This series has been so much fun and the way each storyline starts on the same night is really clever. I enjoyed this entry in the series a lot even though I knew a little of what happened with Alice from the previous book. I would have really liked to had the remembrance of Alice and Cornelius's first meeting in the bookstore from his perspective. We get the background on what happened from Alice, but I would have liked to have known what he heard her say/took her meaning to be. I loved the back-and-forth between these characters and how each of them challenged the other. Even though Cornelius often doubts it, Alice is always supportive of him and never thinks any less of him for having an occupation. I found the parts with the younger Daubin unnecessary since he was never really in the running for Alice. And I know there had to be some drama and action (as that has been the formula for this series) but I thought much of the events toward the end of the book were a little over-the-top. And those events are left with a somewhat unresolved ending because Atherstone never faces any kind of consequences. And Cecily's character isn't much of an impediment for Cornelius and Alice once he explains their history and that she is a part of his past that he has no interest in bringing into his present or future. Having another book with a duel over a misunderstanding also lacked a little originality. I wish the author had just chosen one of these characters - Atherstone or Cecily - to add some drama to the story rather than both of them. Those were really my only complaints with the book. The main plot with Cornelius and Alice and the pacing from their initial meeting to falling in love are both well done. There are still two Vale siblings with stories to be told and there have been zero hints as to what may be going on with them - I can't wait to find out what happens with them!

Cornelius Vale is one of the many siblings that has moved back to Blackhaven.
He serves as a land steward but is a secretive author of published poetry under a pseudonym.
Lady Alice is the sister of the Earl and she is the only one privy to his secrets.
She begins to fall in love with him but there are many obstacles to overcome including his past and their class differences.
Some misunderstandings and a few plot twists add to the action.
Enjoyed the character development and another Vale family success.