A fantastic autistic Jewish heroine, pining pine tree hero, and SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF ANGST? Really what more could I have asked for?

Nothing, I tell you, nothing.

I received an advanced copy of this book—and I really enjoyed it. It’s rare to find a historical romance in 19th century America with a Jewish heroine (all these things together!). Ms. Grossman wrote a fair assessment of the treatment of Jews in that time/place without getting heavy-handed. Regarding the Jewish elements, I’m pretty sure a secular audience won’t feel any more left out than Jewish (and other religions) readers do reading all the Christmas romances out there ;-)

So this had a nice heat level - hot and steamy and very sex positive. Speaking of, glad Ursula enjoyed all her appetites! Of all the things she felt self-conscious over, these weren’t her problems!

As for vices, Jay has an addiction problem that is handled very well. Not glossed over and disappears with “love” which I respect. Gotta have some reality with my fantasy.

Jay’s poor handkerchief. Lordy, by the end of the story, that thing needed a washing!

All Ursula ever wanted was to fit in. She is a banking heiress who is also Jewish. Being from the most wealthy family in Delaware should give her an in to society but she is too outspoken. It's not England, but the discrimination is still there. While trying to get her childhood friend to marry her, another man overhears and offers to become fake bethrothed to get away from his parents. John Thaddeus “Jay” Truitt, a reformed libertine, belongs in society and can provide an open invitation to all the parties and soirees. All Jay wants is to get away from his family, his position, his past. When things become more than fake, will their love survive? Jay has secrets that he has never shared and secrets that are killing his family. So many hurts. Will Jay prove worthy of Ursula? I loved the story line. There were stories inside the main story. It entertains but tackles some tough subjects that are relevant today. I enjoyed it very much. Strong, sassy heroine, sympathetic hero. I received this book from Net Galley and Carina Press for a honest review. The opinions are my own.

This was an engaging debut containing an offbeat heroine, a time and setting that I rarely encounter in historical romance, and several animals (I'm all for animals in romance). Ursula is fierce, smart, socially inept, and very, very lonely (in fact, I wanted her to have more and better allies. Her father's kind of useless, her female cousin is a viper for most of the book, and her uncle seems to actively wish her ill a lot of the time. There is a whole gaggle of mean girls who are pretty much out to get her).

Jay is a great example of a damaged hero - also lonely and seemingly without allies. The two enter into a fake engagement in order to advance both of their aims, which also happens to be one of my favorite tropes. Their growing respect and attraction for one another is handled very well.

I'm looking forward to seeing future books from this author.

I was given an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Really enjoyed this historical romance. Ursula is a strong, vibrant woman who speaks her mind and goes after what she wants. She plots to marry her best friend Hugo to gain the respect of a society that discriminates against her religion and her sordid past. Jay happens to overhear her proposal to Hugo and offers to help convince his family to accept her by accompanying her to social events.
Their interactions become provocative and the banter funny and intriguing. Jay begins to appreciate all the facets of Ursulas personality and teaches her to work the crowd without letting them get a rise out of her. She in turn teaches him to let of the past and find worth in himself.
Loved both characters and their strong personalities. The only thing that I had issues with was on how much time both spent wallowing in their unworthiness. Both struggle to find acceptance within their circle but they spend too much time focused on how inept they are. I'm glad they both find the strength to face their demons and love each other in the end.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.