Get ready for lost wills,
broody dukes,
and scorching hot kissing all over London.

Constance Lysander needs a husband. Or, so society says. She’s about to give birth to her late husband’s child―a man who left her with zero money, and two other wives she didn’t know about. Thankfully, she has her Aunt by her side, and the two other wives have become close friends. But still―with a baby on the way, her shipping business to run, and an enemy skulking about, she has no time to find the perfect match.

Enter Jonathan, Earl of Sykeston. Returned war hero and Constance’s childhood best friend, his reentry into society has been harsh. Maligned for an injury he received in the line of duty, Jonathan prefers to stay out of sight. It’s the only way to keep his heart from completely crumbling. But when a missive from Constance requests his presence―to their marriage ceremony―Jonathan is on board. His feelings for Constance run deep, and he’ll do anything to make her happy, though it means risking his already bruised heart.

With Constance, Jonathan, and the new baby all together, it’s clear the wounds―both on the surface and in their relationship―run deep. But when the nights come, their wounds begin to heal, and both come to realize that their marriage of convenience is so much more than just a bargain.

Although this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the prequel and the first book before diving into this one.

I’ve loved the bravery of Constance from the first. She’s stood up to everyone and fought for what is rightfully hers. Unfortunately, there were many complications, one of which was the question of who is the legal wife of the deceased Lord Meriwether Varek?

While that investigation was going on, a pregnant Constance sends for her best friend Jonathan Eaton, Earl of Sykeston. She’s found he was injured in the war and returned home. He is still unmarried and she requests that he marry her to give her child legitimacy.

Jonathan could never turn down any request made by Constance and while he never planned to marry, he would marry her. He doesn’t consider himself to be good husband material and there is also a threat of court martial hanging over his head, that could ruin them all.

Before Jonathan arrives, Constance discovers she is in fact Lady Meriwether and her child will have no stigma of illegitimacy. However, she is still of the opinion they should marry.

Jonathan also informed her he had things to do before she traveled to his home in Portsmouth, although he didn’t mention what those things were. Constance didn’t hear from him at first and then she started getting letters regularly. It’s now been a year and she’s going to join him in Portsmouth. She’ll be closer to her business, and she can finally be with Jonathan.

Now Jonathan had a rather disastrous meeting with Harold Evert, Marquess of Faladen, his former commander. He left under the threat of blackmail, and an unsubstantiated hint at a letter from the last man he was charged with targeting. He didn’t kill Jean Davout and he was trying to locate the man to clear things up. The man wasn’t armed and Jonathan couldn’t shoot due to the rules of engagement.

Constance also has a problem with Faladen involving her the business left to her by her father.

I find it interesting that while these two are getting to know each other and adjust to being in the same house, they also neglect to tell each other the whole truth about things.

From Jonathan’s depression to Constance’s independence, this book will have you on your toes. I loved seeing the friends from the other two books and they are also instrumental in keeping these two together.

Ups and downs, some sizzle, and plenty of flirting as we work our way to the perfect resolution to their problems.

5 Contented Purrs for Janna!

Janna Mac Gregor

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers.