Review - - Pride Comes Before a Fall

Pride Comes Before a Fall

by Virginia Heath

Miss Prentice's Protegees - Book 3

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: July 28, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realized that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticizes weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

PJ's Thoughts:

Pride Comes Before a Fall follows another graduate of Miss Prentice's School for Girls as she makes her way into the world, tumbling into unexpected love along the way. While this third book of the series has some humorous scenes, overall it's tone is decidedly more serious than the previous two. 

There's some snappy banter between Portia and Leo as well as chemistry but there's also plenty of conflict. Leo is an overprotective brother who believes his way is always the right way. Portia is a political reformer who pens opinion pieces for an underground newspaper taking the aristocracy to task for rampant inequality and unfair treatment of those citizens without the rights of the "quality." 

Both are obstinately set in their ways which leads to some tense situations and more than a few frustrating points in the book where I was tempted to give up on them but they do, eventually, unbend enough to finally work things out. 

Complicated family dynamics also play a part in the ongoing evolution of the main characters. Leo's mother was one of my favorite characters. I loved how she took her son to task and also how she supported and advocated for Portia. 

While the humor wasn't as pronounced in this book (no laugh out loud moments for me), there was considerable depth as Leo and Portia needed to grow as characters, opening their minds, hearts, and willingness to compromise before they could claim their happy ending. 

While Pride Comes Before a Fall isn't my favorite of the series, it's still a solid read with complex characters, intriguing history, complicated family dynamics, and a hard-won happy ending. 

Review - - Janae Sanders' Second Time Around

Janae Sanders' Second Time Around

by LaQuette

Savvy, Sexy, & Single Club - Book 2

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: January 6, 2026

Reviewed by Santa

A single mom gets a second chance at love with her high school sweetheart.

Wary of love after divorce, Janae Sanders focuses on the best things in her life: her son James and her besties in the Savvy, Sexy, and Single Club. As for romance? Not today, Satan. That is, until high school heartthrob Adam Henderson crashes back into her life at their 20-year reunion. Sparks fly, but just when Janae considers dating again, the new superintendent of James’ school district slashes his beloved arts program. Instead of getting her groove back, Janae gets her protest on.

Returning home after twenty years, Adam jumps at the chance to reacquaint himself with Janae, the one who got away. But he’s nearly reached his limit, juggling a meddling father, school politics, and―unbeknownst to him―Janae’s ire. If he can’t get the head of the PTA off his back after cutting programs that were costing the district money, his debut role as superintendent and his love life hang in the balance.

When a school board meeting is called and they both realize they’ve been dating the enemy, Janae gives Adam two choices: restore the program or lose her. Adam proposes a third option: one weekend at his cabin to talk it all out―funding the arts, and old feelings too. When her girls cheer her on, Janae must decide if she’s willing to risk it all. Armed with sass, sarcasm, and a suitcase full of emotional baggage, Janae and Adam discover that sometimes love shows up in the most infuriating and unexpectedly sexy ways.

Santa Says:

I have to say that I loved Janae Sanders’ Second Time Around by LaQuette. I happily give it five stars. I had never read any books by the author LaQuette but I will be glamming her back list with pleasure. In fact, this book is the second in this series which means that when I read the first book, I get to reintroduce myself to the members of the Savvy, Single and Sexy Club. That’s the name of the club Janae and her fellow divorcees Vanessa and Cree formed following their divorces. Janae, for one, was most certainly not in the market for love or marriage. Her own toxic marriage and divorce put a moratorium on that aspect of her life. Her laser focus is on her career as a nurse anesthetist and on supporting her son’s own career aspirations. 

That focus is knocked on its side when her high school crush saunters back into her life. Adam Henderson looked as fine at forty-three as he did as the school’s star basketball player back at Monroe Hills High School. He went on to be an NCAA and NBA super star. He left that behind to pursue a career in education. That turned out to be his true calling. It was also one of the reasons for his move back to his hometown. Adam was also pleased to see Janae again. It turns out he also had a crush on Janae in high school. 

