What starts with a kiss between neighbours turns into so much more. Phaedra Sharp is an heiress who is determined to avoid the scheming entanglements of men, but her plans goes awry when she is suddenly thrust into passionate encounters with the earl-next-door. Marcus Lawson, Earl of Deerhurst is determined to keep his past secrets safe from society. However, after he shares a kiss with Phaedra, he finds himself thinking of nothing else. He is determined to keep her away from the rogues wanting to court her, even if it means a fake courtship.
I must admit that the first chapter and the stolen kiss had my attention, but it did seem to stall after that. Most of the first half of the book was about both Phaedra and Marcus thinking about their second kiss. Whilst I enjoyed this story, I did think the first part a bit slow and at times repetitive. I did so like both characters and found their romance enjoyable and believable.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was the first book I've read from this author so I went in with zero idea of what to expect. I liked that we were kind of just dropped right into the middle of Phaedra and Marcus's first kiss. It got the story rolling without a lot of unneeded exposition. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow and evolve throughout the story. I completely understood why she was so upset with Marcus regarding the wager in the book - she had asked him straight out if he knew anything about it and he lied to her. I loved that she stood by what she and the other ladies on the list did to get back at the "gentlemen" who make the ridiculous wagers at White's with little (more likely no) thought to what it does to the women they are betting about. I do want to learn more about Harriet's marriage to Leeds - there is definitely more of a story there. The one part of the book that I could have done without was the masquerade Marcus takes Phaedra to - it really doesn't add much to the story and didn't make any sense when you really think about it. In fact, it was rather reckless on his part to put her in a situation like that.

You know that feeling when a book ends and you sigh, wishing there were just a few more pages. Definitely one of those books.

I simply loved this book. Marcus and Phaedra were delightful from the start. I smiled almost the entire book their banter was so cute. Their escapades were adorable. And I loved the side characters. Her aunt was my fav (I wonder if the author is a RHOA fan). This book seemed to fly by as well. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for my honest opinion

A romp with secrets and miscommunication.
Phaedra is an independent woman not planning to marry due to her fear of being hurt.
Deerhurst is her next door neighbor who participates with his friends at Whites in a secret evaluation of marriageable women with dowries. When it becomes public in the betting book, Deerhurst must do his best to protect Phaedra from fortune hunters. Their friendship develops into love but Deerhurst has more secrets.
Lots of intrigue and speculation on whether their relationship can survive these half truths.
Easy to read with a fun storyline.