As with the first book in this series, there is so much more going on in this story than just a romance. I'll start with the romance though. We got a quick glimpse of Juliet and Val together in the first book and I was so glad that he was indeed her counterpart in this book. I loved Juliet as a character - she was smart, kind, and ready to defend those she loved. The first scene with her and Val in the bookshop and on their walk was so sweet. I definitely did not see it coming that he would pretty much go from flirting with Juliet to proposing to someone else. I wish Juliet had brought that up early on when Val was questioning why she was not taking his interest in her seriously (luckily his mother was there to tell him what a moron he was for even thinking of choosing anyone other than Juliet). I felt so bad for Juliet when she discovered how Maria and her family had been using her. At first I did have some sympathy for Maria then when she showed what kind of person she really was I found myself hoping her entire scheme goes wrong and she ends up with the old guy and loses the one she will be keeping on the side. Val quickly redeems himself by immediately realizing how lucky he was to avoid a marriage to Maria and starting to court Juliet. I enjoyed watching them grow as a couple and truly looking out for and supporting one another. The mystery surrounding the list of spies added just the right amount of drama into their story. I found the resolution with that the be very satisfying (is it wrong of me that I want to see Carrington in the next story just to know that he is suffering?). I was also glad to get a little visit from Viola (I do always like to see characters from previous books). The events involving Bianca and Whiston in book 1 continue to play a part in this story as well. I thought the author handled the topic of emotional abuse very well. Despite the actions of those two I don't think either of them deserved what ultimately happened with them and found myself feeling very bad for Bianca. I look forward to seeing what happens with her in the next book - she deserves her own happy ending.

An unusual story in that the wedding isn't at the end but half way through so lots going on afterward. I did enjoy it and couldn't put it down till I saw where it went. However her sister Bianca was heavily involved in this story and I'm sure her story will be next but it did distract me from Val and Juliet's story quite a bit overshadowing them slightly. Having said that it has left me wanting more so I will see what happens with Bianca. . I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When Val comes back to London from his latest mission for the Home Office, he is glad to see Juliet again. While the mutual attraction has not waned, Val cannot consider her a match. Or can he? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.