What a delightfully unexpected story. Sophie and two friends start a group to support women in matters of the heart and what women should expect and desire from their partners in everyday life and the bedroom. The group is known as the Debutantes Revenge Society. I have no doubt that such groups did exist in Regency England. Women have and always will find ways to bond, talk and share knowledge. Every Friday night a large group of women meet to talk and discuss such matters. Their group is growing and new premises are required. This leads to Sophie meeting Reece, the new Earl of Warshire who is suffering from the unexpected loss of his elder brother and the death of his Army comrades in Portugal who he left when he returned to England to take up the reins of the Earldom.
Reece is haunted by these two losses and is unable to sleep. Sophie is the magic ingredient that delivers a peaceful nights rest to him. A bargain is agreed upon. What follows is an almost unconscious wooing of Sophie. Reece's gestures and actions are gorgeous. I would like to say more but every reader deserves to read these moments with no preconceived ideas. Just like I did.
However, Sophie's family are in difficult financial circumstances so Sophie is expected to marry Lord Singleton.
What I really loved about this story was the strong story of feminism that was gently explored. Plus all the simple charming gestures that Reece offered Sophie set in what was a most beautiful garden. The author's ability to describe and place me the reader in that space sharing that time with Reece and Sophie was perfection. I also loved how for most of the story I struggled to see how they would achieve their HAE. I knew it would occur but I was worried as the reader. Now that's clever to have a long term romance reader concerned! If you are a person that enjoys wooing and romance in your stories then you will love this book. It's a keeper for me and I will now read more of Anna Bennett. There were some red herrings in the plot that made it a fun read. I give it 4.5 stars as I thought the resolution that allowed Sophie and Reece their HAE not overly credible. However other readers might disagree. I was provided with this ACR and my review is honest and open.