3.75/5. Releases 11/19/24.

Vibes:

—childhood friends

—sister's best friend

—class politics

—he's self-conscious, she's rebellious

Heat Index: 6.5/10

The Basics:

After coming into a dukedom unexpectedly, William falls out of touch with his friend's little sister, offbeat schoolteacher Phoebe. They next run into each other when she requests his help in getting out of an arrest—only to then beg him for more help after her favorite pupil goes missing. Will solving the mystery bring them back together, or is William too lost to his new status to accept Phoebe's "radical" perspectives?

The Review:

I really enjoy a childhood sweethearts romance, and this one has the perfect combo of wistfulness and longing. William doesn't even truly realize how much he wanted Phoebe until he's lost her (not that it's really his fault here—he didn't ask for the dukedom). There's a lovely chemistry between them, two people who clearly know each other and can get under each other's skin, while at the same time having this chasm of years between them.

That's where this book sparkles. In the little moments between William and Phoebe, the flirtatiousness after they've Done Stuff and he knows she's thinking about doing More Stuff. I also think it's really cool that Alex, Phoebe's sister, is William's close friend—as opposed to a brother, the way one typically sees with this trope. Alex is an interesting character, and I'd lvoe to see more of her and her romance.

However, the pacing was kind of slow, and I wondered why until realizing it was the same issue I see in a lot of historical romances right now. The couple is held apart for too long. And I don't mean romantically, I mean it takes a while before the book really commits to them being almost-constantly together. Which, for me, is when a romance really takes off.

I did know going into this that Phoebe would be a more political heroine, and that's totally cool for me. I mean, I agree with her politics. But her conversations with William seemed very... self-sacrificing, shall we say? A little holier than thou.

Will's issues were understandable in theory, but a little tired in reality. He has the weight of the dukedom on his shoulders, but also, he didn't really grow up with it on his shoulders. So why is it this big a deal to him on an emotional level? I never really got it. And the thing is that this is the conflict: Will doesn't really think that Phoebe is suitable as his duchess.

But why does he need a suitable duchess? Why does it matter that Phoebe isn't good enough~ for the role? I think Will was presented in a way that seemed like... at odds with him being an asshole? And everyone makes mistakes, but to me, you either commit to an asshole hero or you don't. I love an asshole hero. Will wasn't one, but I think I would've preferred it if he had been.

This is one of those books where I finished it and thought, "I liked a lot of that". The issues I had with it were few, just more noticeable than I'd lke.

The Sex:

Several explicit scenes, all well-done. I really liked the way that Phoebe approached sex, and I liked Will's reaction to her baldly asking for what she wanted... even more.

Not a home run but a solid book. I just think it would've been better if we'd had less focus on the characters' theoretical morals and beliefs, and more on the romance. Because the other two things are important! but we can't let them make the romance drag.

Nonetheless, if you're a fan of Evie Dunmore, I honestly think you'd love this. Similar bluestocking-y vibe with a somewhat starchy hero.

Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.