Member Review

Miss Caroline Devereux is the only person in her household actually doing something to keep them out of debtor's prison by penning sensational Gothic tales. But when her earnings are no match to her spendthrift father, she resorts to blackmailing the Earl of Rockford into marrying her. She has a letter from the previous Earl denouncing the fact that the current Earl is not his biological son, and she's willing to publicize it if he doesn't accept her. But the Earl of Rockford isn't going to let a girl get one over on him without a fight, even if she is quite spirited and beautiful.

At its core, this is pretty much any historical romance you've ever read where the right guy finally comes along who sees just how perfect the lady disregarded by the ton for her smarts and temperament truly is. But it stands apart thanks to Drake's witty writing and the perfect way her characters interact. It's not just Caro and Rockford, it's in Rockford talking to Caro's little brother, and Caro finally standing up to her reprobate of a father. It's like a song that follows a recognizable beat, feeling different in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing. I knew what was coming, but I enjoyed the way we got there.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Caro and Gabriel, Earl of Rockford, from when they're butting heads to the moments when they've accepted how they feel about each other. They're a fun couple, and their interactions are witty and flirty even before they truly got together. Reading about them trying to outwit each other while also kind of not wanting to win was a pleasure.

I also appreciated how Drake incorporated several jabs at how worthless women and their reputations were seen and how men could get away with anything simply for being men. It's done in a way that hits without ever feeling like she's poking at you to make sure you get it.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for the delectable read!