Rating: 4 out of 5.

This fun, steamy historical fiction romance is about the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of London’s wealthiest families. The drama is big, the money runs deep, and the shade is real. Life is different in the ton.

I had a great time meeting all of the ladies. This book focuses on Lady Gertrude, Tru to her friends, who is trying to find a suitable match for her daughter. Living in a loveless miserable marriage herself, she is determined to allow her daughter to find a love match that is suitable to her so that her daughter doesn’t suffer the same fate as Tru.

Unfortunately Tru’s despicable husband, who has squandered away his and Tru’s fortune, has other thoughts on his mind – namely finding a rich husband (Jasper Thorne) for his daughter so he can sponge off his son-in-law for the rest of his life. Complicating that plan, however, is the instant attraction that Tru and Jasper have the moment they set eyes on each other. (it’s not icky – neither knows who the other is, or the plan Tru’s husband has to match Jasper with his daughter, when they first meet).

I loved Tru’s friends, each suffering in their own horrible marriages. They support each other and help each other as much as they can, but they are limited in what they can do to help. Sadly, women get no say in anything, and the ladies’ frustration and anger about it leaps off the pages. I look forward to reading Tru’s friends’ stories in the upcoming books. The attraction between Tru and Jasper Thorne is hot and the way the story eventually plays out is very satisfying. If you’re looking for an easy-to-read romantic escape, this book is just the ticket. It’s the first book in a new series. I will definitely read more books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bibliolifestyle and Avon Books. All opinions are my own.