Rachel Kelley Stones

This book was a lark to read! Rachel balanced lightheartedness with character depth so well, and I was intrigued from the very beginning.

If you read regency romance at all, the opening of this book will make your heart ache for Clare and wish for better for her. I am ceaselessly amazed—and not in a good way—how important appearances were for the elite, and how easy it was to lose one’s reputation. I liked this different take on losing face, and was immediately interested in Patrick’s proposition to help Clare salvage her reputation. But Clare is genuine and good and wears her heart on her sleeve, and I love her.

Patrick cracked me up and was delightfully flawed. Have I ever mentioned how much I love an imperfect hero? Because I really do. Patrick is a good guy, with imperfections he gets to work on throughout the book. I loved how much he tried, even if his actions were a little misguided. He really was trying.

You want to know what this book did really well? Third act breakup—but not in the third act. But also take that very loosely. *eyebrow waggle* I’m going to leave it at that so you will be adequately intrigued and go find out for yourself what I mean. Another thing? A little bit of miscommunication. But Rachel did it right! I did not get “if they’d only talk to each other everything would be solved!” vibes.

The romantic tension in this one is so good. Sooooo good! The slow burn is real and it is *good*! You’ll also get a little bit of mystery/suspense (you’ll never guess what is going on with one of the characters!) as well as an interesting cast of side characters.

I am a big fan of Rachel’s writing and her stories. She gives us characters with so much depth and interest, and I love how much growth they get. It’s just a seriously good book. Couldn’t put it down, totally hooked, pulled in from the beginning good. And it’s a stand-alone! If you enjoy regency romance at all, I highly recommend this one!

**Thanks to the author for the e-copy. All these opinions belong to moi.**… (mere)

Witty, romantic, childhood enemies to lovers, and a bit of suspense too! Rachel Kelley Stones is quickly becoming a favorite, automatic read author. I love the way she crafts her characters, each with a unique edge. There’s nothing better than childhood rivals to lovers and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Clare & Patrick match wits in this clever Regency romance.

Clare Compton is not looking forward to her Season. Suffering from acute social anxiety, her disastrous, embarrassing forays into Society threaten to ruin her reputation. To the rescue comes her childhood friend/enemy Patrick Milton who offers her a bargain she can’t refuse. He’ll help repair her reputation while she gives him the necessary cover to spy on his twin brother who’s fallen in with the wrong woman. The more time she and Patrick spend together though, the more she’s in danger of losing her heart. But, does Patrick feel the same way?

I adored Clare & Patrick! Their banter was absolutely delicious. Though Clare is tongue tied and shy in public, she’s certainly not with Patrick. Their delightful reminiscing about their childhood escapades had me smiling and I loved watching their relationship change from reluctant admiration to love.

Patrick’s a handsome tease who despite his verbal sparing with Clare truly cares for her. He also loves his brother and is desperate to help him. Because they’re identical twins, you know there’s going to be mischief involved in swapping places and I loved every minute despite the havoc it causes.

I also loved the well developed side characters and thoroughly enjoyed this Regency world the author’s created. I’m hoping she’ll continue the story with Clare’s brother Calvin & Patrick’s brother Miles. The ending is filled with a bit of suspense, humor, and a grand gesture that’s definitely unique!

Highly recommend this delightful, romantic, must read Regency romance! I can’t wait for more books from this author. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.… (mere)