Evie is desperate. Her mother's family has always been abusive and controlling, but now her father is dying and they won't let her see him and they're trying to force her to marry her cousin so they can control her inheritance. When thinking of a way to escape, she realizes that the only way to get herself out of their clutches is for her to marry someone of her choosing. And the only person that she knows who's as desperate as her is Sebastian, Lord St. Vincent.

I started this book last year but gave up halfway though. I'm glad that I tried this again, and gave Lisa Kleypas another chance, because I liked it better this time around.

I liked both main characters, most of the time, but Sebastian was so distant for so long that I think it stunted their relationship development. I understand that it would take a while for someone who is emotionally detached to be fully open with another person, but I might have liked it better if it was handled differently. However, I do think that their relationship was really sweet in the end. ( )

Wahh- such a cute story and ending!
I absolutely adored Evie! She's just so charming and endearing. As for Sebastian, he didn't quite win me over entirely, but his flaws made him feel more real and added depth to his character, even if they did irk me at times.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and am eager to delve into more of Kleypas's work. ( )

May 2023 partial re-read, downgraded to three stars: errr, this did not hold up - for me - on reread. I borrowed the audiobook from the library to listen to something while I worked on home projects and 1. the narrator really doesn't work for me. St Vincent's voice kept reminding me of how Toni Collette voiced Bryce, the antagonist of season 3 of The United States of Tara. . . iykyk because ICK! HISS! hate him! and 2. wow LK writes sex work/ers terribly. I got about 45% thru before I decided to move on with my life; there are other Sebastians to read about.

original 4 star (lol cringe) review: Anyway, St. Vincent is hot. ( )

Eve is nice, but the MC is kinda generic. She doesn't have almost any agency in this book and I was expecting more from her. Overall I think it's a nice read, so perfectly valid for a cozy afternoon, just not the best in this saga. ( )

I think the reason this book is a "classic romance" is because it features the trope of a man so lost that only the right woman saves him, and readers want to believe they're that woman. I'll admit, I was one of those people getting swept up in the story. I relished in St. Vincent's and Evie's growth as more confident individuals. This book really fleshed out their characters, and their romance truly brought redemption for everyone. It almost made me forget about the horrible things St. Vincent did in the previous novel. Almost but not quite, and that's why I gave this book 4/5. Deep down, he is capable of some dastardly things that not even the perfect woman could sweep under the rug. ( )