I've been stuck in bed with a cold and recently binged The Gilded Age and was in the mood for something undemanding set in that period, so this was just what I was looking for. It definitely has some fairy tale retelling vibes--in addition to being a lost princess story based on Anastasia, there are shades of Cinderella and a little bit of Pygmalion too--and the cover is appealing and smart in the way it leans into a romantasy-inspired look in line with recent trends while still making it clear this is historical romance. I also always enjoy stories where a charming con man falls for his mark, and while Leo and Josie did fall in love a little fast, I appreciated that the pacing didn't drag and the sex scenes were hot. The two of them are likable characters who have both experienced adversity and loss in their lives, so they do have the kind of issues you'd expect based on their histories, but only enough to make the story touching without it ever becoming too dark or angsty for a fun escapist read. And I'm delighted to see that Joanna Shupe is publishing novels again as it's been two years since her last book with only a couple of novellas since; hopefully this one will herald a return to a more frequent publication schedule.

The historical setting is lush and atmospheric, drawing you into a world where the glittering facades hide dark secrets. But the real heart of the story is in the complex, evolving relationship between Josie and Leo. As they get closer to their shared goal, the lines between love and manipulation blur, and you’re left wondering what each character truly wants. It’s the kind of romance that keeps you turning pages; secrets unravel, hearts get broken, and in the end, you’re left with a story that’s as thrilling as it is emotional.