Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is a sweet Regency romance and book 2 in the Foxgloves series. The book alternates between the current time when the main characters are adults and the past when they were children. Lady Genevieve is the daughter of a Duke who is a horrible person that abused her her whole life. She finds solace in Oliver, the second son of the rich businessman that owns the house on the other side of the lake. The two form an unlikely friendship that ends when Oliver, who is older than Genevieve, leaves to travel the world, become a man, and find his own fortune. His leaving breaks Genevieve’s heart.

While Oliver is away Genevieve’s brother returns home after their father’s death and is the new Duke. He brings with him a loving wife and two children, making a loving, happy home for Genevieve. Years later Oliver returns having grown up and found his fortune. He’s excited to reunite with Genevieve and is crushed when she lashes out at him and says she wants nothing to do with him. Confused and not understanding how deeply his leaving and lack of communication with her over the years hurt Genevieve, he thinks he can brush it off and continue on with life. Ha! Not gonna happen.

Because the families are close, the couple are thrust together often and when it’s time to go to London for Genevieve’s debut into society, Oliver follows. Despite their outward disdain, the couple can’t keep their eyes off each other. What starts out as verbal spats quickly turn into hot make-out sessions. Oliver believes because he’s not a noble, he can never be with Genevieve. Despite this, he can’t get her out of his head. While everyone around them sees they are perfect for each other, the couple is clueless until they aren’t.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Torch Lit Ink. All opinions are my own.