It seems that at every turn there are challenges for Adam and Janae to face as a couple and individually. Just as Janae’s resistance to any kind of relationship starts to soften she comes to learn that Adam is the new interim district superintendent she, as PTA president, is set about to go to battle with over slashes to the arts programs in the district. These programs are vital to her own son’s dreams of a career in dance and fashion design. You don’t poke a mama bear! Interfering and judgemental parents are not conducive to romance either.  

Adam and Janae face each obstacle with a dogged determination to explore their mutual attraction and buried feelings. They do hit a brick wall as emotions get the better of them and they are forced to look within themselves. Adam, to his credit, knows he was in the wrong. And, with the help of his friends, grovels in a hilarious way. Chef’s kiss! His gesture makes Janae realize that she needs to work on her tendency to run away from acknowledging her own faults. This type of growth leads to a wonderful HEA. 

I am going to say that as a contemporary romance the author, LaQuette, could have framed it as a happily ever after for now. However, I think this is a true love story more than a let’s see where this romance goes. LaQuette’s storytelling reaches into very telling parts of each character’s make up and personalities. This creates well rounded, though flawed, characters. I enjoyed that depth of storytelling. I look forward to her next book in the series. Please go and get your copy of this gem today. You will not be disappointed!

 

Review - - Give Me a Reason

Give Me a Reason: A Novel

by Jayci Lee

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

In this modern retelling of Jane Austen's PERSUASION, a K-drama actress gets her second chance at love with the man she left to save her family, if only she can work up the courage to risk her heart on forever…one last time.

For ten years, Anne Lee told herself that Frederick Nam was her past. To save her father from bankruptcy, she dropped out of UC San Diego to pursue an acting career in Korea. Anne had to stop Frederick from following her and ruining his future. Breaking up with him was the best way she could love him.

After Anne left him, Frederick spent years loving her, missing her, and hating her until he decided to live his life for himself. He followed his dream and became a firefighter in Culver City. He didn’t need romance. He had his work and his friends.

When she returns to Los Angeles, Anne and Frederick find themselves in the same wedding—she as her cousin’s bridesmaid and he as his friend’s groomsman. Even though he is cold and distant with her, Anne can no longer deny that she never got over him. Not even close. As for Frederick, needing to take care of Anne is a habit he can't seem to kick, but that doesn't mean he has to forgive her.

PJ's Thoughts:

I love a second-chance romance. Give me that trope with a Korean-American cast of characters, dysfunctional family, firehouse chosen family, and a K-drama actress/Fire Captain main couple all wrapped up in a story by Jayci Lee that's a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion? I couldn't wait to dive in!

I've enjoyed every book I've read by Jayci Lee and this one was no exception. I love how she immersed me into this Korean-American extended family and their culture. My heart ached for Anne and the way she was treated by her father and sister, not only in the present but also in the past when she sacrificed her happiness for those who would never have done the same for her. I appreciated the time Lee took to show the inner workings of Anne's family and the impacts - both intended and unintended - their actions caused. 

Giving readers a dual POV gave me insight into Frederick that I might not have had if this story had only unfolded within Anne's frame of reference. I could feel the pain he suffered in the past and how that had shaped him and his relationships in the present. There were times when I wanted both Frederick and Anne to get out of their heads and talk to one another but I also think watching them work through their issues internally helped me understand them better and be more appreciative of their relationship when they finally open their hearts again. 

Lee does a good job of blending emotion, humor, and slow-burn romance in this book. I enjoyed the friendships depicted, especially Frederick's friends and how staunchly they protected and supported him. I also appreciated the love and support among Anne, her younger sister, and her cousins as she reestablished herself within the family unit after her return from Korea. Certain events added elements of awkwardness, humor, and angst to the journey which, for me, gave it more of an authentic feel. I'm glad Anne cleared the air with one family member but would have liked to have seen her do the same with another as well. Still, I felt like she found her strength and would not be walked over again. 

