Jonathan has just returned to London from a decade-long imprisonment in France. Napoleon returned to power while Jonathan was on his Grand Tour; since war with England immediately resumed, the French army rounded up all the Englishmen of fighting age. His tutor on the trip, Mr. Morris, suffered a mortal injury during an escape attempt which Jon blames himself for. Upon returning to England, he finds he's inherited a dukedom, and his sister's governess/companion is Morris' grown daughter, Victoria (aka Tory). Jon vowed to Morris that he would take care of Tory and ensure she married well, but it seems she'd rather stay single and open an art academy for women.

I loved all of Jeffries' references to more obscure history. Obviously she loves this period and is excited to share her research. I knew nothing about the détenus, so Jon's experience was fascinating! The real female artists Tory idolizes were new to me, too, and the bit about Jon's brothers both drowning at a Frost Fair (which I first learned about from the mural under London Bridge!) was so unique that I forgave the lack of realism.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Tory and Jon, and I loved their unique backstories and motivations. Unfortunately, something fell flat in the execution of those motivations for me. I wanted MORE angst and MORE conflict. Jeffries TELLS us Tory's "big secret" is so incompatible with marriage, but I was never convinced that it was all that worthy of secrecy. It had the potential to be interesting but fell a bit flat. And it feels like all of a sudden Tory's main motivation to stay single swings from sculpture and her academy to her "big secret". Her passion for art then starts to feel more like her solution for dealing with said secret, i.e. financial independence, and less like something she loves.

Jon's anguish about being honest with Tory as to what happened with her father in France also annoyed me a bit. He had no real reason to be secretive with her, and I got so irritated every time he said something stupid. This man lived under constant surveillance in France and surely had to be cautious with his words, but he can't think before he speaks now??

Despite my mini rant, these are minor annoyances that likely won't bother most readers. And considering I still read the book in just a few sessions, they didn't even bother me too much!

Jeffries' experience is clear: this was solidly written and a relatively quick, breezy read (despite the heavy emotions involved). I think a lot of people would really enjoy this book and I'm sure I'll be recommending it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!