Lizbeth Trethow loves books, hates society's strict standards, and is set to be a spinster for the rest of her life. She is unwilling to give up her freedom and enter the confines of a loveless marriage with her husband dictating every move. At least, that is until she meets Sebastian Lancaster, earl of Roddam. Sebastian thought he would have a loveless, lonely life until he met Lizbeth. But can he escape his past? Or will it continue to haunt him, ruining his chances with Lizbeth?

The first half of the book was slow and hard to get interested in. I put it down many times, having to make myself come back to it. However, the second half was an amazing read! It really captured my attention and had me hanging on the edge of my seat for what came next.

This book was given to me an an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

This is the first book I've read by Ms. Golden and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sebastian Lancaster, Earl of Roddam, is a man full of dark secrets and loathing for himself. He carries childhood scars and guilt into his adult life and has pretty much become a recluse. It is only when he meets Ms. Lizbeth Trethow at his cousin's wedding that he begins to feel a glimmer of hope that his life could be different. Lizbeth is captivated by Sebastian especially with when she gets a glimpse of his witty banter. The two are flirty in London, but then Sebastian once again retreats to his remote castle. Lizbeth is devastated, but when Sebastian begins to write to her, she believes she finally can convince him he's worthy of love.

This story was a unique take on romance although I thought Sebastian constantly berating himself that he didn't deserve Lizbeth's love got a little old. The author does a good job of teasing out the horrific details of Sebastian's childhood and there is a good twist at the end. I love when I find a new author and I'm off to read the next book in the series and find out Charlotte and Drake are getting on with each other.

I like the romance in this book. There is no love at first sight, instead it takes a while for the characters to get to know each other and fall in love. Both Sebastian and Lizbeth are strong characters. Sebastian is troubled by his past and slowly reveals what happened. I liked the plot and the writing is good. I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series.

To find a new author is like Christmas come early! The series begins with Lizbeth Trethow meeting Sebastian Lancaster, the Earl of Roddam, in the library as Lizbeth tries to escape a ball. They find themselves quickly debating books which becomes the focal point for many discussions. Yet Sebastian is a man with many secrets and he finds he must distance himself from Lizbeth if he is to protect her. Yet she finds in him a reason not to lead a life as a spinster, as he is not only a wonderful friend but one she is passionately in love with. Yet, his secrets threaten to tear them apart.
This was a beautiful romance, set against the amazing backdrop of Cornwall and Northumberland. Lizbeth has so much love to give but Sebastian’s tortured soul proves difficult to mend. I loved the witty dialogue between them and their inner thoughts added to this fascinating story. With great secondary characters in Sebastian’s cousin and Lizbeth’s sister , this is story that will keep you reading at a quick pace.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I sometimes start reading self-published or indie-published books fairly skeptical. To be honest, there's been some very good books that I've read that were self published, but a whole lot of duds too. I'm very happy to say this book was a gem!

To start with, Lizbeth and Sebastian were both very well developed characters, with multilayered emotions and mannerisms. Sebastian's acceptance of Liz's love was understandably slow and almost agonizing at times but as his backstory gets told, you understand why.

Bonus points for working a King Arthur story in!

The secondary characters too had glimpses of great characterization and the future books seem like they'll flesh those characters out more. I'm really looking forward to finding out how Charlotte and Drake found love and learning more about Lilith and having Walter get his HEA too.

There were a couple minor loose ends which I think will be resolved by the end of the next two books. I can't wait to read those too!