If you enjoy Austen retellings or just enjoy a good, second-chance, contemporary romance with intriguing characters, family dynamics, and Korean-American representation, add Give Me a Reason by Jayci Lee to your reading list. 

Review - - Look Before You Leap

Look Before You Leap

by Virginia Heath

Miss Prentice's Protegees - Book 2

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: June 24, 2025

Reviewed by Santa

Nine years ago, Lord Guy Harrowby, Viscount Wennington, was publicly humiliated by a failed and reckless romantic gesture. Despite this, his mother clings to the promise he made her then: that she would have a house full of grandchildren by his thirtieth birthday. Still single, embittered, and swiftly approaching thirty, Guy's work is his life. In desperation, his mother blindsides Guy with a weeklong house party at his estate filled with annoying debutantes, all competing to be his wife.

After failing as a governess, Lottie Travers is struggling as a lady’s companion. Raised in an all-male household, she’s developed habits that get her dismissed. Even after years of Miss Prentice’s teachings of how to be a lady, she climbs trees better than she embroiders and can’t resist riding horses astride, in breeches. But with the family farm in trouble, and her father now in dire need of her wages, she’s determined to conquer her wildness once and for all.

Even with his home full of eligible women, there is only one who catches Guy’s eye—though he tries to deny it. For Lottie, succeeding in her new role proves difficult when the Wennington estate is filled with horses, and a spark ignites between her and the grumpy lord. Will they remain stuck in their ways, or learn that they may just be the perfect match?

Santa Says:

Look Before You Leap by Virginia Heath instantly became one of my favorite books of 2025. I’ve never read a Virginia Heath book that I didn’t like and this is a five star keeper. The dialog is witty and the banter sublime. This is a master class in writing with main characters who could not be more different in temperament and attitude.

Lottie Travers is a failed governess and, as a last resort, agrees to be a companion to a very exacting woman. She knows she can be successful if she curbs her hoyden ways like sneaking out to the stables in old boots and breeches riding through the park at breakneck speeds careening into some daft though handsome man. Her sunny disposition gives her the confidence to face any circumstance.

She must also mind her tongue and remember all the things she learned at the finishing school her father sent her to. Miss Prentice’s School For Young Ladies prided itself on getting young ladies ready for employment in the best households. She crosses her fingers and promises not to engage in any rough riding as a new companion to Lady Frinton. They set off to the wilds of Scotland when they learn that the grand dame is needed in Kent to help put together her nephew’s 30th birthday party.

Lord Guy Harrowby was in a reach to get home to his estate in Kent. He wasn’t in a rush to be hassled by his mother to have a big bash for his 30th birthday in order to secure a wife. His mother was desperate for grandchildren and for her son to shed his curmudgeon armor and return to his joyful self again. Guy is hesitant especially after embarrassing himself publicly following a disastrous proposal. He convinces his mother to make it a small gathering. Unbeknownst to him she enlists the help of her half-sister who comes to Kent with her new companion.

Not only must he contend with his Aunt, a house full of debutants and guests but the companion is none other than the tornado who knocked him on his arse in Hyde Park. Lottie is none too pleased to see him either but she needs this job in order to send money to her father’s struggling farm. They face off time and time again but under their hostility is a simmering attraction that they fight against. His grumpiness is no match for her sunshine.

This slow burn romance is a delight to watch unfold. There are delightful discoveries to be had. I could not put this book down and finished it in one day. I cannot wait for the next heroine from Miss Prescott’s School to get an equally satisfying HEA!

Tour Review - - Earl Crush

Earl Crush

by Alexandra Vasti

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

For three years, wallflower heiress Lydia Hope-Wallace has anonymously penned seditious pamphlets―and for almost as long, she’s corresponded with the reclusive Earl of Strathrannoch. When Arthur’s latest letter reveals his dire financial straits, Lydia sets out for Scotland to offer him the only salvation she can think of: a marriage of convenience. To, um, herself.

