- First date: In the wood, He is naked. She has a sketchbook. A house party, improper sketches, a notorious rake, a Duke, and five angry brothers equal wedding bells. Oh, what fun this first date was and Esmé is simply delightful. She has a whole brood of animals, speaks her mind and does not conform. It was only a matter of time before this happened. Personally, I would not survive Regency London. I would be shackled within a week! Siblings, friends and distant family added humor, and interest.
- Second date: The attraction is there and the game is a foot. Esmé makes me laugh and I settled right into the story. She is a nervous young bride, and Gabriel, Lord Northcote is turning out to be quite an interesting character. We soon learn about his past and meet his horrible Uncle. He really is quite smitten with Esmé; she amuses him, surprises him and challenges him. Moreover, Did I hear him utter mine? Do not use the L-O-V-E word around him he is liable to panic. He has poor Esmé all discombobulated. Their after marriage courtship is quite heated as these two begin to learn and explore their passion. We get a honeymoon of sorts, before one of Gabriel’s friends throws him for a loop.
- Third Date: Trouble is afoot. Esmé has a better temperament than I do making her the perfect match for our hero. I would have run him over with my buggy. The man is passionate one minute and a stranger the next. Poor Gabriel is miserable and trying to distance himself, all because of some convoluted opinion about L-O-V-E. He leaves Esmé at his estate and heads to his townhouse in London. The two go through some ups and downs but the conflict was not overdone and there was character growth. I needed a truffle or two as I rooted for this couple.
Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer