I’ve read this book about seven or eight times. Every couple years, I get the urge to read it again, probably because I love the imperfect heroine and the friends to lovers trope that goes with it. This is obviously an older book, but for me, it’s one that still holds up.
One-Sentence Synopsis
A Scottish Lord becomes friends with a woman who’s name is attached to scandal and finds himself falling in love with her despite his grandfathers’ machinations and the gossip and drama from his spoiled betrothed. Read the fully synopsis on this book’s Goodreads page.
The Good Stuff
This book is sweet. I love the friendship between the main characters and how it very subtly shifts. Duncan and Sabrina have a great chemistry, and I’m a sucker for the heroine who’s plain and doesn’t think she’s worthy of the hunky hero. The antagonist, Ophelia, is a character you just love to hate, though it makes it easier knowing she gets her own story in the sequel to this one.
Also, this book features one of my favorite first kiss scenes ever. Outside in a thunderstorm. I don’t know why it’s my favorite, but it gives me warm fuzzies every time I read it.
Things That Made Me Go Hmmm
Every time I read this book, I find the Scottish grandfather more annoying and meddlesome. He’s shallow and narrow minded and doesn’t know when to shut up.
The Romance Factor
5/5. This trope makes me happy, and I love that these two have to overcome many obstacles to get their HEA. Also, sad Duncan is adorable.
The Steam Factor
Though sweet, this book isn’t over the top with the sex scenes. However, the “accidental” carriage lovemaking is fun, and sexy times on the bear skin rug is a little blush inducing. 3/5.
Final Thoughts
Johanna Lindsey was one of my first and favorite authors. Some of her more recent books don’t resonate with me like her older ones, so I’m glad I have ones like this that I can re-read over and over and never get tired of.
The Romance Factor 