What a great approach to fortune hunting! True enemies to lovers, Radcliffe spends two thirds of the story actively seeking to ensure Kitty doesn’t impact his family and has very little respect for her motivations. Kitty doesn’t hide her present situation, but downplays her families scandalous past. I appreciated that she worked within the expectations of the time, using the tools available to women to improve the situation for her family.
This book sticks to the standard regency romance tropes, but everything is really fresh. I really felt how seriously Kitty and Radcliffe took their respective familial responsibilities. I loved that those responsibilities were competing and placed Kitty and Radcliffe in opposition.
Kitty’s experience entering London ball rooms and being introduced to the ton reminded me of being the new kid at school. All the cliques and unspoken expectations that can have massive consequences that have to be figured out. When Kitty was approaching Lady Burrows, I was chanting “Don’t do it!” in my head.
I also enjoyed that Radcliffe’s Daddy issues that got more attention than Kitty’s. Every time he reminisced about his father and the impact their relationship had on him, I chuckled. Archie managed to grow a little too, I thought it was so nice that he got to be so sheltered and protected.
A slow burn, wholesome romance where everyone really does care about each other. I found myself laughing, cringing and deeply attached to the characters throughout the book. I’m always pleased when a Regency romance manages to keep me fully engaged all the way through.
