Amanda
But found it and read it, I did. Because some days call for Julia Quinn books, and this was most definitely was one of those occasions.
Usually with historical romances, I find myself enjoying the heroine more than the hero (maybe because, for the most part, the world is set against women, and I like to see them prevail). But Sebastian. There really is something irresistibly charming about him.
Perhaps it's his view of the world. Or his secrets. Or his view of the world and his secrets combined together, because that's what makes him him. But, you know, I liked Annabel too. She wasn't in the best of positions (in more than one way), and that was tough to see her caught between what she wanted and what she felt obligated to do.
And in typical JQ fashion, the secondary characters shone too. I want Louisa to have her own story. (Oh please oh please.) Annabel's grandma was... a character. And some of the final scenes are pure gold. JQ really does make everything better.