But the real earl has no idea who she is. When a bewitching stranger offers him her hand in marriage, Arthur Baird is stunned. And when he learns that his traitorous brother has been writing to her under Arthur’s name, he’s bloody furious. He’s content to live alone in his moldering castle, and he has no desire for a radical wife. (Or at least, he shouldn’t.)

But Arthur is desperate to track down his brother, who’s become dangerously entangled in British espionage, and he needs Lydia’s help. What he doesn’t need? The attraction that burns hotter each moment they spend together. As Lydia slips past his defenses and his brother’s mysterious past becomes a very present threat, Arthur will have to risk everything to keep her safe―even his heart.

PJ's Thoughts:

So. Many. Feelings. This was my first Alexandra Vasti book and I adored it. How could I not fall in love with these characters? And not only Lydia and Arthur but the absolutely delightful supporting cast surrounding them. They drew me in and kept me happily reading from beginning to end. 

There's so much depth to unpack when it comes to Arthur and Lydia and Vasti accomplishes it beautifully. Both have so many layers that make up the whole, that draw them to one another but, at the same time, keep them from handing over their hearts. Especially Arthur. My heart ached for him and his inability to believe himself worthy of love. There's a whole boatload of family betrayals to wade through but that doesn't stop him from yearning. So much yearning and I am here for it. 

Don't think this book is all angst though. There's impeccably placed humor, witty banter, zebras (yes, zebras), a mystery, a bit of danger, chemistry, meddling family (bio and chosen), road romance (Yay!), and did I mention yearning? 

There are also letters and random notes throughout the book that provide readers insights into the thoughts, feelings, and hopes of our reclusive hero. What he's unable to verbally express is eloquently - sometimes heart-wrenchingly - delivered through the perfectly crafted vehicle of his "papers," opening a window into the depths of his emotions and growing love for the quiet, socially awkward political activist who has turned his life upside down. 

These characters had me laughing, sobbing, and holding my breath as they navigated the ups and downs of mistaken identity, meddling family, espionage, kidnapping, and falling in love. I was with them every step of the way, right up to - and through - one of the most swoon-worthy, deeply romantic, heart-tugging epilogues I've read. 

Review - - Get Lost With You

Get Lost With You

by Sophie Sullivan

Rock Bottom Love - Book 2

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: February 11, 2025

Reviewed by Santa

Jillian Keller took the long route to her best life, but is now happily settled in her hometown of Smile, raising her little girl alone while helping her brother run Get Lost Lodge. A lover of structure and routine, she doesn’t need anyone disrupting her carefully curated life.

After chasing and achieving his culinary dreams, Levi Bright realizes he’s still missing something he can’t find in a big city. Returning home to Smile, he intends to build a different future for himself, including reconnecting with family and friends, and creating elevated comfort food for a town he loves.

When Levi and Jilly run into each other, past feelings that never had a chance to bloom flare between them… but she’s been hurt before, and falling for her older brother’s best friend seems like a recipe for drama. But sometimes, a second chance at love leads you right where you’re meant to be.

Santa Says:

Get Lost With You by Sophie Sullivan is the second book in her Rock Bottom Love series. Don’t worry, this five star book can be read as a stand alone, too. The book takes place in the idyllic small town of Smile. Everyone and everything about the island makes you want to take the ferry over and have a slice of pie at Pete’s.

Jillian Keller came home again with her daughter Oliie after a disastrous marriage and divorce. Her focus is on her daughter and her brothers’ restoration and launching of The Get Lost Lodge. They hope to attract groups to the lodge to take advantage of the surrounding hiking trails, group activities and great food the lodge would offer. Jillian is not looking out for herself. She is still hurting from her marriage to trust anyone else.

Levi Bright returns to Smile after going off to culinary school. He carved out a very good living. He was head chef in a successful restaurant in Burlington, Vermont but something was missing. He really didn’t connect with anyone there. Levi comes back to Smile to figure out what the next steps look like. As soon as he set foot there again he really felt like he was home again. 

