Best book I’ve read in a long time. Characters you love and hate at times. I love the role of Gavin’s mother, and the twists and turns he takes before realizing what needs to be done.

Miss Maxwell saved the best for last! Great storyline and dialogue. Don't miss this one!!!

Must read...

Gavin, Duke of Boynton has been arrogant, stubborn, selfish, bossy and even manipulative throughout the series: to his credit he has grown and learned to curb his less attractive attributes, even if he stubbornly clings to his concern with the thoughts of the tonne. Finally, he gets a chance at love, but it will take more maturing and personal growth if he is to be as happy in love as his brothers and ex-fiancée are. Sarah is the wrong woman for a Duke’s wife in every possible way, and believe me, Gavin has thought of all of them. She’s a playwright, a former actress (oh the shame), illegitimate and, perhaps most damning, she doesn’t bow and accede to Gavin’s superior standing in society. She has brains, determination and the self-confidence to not cower or back down from her own beliefs. Gavin, deep down, is insecure and unsure about his own approach. He’s grown so much during the series, learning to compromise, be kinder, even more patient, but still he’s unwed. Believing that Sarah is the woman to ‘teach’ him about love and poetic words to aid in his search for the right bride, he makes a bargain. He’ll provide financial support for her newest play if she agrees to teach him to be suave and win a bride. What he didn’t account for is the growing feelings he has for Sarah, the admiration of her determination and intelligence, her beauty and above all, her tendency to challenge some of the outmoded and outdated beliefs he has held from childhood. Slowly we see Gavin grow and incorporate these changes into his personality, and he is rewarded with Sarah’s growing affections. They play beautifully off one another, and the growing affections are palpable as the story progresses. It was a wonderful conclusion to the story, allowing Gavin to grow to realize that his own happiness and a wife that he loves are more important than the rumblings of the tonne. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions and expectations are my own responsibility.