Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the second book of the series and continues the overarcing storyline of the ladies seeking to be the first women to conquer climbing the Matterhorn, but this one focuses on the wealthy American widow, Mrs. Prudence Cabot, and the money manager of the Society, Leo Moon.

I found this story to be in general more appealing to me because, while there is the continued plan and actions of the Society to achieve their mountain climbing goal, and to gain more positive attention and standing for women mountaineers, it is less bogged down by the minutiae about mountain climbing. I felt that there was too much of that in book 1.

This story has more detail about Prudence, and her background, including her marriage history and wealth. She was the eldest of a large family, and took on the responsibility of caring for her siblings and helping on the family farm early, then wedded as a young woman to a much older man. Because of his health issues, she learned to manage his business and represent him early on, developing her own business savvy and helping maintain and grow their wealth, but also taking on the role of caregiver for him as well until his death. After being released from those responsibilities, she set things up so she could seek some adventure and freedom for herself, hence how she ended up across the ocean and part of the Alpine Society. But she is seeking more than to climb a mountain. She expresses that she is also in search of a lover, so she can learn about sensual pleasure as well.

Leo Moon appeared to be a very isolated, insular character in book 1, and in this book, we find out that he has a lot of secrets to hide, and past he wants to leave behind, to protect himself, and his very protective, acerbic mother. We are introduced to Mrs. Moon in this story and she appears to be a very bitter, hostile woman at first, and accuses Prudence, when she seeks out Leo on Alpine Society business, of being a gold digger, seeking to get her claws into the Moon fortune. This is when Prudence, a wealthy widow enjoying her independence, reveals her desire for a lover, but to avoid remarriage herself. Leo overhears this, and finds this aligns with his own wishes, as he is attracted to the beautiful American, but has avoided relationships because of his contentious mother, and the secrets he seeks to protect.

So he offers himself up to Prudence as a lover with no strings attached, and for a short duration.

The two embark on a love affair with set boundaries, but of course nothing is so easily confined and they develop feelings for each other. Leo and Prudence find themselves very happy with what they have and how things are developing, but both are shy about expressing their feelings to each other, and moving beyond the boundaries they initially set for their affair. Of course Leo's past comes back to haunt him and his mother, and he is crippled by his past fears and secrets, and an incredible inability to communicate his feelings and fears. This causes him to make some terrible mistakes with Prudence, destroying their affair, and their growing closeness.

Lots of family drama, and hidden secrets, as well as differing social status/misfit themes. This also moves the story along about the Alpine Society and the relationships amongst the Society members. There was good development of romance, with some steamy sensuality between Leo and Prudence, but Leo absolutely screws things up almost terminally with his inability to trust and communicate. The introduction of his old classmate, "Eyeball" is an interesting dynamic of friendship/enmity-love/hate that is confusing, and I hope that is better explained at some point. Eyeball seemed like a bit of an entitled, single dimensional character at first, but obviously there is more to him than expected, later on, and I want to know more about him and what motivates him. I don't know what to make about Leo's family and his traumatic past and confusing present relationships. The past family trauma feels unresolved and ignored, especially in consideration of his fears about his father, and the revelations he was presented with when confronted with the past.

3.5 stars of 5

Prudence wants passion and a lover. Leo wants to keep his identity undercover. Yet when these two come together, the fireworks begin. A strong entertaining book in this series with excellent characters who have intelligence, strong wills and best l great chemistry. The overall story was witty and moved at a reasonable pace. The author is creative along with giving depth to the characters. Can't wait for the other ladies.

This was an original and well written love story. A widow's attempt at beginning a new life leads to a humorous and witty encounter and onto an exciting relationship with many ups and downs. The side stories of a rough upbringing, a charming rake, a false, hidden identity, thae past coming back to haunt, and so many more interesting issues and situations that were very entertaining. The characters were strong-willed, intelligent, complex, witty, and so delightful. This story kept me engaged as I waited to see how everything would end. I enjoyed the romance, passion, and happy and beautiful ending. I highly recommend reading!

I love these mountain ladies. I did sympathize with the two leads, and I enjoyed them together, but I admit I was desperate for a glimpse at the remaining two ladies’ stories. Though the climbing aspect took a backseat in this one, it still sets the series apart and I’m excited for the next ascent!

This is a fairly slow-moving novel and after the first book in the series, I was hoping for something more exciting. Nevertheless, the attraction between Leo and the widow is steamy and the fact that Prudence was able to win Leo's mother over to her side, says quite a lot about her ability to smooth the way for the ladies of the Alpine Society. Leo comes over as being a very insecure person and in the face of Prudence's competent manner, he almost loses her by being less than forthright with her. Fortunately, he comes to his senses and the novel does come to a good conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I had some issues with the male mc. I found him to be over confident with his insta - lust ways. But then he did redeem himself later on. But it did cloud my opinion of him. He needed to be more worthy and deserving of female mc for most of the book. There was always consent but he just had predatory vibes.

I enjoyed the book overall, but the subplot sometimes felt tedious, making me skim through sections to get back to the main storyline.