I've heard a lot of great things about Kate Moore. I wasn't really in the mood for a historical, but this one jumped out at me from the TBR so I decided to pick it up. I'm so glad I did. It was a wonderful story.

I really enjoyed both Xander and Cleo. Her determination to get him to bed her cracked me up, as did her pig-sticking knife.

Xander's determination to keep them apart was frustrating at times, but I understood his reasons. My heart did break for both of them at the end.

The POV jumps bothered me. Though I enjoyed Moore's writing style, there were POV changes included simply to move the story forward. The villain is given one chapter, Cleo's brother is given another and Xander's brother the last chapter, as sequel bait.

Otherwise I found this to be a lovely story. Cleo and Xander complimented each other perfectly and I enjoyed watching them get the better of Cleo's evil uncle. ( )

Cleo fears for the safety of her younger brother and marries Sir Alexander Jones in a hasty wedding. Being wed will protect her from her uncle’s unscrupulous claims on her trust fund. For Xander, marrying an heiress provides the means he needs to search for his missing brother among the dark alleys of London. Together they face danger from unknown enemies and a growing attraction that may seal their bargain forever.

This charming historical romance will hold your attention until its exciting finale. ( )

3 1/2 stars. I prefer books with a lot more heat and I'm never too keen on such a lack of communication between the H/H, but overall this was a good one. Plenty of sexual tension (but honestly, it almost got to be too much - I wanted to shake the hero and say "Oh, come ON! Bed her already!"). I did wish I felt more connected to the characters & their emotions. I did like that this was not just another story about debauched aristocracy -- it had more grit and took readers more deeply into the steamy underbelly of London, so that was a big plus. ( )