This novella fell a little short for me. While I loved the narration and the allusions to Amelia Bedelia through Annabelle, her relationship with Matthew just didn't seem to flow quite right. I couldn't feel their connection as deeply as I'd have liked to. Maybe if this were a full novel and there were more pressing conflicts, it would feel more fleshed out. As it is, it's plenty fluffy if that's what you want - which is fine. I just wanted a little more. ( )

So I was a little worried about whether I would like this novella when I read the blurb and saw the story was about Annabelle. We first met Annabelle in [b:The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior|22098395|The Duke's Guide to Correct Behavior (Dukes Behaving Badly, #1)|Megan Frampton|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400776115s/22098395.jpg|40332060], and she seemed to exasperate her friends at the Quality Employment Agency. So I was a little worried that an entire book of Annabelle would be too much and get annoying. But don't worry, she was not annoying. Putting her in a novella was the perfect choice because you spent just enough time with her to stay delighted with her sugary-sweet flighty behavior without getting a toothache.

Our hero in this book is a Scottish Earl who is not very "earl-y" (per Annabelle), but he was endearing all the same. Matthew is not the typical rake you see in historicals. He is studios, responsible, and virginal! He is not quite sure what to make of Annabelle, who talks to him like no one else - and he finds that he likes he guilelessness very much.

The relationship that unfolded between Annabelle and Matthew was extremely sweet, and sometimes a little naughty. I thoroughly enjoyed this little novella, it was a perfect way to spend the afternoon. 4 stars / 3 flames. ( )