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Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Series: Rebels of the Ton #3
Publication Date: 9/28/21
Period: Long Regency (George IV) 1828
Number of Pages: 352

This was a most delightful read with engaging characters, two lovely romances, and a lesson for all of us � people are not always who/what they seem. I love it when I get two romances in a book � and both of these are really lovely. I almost said that one of them was a second chance romance, but I’m not sure that is true because they never had a chance at romance the first time.

Our first couple is Lucian and Phyllida (Phil) who had never even met prior to the night they were compelled to become betrothed. Lucian was planning to ask the woman he loved, Celia Trent, to marry him. He would be paying a visit to her father the following morning. Ah � such are the puny plans of men. Fate, however, is wiser than we are and sometimes steps in whether we wish her to or not. A very nasty trick, meant for someone else, goes awry and Phil and Lucian end up locked in a closet overnight � which, of course, necessitates marriage for them. Phyllida has lived with the insecurity of knowing she was not her husband’s chosen bride for the last ten years. She has pushed him away � and pushed him away � and pushed him away � and their marriage is definitely feeling the strain. After ten years and two children, Lucian is at his wit's end � until he gets some unsolicited advice from his bachelor brother, Richard.

Richard and Celia � what an unlikely pair � or are they? Richard was supposed to be the one on whom the nasty trick was to be played. Richard was supposed to be the one trapped in the closet with Phyllida because both of them were the recipients of the ‘bad girls� scorn. When the trick is revealed, it seems the only person to pay a price � other than Lucian and Phyllida � is Celia. Not only does she lose Lucian � who was to be her salvation � she is cast out of society to begin a horrible ten years of suffering.

When the four of them are thrown together at a Christmas house party meant to celebrate Richard and Lucian’s sister’s wedding, tensions run very, very high. Phyllida’s insecurities rise to an incredible level, Richard is just Richard (you’ll love him), Lucian has fallen in love with his wife and doesn’t want Celia anywhere around, and Celia has no choice because she is now the paid companion to a very cranky old lady who insists they attend the house party.

It was utterly delightful to watch these four navigate the rocky road that is before them. Misconceptions are explored, forgiveness is given, a nasty viper of a villain is thwarted, and � well � love wins.

I loved this delightfully well-written, well-paced, very romantic read. I loved learning how Celia had grown and changed, and I loved seeing Phyllida blossom under Lucian’s care. Then, there is the BIG fall for our thoroughly analytical scientist, Richard. Richard doesn’t believe in love � until he falls and falls hard. I don’t think one romance really outshines the other, both are very different, and both are very romantic. I can definitely recommend this book and I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.