Jillian and Levi run into each other very quickly. Kind of hard not to when Levi was the best friend of Jillian’s older brother. Immediately sparks fly. Levi was Jillian’s school girl crush. Levi had started to have feelings for her before he left.  Levi would like nothing more than exploring those sparks. Jillian is a bit more cautious. However, the fates, and we readers, want to see if second chance romances are real. Circumstances both personal and professional toss these two together more and more.

I, for one, was all for it. Sophie Sullivan writes so beautifully about how love approached with caution and care can bloom into something gorgeous. This is what Jillian and Levi’s relationship was like. Two people with very human traits and faults still able to overcome obstacles that really were no match against their blooming love. 

Review - - A Legend in the Baking

A Legend in the Baking

by Jamie Wesley

Sugar Blitz - Book 2

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

August Hodges was supposed to be the silent partner in Sugar Blitz Cupcakes. Emphasis on silent. That is until his impromptu feminist rant about how women bakers are the backbone of the industry and baking cupcakes isn’t a threat to masculinity goes viral, making him the hottest bachelor in town. With a new location in the works, August and his partners decide to capitalize on this perfect opportunity to help cement their place in the community. But the hiring of his best friend’s younger sister, the woman who has haunted some of his best dreams for years, was as much of a shock as his new-found fame.

Social media manager Sloane Dell fell hard for her brother’s best friend the moment she met him more than a decade ago, but that teenage infatuation cost her dearly. Still, she accepts her brother’s request to revamp the bakery’s social media presence to take advantage of August’s newfound popularity, knowing it’s the big break her fledgling career needs. She’ll just ignore the fact that August is still August, i.e. sexier and sweeter than any man has a right to be. And that he drives her crazy with his resistance to all her ideas.

They vow to leave the past in the past. But when an explosive make-out session makes it clear their attraction burns hotter than ever, Sloane and August are forced to reconsider what it means to take a risk and chase your dreams.

As they’re both about to find out, all’s fair in love and cupcakes.

PJ's Thoughts:

Sloane may have fallen hard for August but I was right there with her. A professional football playing cinnamon roll feminist hero who is handy with tools and also bakes cupcakes? It's like the author created him just for me. Of course, she actually created him for Sloane but, hey, a girl can dream.

Jamie Wesley reeled me in with the first book in this series, Fake It Till You Bake It, and kept me hooked through this second installment, A Legend in the Baking. It's a slow-burn romance with a best friend's sister trope, a second chance, chosen family, well-placed humor, and a fair amount of emotional depth. 

I enjoyed the layers Wesley gave both August and Sloane. It made them feel authentic and relatable. My heart ached for August. Watching him work his way through long-held issues and beliefs to emerge at the other end with confidence and knowledge of his own self-worth was immensely satisfying. Sloane's journey was no less impactful. I especially appreciated the fact that she finally came to realize the impact her actions were having, apologized, and grew from the experience. In the end, I was confident their relationship would be long lasting and happy.

I'm really enjoying the bonds of brotherhood that August, Donovan, and Nicholas have formed. These partners both on the football field and in the bakery may not be related by blood but in every meaningful definition of the word, they are family. I can't wait to discover what Wesley has planned for Nicholas, the last (single) man standing.

One more thing, in case the cupcake baking football stars are listening. I really need a recipe for those Lemon Meringue Cupcakes, the drool-inducing confections that August bakes and Sloane devours. I'm not above begging. 

Review - - All's Fair in Love and War

All's Fair in Love and War: A Novel

by Virginia Heath

Miss Prentice's Protegees - Book 1

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: May 28, 2024

Reviewed by PJ

 

In the first installment of a Regency romp of a series, a governess who believes in cultivating joy in her charges clashes with the children’s uncle who hired her, only to find herself falling in love.

When Harry Kincaid’s flighty older sister decides to join her husband on an Egyptian expedition, Harry, a former naval captain, is left in the lurch, minding her three unruly children and giant, mad dog. But Harry has a busy career at the Admiralty that requires all his attention, and he has no clue how to manage the little rascals or when his sister is coming back. In desperation, he goes to Miss Prentice’s School for Young Ladies prepared to pay whatever it takes to hire an emergency governess quick sharp to ensure everything in his formerly ordered house is run shipshape again.

