in gentle exasperation. "You have it all wrong, Hadrian. It isn't whether English society will accept me. It's whether I will accept English Society."

Hardrian Ames the Duke of Clayton is on his way to propose marriage to 18 year old Lady Ellen. He is held over at an Inn because of an Ice Storm. He meets Natalie Fanshawn when her 6 year old charge is hidding in his rooms. Natalie is 26 year Ameican who promised Leo's mother when she was dying to bring Leo back to his family in England.

Hardrian and Natalie have an immediate attraction. The story is Okay. Its just didn't have the romantic sparks I like. It didn't ring true to the era. I know its just fiction but something was missing. Even with that it was a good story just not great!!

ARC KINDLEY PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!

I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review

Too slow of a burn; not enough chemistry, not enough heat.

Set in the years immediately following the War of 1812, this is a slowly paced story about an American lady, Natalie Fanshawe, coming to England to deliver her best friend's son back to his family. She conveniently meets the Duke of Clayton at an inn at the start of the book and he realizes she's traveling to the same place. Both she and the duke must overcome societal norms and prejudices, his family, the boy's constant disappearing, and her mysterious family roots to have their happily ever after.

I found myself skipping large chunks of this book to get to progressive parts of the story. I seem to do that quite a lot lately. In my opinion, it needs more editing.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Sometimes love takes you by surprise - and you find it in a totally unexpected place. In this book, Natalie takes Hadrian completely by surprise. And, I think it is safe to say, Hadrian takes Natalie by surprise. They are certainly from different worlds - literally and figuratively. Natalie is an American. She is the daughter of an American Senator with British roots. She moved in the highest circles of politics in America before her father died. After that, she taught in a frontier school in what would eventually be Michigan. She has a very different view of the world and class strata than Hadrian. As the story begins she has a lot of disdain for the British, and once you read her history you can understand why.

Hadrian starts out pretty strait laced and uptight - but very rapidly changes course. It was almost like he had been waiting for something like this to happen, so that he could open up and live his best life. Natalie clearly gives him that - and opens him up in ways I don't think he believed possible.

I loved them as a couple - and all the surrounding characters. The only thing missing, I think, was an epilogue to see how things went for Leo. I think a few items were left hanging that I needed resolution on - even though you get a little information about that, more would have been better!

I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review - and this is my honest thoughts!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My comments are my own.

I really enjoyed this book, although there were times whereby I felt that things were a bit dragged out in places. The plot was interesting and the overall dramatics of the time period held my attention. Its not a traditional love story of a typical historical romance. Natalie and Hadrian come from different walks of life and they are brought together because of Leo.

Its an interesting tale that has a lot of different players involved. It probably could have been shorter as it took me longer to read it than usual.

Hadrian doesn't take hints very well, “you know very well it’s improper for us to be alone in a bedchamber. You’ll have to leave at once.” Hadrian made no move to depart." Hadrian is often times irked by his woman, “I am steadfast, dammit. A regular stick-in-the-mud, remember?” I liked this book, I liked Hadrian.