Summary
It was problematic enough for Caroline and Valentine as a couple when he was the duke’s spare. Her family had plenty of money, but they had earned it rather than inherited it. But with the death of Val’s older brother, he’s now the heir. No matter what she feels for him – including aggrevation – he’s made the clear choice of duty over love.
When Val’s cousin is attacked and his girlfriend potentially kidnapped, Caro and Lady Katherine are called in to investigate along with Kate’s detective husband. Val is there to represent the family’s interests – and irritate Caro to no end. But in the course of their investigation, Caro has to “admit” to her betrothal to Val to keep her honor intact. The sparks between them haven’t dulled at all in the four years since they broke things off. And Val insists he’s a different man now – one who will fight for Caro and for love rather than give into expectations. But can Caro really trust him again?
Review
This is book 2 in the Ladies Most Scandalous series after A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem (♥♥♥♥) and before A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes. I somehow missed this one, reading book 1 and then book 3. But I fixed that oversight immediately after finishing book 3.
This was a great romance/mystery! I thought the humor in this one was punchier than in Spinster’s Guide. Val and Caro together are a sassy delight. And the mystery, again, is top notch! I read this series for the mysteries, and they never disappoint. The fun romantic pairs are a bonus!
I think the books in this series can stand alone. While I read them out of order, I had no issues in following the stories. I hardly even remembered the details of book one while I was reading number three (other than I adored it), and it didn’t impact my enjoyment at all. I think readers will want to grab all three books and blitz through all of them – they are THAT good. Then we can all wait eagerly, together, for a fourth book in the series! (Language, sex)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥*
*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read
