Scarlett Scott

I thoroughly enjoyed this first-in-series book by a new-to-me author. The title and premise sounded intriguing, so, of course, I was excited to read the book. We have Hudson Stone, a very successful Detective Chief Inspector at Scotland Yard who absolutely loves his profession – yet, out of the blue, he finds out he’s now the Duke of Wycombe. Bummer that! Then, we have Lady Elysande Collingwood, who was betrothed to the previous duke, not because it was a love match, but because her parents said she had to marry and he was as good as any other male. So, in her view – the new duke will do just fine as well.

I liked Elysande who was brilliant, independent, determined, and at the same time vulnerable and insecure. I really liked Hudson also - because the poor guy just had his whole world turned upside down when they tracked him down as the heir to a Duchy. He didn’t care for aristocrats – and suddenly he was one - and a penniless one to boot. Can he and Elysande make a go of it? You’ll just have to read it and see.

Making a go of it won’t be easy when Hudson takes off to London to help capture an escaped criminal – his last case. Then, he is accused of murder – and another – and … Elysand can just walk away and let it be – or she can believe in him and help prove his innocence. Which will it be? You’ll just have to read it and see.

This was fast-paced, well-written, very spicy, and romantic. I absolutely loved the supporting characters – especially Elysande’s family – and I believe several (maybe all) of them will be featured in future books in the series. I enjoyed the read so much that I purchased the second book as soon as I finished this one. Happy Reading!… (meer)

Summary
When Aiden tells his Aristocratic family he plans to marry Penelope Sutton, an East End gaming hell owner, his brother Garrick determines to pay off Penelope so she will break off the engagement to avoid a scandal. After announcing his fake engagement, Aiden disappears and Penelope and Garrick set out to find him. They bump into each other all across London while looking for Aiden and can’t resist the attraction between them.

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, titled hero, ton society, virgin heroine, class difference, fake engagement, best friends brother, forbidden love, alpha hero

The Plot : I enjoyed the plot; I don’t recall reading a book with a similar fake engagement to the Hero’s brother storyline. I thought it was played out well, even if I did think Garrick was a utter jerk to her. It did help paint the disparity between their classes, but my heart just kept breaking right along side Pen’s!

The Heroine : Penelope Sutton is a smart, strong woman. She can wield a pistol, keep the accounting books at The Sinner’s Palace, and she has a quick wit. After having her heart broken in her youth, she was not looking for love again, but she wasn’t afraid of it when she started to have feelings for Garrick. She also wouldn’t let Garrick treat her poorly b

The Hero : Garrick is an arrogant Viscount who thinks very highly of himself and very little of Penelope. He is kind of a jerk to her and belittles her at every turn. I’m not sure what she could possibly see in him to be drawn to him so much.

The Steam : There are a couple of steamy scenes but nothing off the charts until closer to the end,

Stand Out Moment : Oh gosh, it had to be the beautiful, well-written, descriptive scene when the finally make love. I was so in love,right along with Pen, only to have it doused literally 5 seconds later! My heart just broke and I winced out loud!

Who Would Like This : if you love the Sutton family, and even the Winter family books, you will love no doubt this one as well.

Final Thoughts : I can’t wait to read the next book and, hopefully, get a glimpse of their happily-ever-after because I can’t wait to see how Griffin softens his lofty attitude.… (meer)