Thanks to her miserable, strict upbringing, fledgling governess Georgie Rowe does not subscribe to the ethos that children should be seen and not heard. She believes childhood should be everything hers wasn’t—filled with laughter, adventure, and discovery. Thankfully, the three Pendleton children she has been tasked with looking after are already delightfully bohemian and instantly embrace her unconventional educational approach. Their staid, stickler-for-the-rules uncle, however, is another matter entirely.

Georgie and Harry continue to butt heads over their differences, but with time it seems that in this case, their attraction is undeniable—and all is indeed fair in love and war.

PJ's Thoughts:

I was thoroughly charmed by this first book in Virginia Heath's new historical romcom series. I love a slow-burn, adversaries-to-lovers, opposites-attract story. Throw in witty banter, high energy kids, a goofy lummox of a dog, and a couple perfectly matched - even if they are the last ones to figure that out - and I was more than eager to hitch a ride.

I love the balance of humor and emotion in Heath's books, facets that are on full display in this one. The characters are well developed, with complex layers, even the children. I enjoyed how the children are used to slowly unveil those layers, helping Harry and Georgie both begin to see that there is more to one another than first impressions may have indicated. I found myself laughing out loud many times during the story while also appreciating the depth of feelings that float to the surface, especially as the time nears for life-changing decisions to be made...and Harry makes a right mess of it.

As for the grand gesture? Well that elicited both laughter and tears (happy ones), a fitting conclusion for this couple, their extended family, and Georgie's best friend, who I hope we'll be seeing much more of in the next book of this series.

Review - - Never Wager with a Wallflower

Never Wager with a Wallflower

by Virginia Heath

The Merriwell Sisters - Book 3

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: November 7, 2023

Reviewed by PJ

 

Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is a selfless academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door.

For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn’t just his life, it’s in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather’s knee in a tavern on the far away banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He’s spent five years making a success out of his gaming hall in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams―and where better than in the capital’s sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he’s just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago.

While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble―and learn to love thy neighbor?

PJ's Thoughts:

As soon as Galahad Sinclair hit the pages of the second book of this series he captured my interest. By the end of that book I knew I wanted more of him and was over the moon when I discovered he would be paired with Venus "Vee" Merriwell in Never Wager with a Wallflower. I could hardly wait for these two adversaries to discover what we readers already knew. They were made for each other. Now, they just needed to lower their guards long enough to open their hearts - and minds - to that undeniable fact. 

Both Gal and Vee carried a lot of emotional baggage from their childhoods into their roller coaster relationship, impacting each of them in different ways. I have to admit, I was Team Gal pretty much 80% of the book. It was only in the final 20% that I began to warm up to Venus. She did eventually win me over though so I'm glad I didn't give up on her. I do appreciate satisfying character growth. She's a complex character who protects herself with seemingly impenetrable, self-righteous walls when confronted with a man she unconsciously senses has the power to break through to her wounded heart. Watching Vee and Gal both evolve over the course of their journey was satisfying and heart-tugging. 

The ensemble of secondary characters bring humor, conflict, and texture to the overall story. While the extended families once again have significant roles, it's three of the young orphans in this book who stand out for me, capturing my affection with their antics while also creating opportunities to delve more deeply into Gal's and Vee's priorities, vulnerabilities, prejudices, and emotional wounds, opening the door to understanding, forgiveness, growth, and love. 

If you enjoy an enemies-to-lovers, historical rom-com with a slow-burn romance, significant emotional depth, meddling family, character growth, humor, and happy endings, give this one a try. It's the last book of a trilogy but can be read as a standalone, though I think it's more enjoyable to experience the evolution of all the characters by reading the three books in order. 

Click the title to read my review of book one, Never Fall for Your Fiancee and book two, Never Rescue a Rogue.