When Lady Anna’s grandfather dies, she’s angry to learn she’ll only inherit his estate and horse farm if she marries Lord Julian Ramsay within six months or lose the everything to her awful cousin. Julian is equally angry but why can’t they stop kissing in darkened corners?

This was such a fun romp, I laughed so many times and loved the characters. Anna is a total horsey girl and a firecracker who wants her independence. She longs to be respected as a person in her own right who can run her own horse farm. I love how she schemed to fund her independence through a betting ring. Julian is cool and arrogant but that stems from having to be the responsible one after inheriting the earldom at 15. They’re perfect for each other as they challenge each other. Supporting characters - Julian’s equally spirited sister Charlotte and their grandmother, the Countess Dowager - were utter hoots. I cackled so many times with their plotting and scheming to shove Julian and Anna together.

The first third of the book did drag a bit and the humour and fun tone didn't come through as strongly as the rest. I also didn't understand why Julian proposed the first time given he was going to get out of being forced to marry Anna and wasn't attracted to her. Also, when Charlotte's mother tells Anna about Julian's past, Julian explains it a way too lightly without really Julian opening up, which was Anna's final issue with him. Everything felt a bit too rushed. Overall I really enjoyed this smart, funny and sexy romp and I hope we get to see Charlotte's story.

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read this. Unfortunately, I didn't really like it. The relationship between Anna and Julian was oddly blunt and ultimately a bit silly. Like, would he really become her guardian just because someone put it in their will, without his knowledge or legal consent? That doesn't seem correct. Lots of horse stuff, lots of random spitting that put me in mind of fussing 6th graders. Eh, just didn't like it.

3.5 stars. A lot of fun to be had in this book, but there were a few things that were not for me. I didn’t really mesh with the author’s writing style. Also, both MCs are very guarded — Anna would run at the first indication of conflict, and Julien would shut down and become cold. They do eventually work on this, however, but it was a bit of a struggle to cheer for them early on with these contrasting conflict styles. However! The story itself is very fun. When Anna isn’t being skittish, she’s a great, strong character. I absolutely loved the parts in the Dowager Countess’ POV — she was my favorite character. Caroline was also a great character as well.

Thanks so much to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the ARC!!