While there are moments of anachronism, (particularly around the concept of addiction) this is an interesting story of regency romance with two strong characters who have to fight for their relationship. Emma Stockton is quite a martyr to her family, having lost in love before she's now trying to make sure that her sister, Amy, makes a good match. She has to find someone willing to take on some of the debts of the men of the family. Into this comes Charles Hawthorne, the brother of the man who broke off an engagement and left her languishing on the "shelf".

The two of them spark well and you do wonder, often for historical reasons, if the relationship will become a solid thing. An enjoyable, light read. ( )