The is a sweet little story with a fat heroine who marries the hottest bachelor on the block. It is a clean romance, if that matters to you either way. I enjoyed it, although the part about Lady Blanche felt odd and forced and likely would have made more sense if she had been in the story more. I appreciate that the heroine was not conventionally beautiful, but I would have appreciated some of hero's perspective on why he does become attracted to her when he has to get blind drunk every night to visit his wife's bedroom and "performs his duty" without ever kissing her, or apparently even wanting to. This is an interesting idea, but it needed some follow through, otherwise it si just kind of icky. So I would recommend, with reservations.

4 stars

A good story and a quick read.  Nella is a plus size debutante who has never danced but has loved the hero from afar.  She hears some other debutante's scheme to compromise him and even though she thought the villainess would end up with him wanted it to be his choice.  Her good intentions don't end well and our hero reluctantly marries Nella and takes her to the countryside.  His aunt was eminently sensible and far sighted. 

It's a clean read and tells of Nella's journey of self acceptance.  I thought the denuoement of the villainess was a bit over the top.  I enjoyed this book but I must say I thought back to the "Cast out" series with great affection. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Will their marriage circumstances doom their future ...

What an entertaining series this one is, while I still have the previous book to read, each story is unique and very different from the other.
First thing I remarked is the heroine on the cover matches her ink&paper twin’s description, and I loved it.
Then the narrative, by a comedy of errors Nella finds herself married to the man of her dream, one who never knew she even existed. 
I have nothing bad to say about James, he never saw Nella as always being in the light, he never looked at the shadows, he has all the attributes to be the male counterpart of a diamond of the first water. So why would he have sought a shy lady on the plum side when all the sylphs of the ton were throwing themselves at his feet.
Still, with a little push, he does his duty to save them both from ruin.
Nella knows where she stands in the London’s society and it is not with the very sought after Earl of Danvers. Thus she fears his loathing and contempt. Why she asks to retire in the country.

I loved how their relationship morphed from resignation to friendship then more. Sure it is not love at first sight on James’ part. He even needs to imbibe to do his bedroom duty. And behind closed door for people preferring clean romance.
Still slowly he comes to realize his wife is more than her appearance, she is talented, friendly and well organized.
Thus they install themselves in a fair companionship, until the unresolved circumstances of their marriage come back to taunt them.
There is never a doubt about Nella’s feelings for her husband, it is James who is slowly won by his pleasant and welcoming spouse, as his affections gently tilt from a cozy friendship to a stronger sentiment. One he discovers run deeper as he realizes he needs Nella in his life for more than her presence and the requisite heir.

This slow-burning romance is definitely a must read.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, Here is my true and unbiased opinion.