great storytelling ( )

3.5 stars

I loved the beginning of this book with our leads' interactions that were at turns hot, smart, and challenging. The middle started to drag for me a bit with, don't crucify me, an overabundance of bedroom scenes. I really enjoy my verbal seduction, I like the bedroom door open but I'm not one to linger. The last half seemed a bit forced with Eleanor flying off the handle and suddenly losing her deductive reasoning and common sense for added angst.
I didn't read the previous books in the series and while this works as a standalone, I think I missed gaining some satisfaction from Leath getting his story; I was a big fan of his seemingly dark, brooding, and arrogant character that melted in Eleanor's presence.
The beginning chemistry between our leads has me thinking I need to read more Anna Campbell books and after getting glimpses of them in this book, I'm immediately adding What a Duke Dares to my tbr. It's the book that precedes this one and while I know I should start at the beginning of the series, I can't help myself, I must see how the duke and Penelope get together. ( )

I've been reading this series since the beginning and while I love it and love Anna Campbell, this book was good, but not great and wasn't my favorite of the series. I can see how it moved the series along with the promise of another book. ( )