RATING: 2.5 stars.

A quick read, but the story isn't particularly original (but then again is there such a thing anymore, in any genre). The entire setting (noble family with a bunch of brothers and sisters) is remarkably similar to Julia Quinn's Bridgerton's series. The story is reminiscent of Daphne's (older Bridgerton sister, her story is told in "The Duke and I") in some points, although this book has a very nice (and relatively original) twist happening about halfway through the book, after the wedding.

As for the characters, I didn't really feel the chemistry between them. So Isabella says she loves James, but all the time it felt like childish infatuation only. I thought, at times, I'd have liked for another man to step in and make Isabella fall in love for real. Didn't really like James, mostly.

The ending was dragged on for way too many pages, and I didn't see the need to add that last drama where the hero leaves again and all that. It seemed to me more like an effort on the author's part to reach the 300-page mark than anything else.

Still, nice writing style and a decent debut. I'm curious about Olivia's story and I have the book here, so that will be my next read, although the plot seems a bit like the one from Julia Quinn's "To Sir Phillip, with Love". Which isn't a bad thing at all, since I loved that book. Also looking forward to Henry's story... will he end up with the spinster, I wonder? ( )

What a delightful historical romance set in England 1792. This is a Weston novel. This book is well written with detail and depth. The characters are charming, strong, emotional and will pull you into the story. It has sweet sensuality, romance,bitterness, forgiveness, mystery, and is an emotional love story.The heroine has been in love with the hero since the first time she saw him, when they where only children. The hero is determined never to marry, his father died shortly after his mother died in childbirth. He was sent to live with his grandfather who was not so nice. As fate would have it, he ends up marrying and learns a lesson in true love. It is a must read. It is fast paced, page turning story from the first page to the last. I would highly recommend this book. ( )