I love a reformed Rake and Lord David played the part well.

Jenny and David’s relationship has been teased for three books, so to say this was a highly anticipated release for me, would be an understatement.

But…. It didn’t surpass my love of book 2. Eliza and Simon remain my favorites.

I did enjoy Jenny’s independence and kudos to the author for never making her character question her career or prioritize her relationship over her talent. David was all about supporting her and he never questioned her ambition. Instead goes out of his way to protect her and mold his life around hers.

We start Jenny and David’s arranged marriage under the yoke of their self imposed restrictions. Jenny is determined to eventually divorce once she’s earned her inheritance and established her career. So she’s focused on protecting her heart from David’s rakish ways and David thinks if he can just sleep with Jenny one time his obsession will abate. Consequently their on page relationship is focused on the bedroom for a while. David thinks of little else, which kind of diminished his charm for a bit. He spends a solid chunk of the first half thinking about Jenny’s body and all the things he wants do with her in bed. Those initial steamy scenes (hello wedding night) are well written but not so romantic at first. Jenny is so focused on keeping David at arms length, they aren’t even flirting anymore. I loved the small glimpses of their banter and chemistry in book 1 and 2, but it kind of disappears in favor of the steam for a bit.

Once Jenny takes off to pursue her big Opera break in Paris, things picked up for the better. Because of course David can’t help himself and follows her. At this point, David’s POV finally starts to have some deeper feelings. Once he realizes he’s as fascinated and obsessed with Jenny the person as much as Jenny’s body, I got on board. Lots of good pining thoughts from David and so many lovely gestures of affection as he try’s to change her mind about him and their marriage. He is quietly courting her and hoping desperately that she’ll choose to stay.

Jenny remained a little emotionally flat for me, but I did appreciate that at the end she had to chase David back to England after he bravely confessed his feelings and she balked. An unusual dynamic. Her conversation with her Mother as she realizes she made a huge mistake was lovely. Fanny really grew on me as a character.

This third and final installment had its charm and I enjoyed most of it. Hoping this author continues to write Historicals!

Well written. A tennis story with plenty of tennis! The best part of this book is the focus on the pressure Austen feels as an athlete. The anxiety and grief rep were well done and palpable. As someone who’s experienced panic attacks, those descriptions actually made me tear up. The romantic elements were thoughtful and added important gravity, but didn’t surpass Austen’s internal journey. I found myself feeling surprisingly emotional at the end.

I think the only thing that kept this from a five star was the YA tone. While Austen is in his early twenties and has lived through an intense tennis regimen and career, his actions and dialogue read more as moody teen sometimes. Not enough to derail the reading experience just noticeable enough to distract me. That being said the last 25% was really solid and felt much more mature. I liked the choices the author made. Glad I picked this one up.

I loved everything about this, but I’m also so sad to say goodbye. This entire series is going on the comfort read shelf. Absolutely magical.