I loved the connection that Leo and Rosalind share it managed to be both sizzling and romantic which was the perfect combination for me. I found myself smiling whenever they were together they were flirty, fun and feisty interactions. It really was so easy to fall for this charming story and all of the characters too. It was great to see a slightly older pairing than I am used to seeing in historical romance and I really enjoyed this difference. Rosalind is a strong character and once she sets her mind on something she is also very determined. I can definitely understand the attraction with Leo especially his strong family values which match perfectly with Rosalind's own sense of commitment to her family's happiness.

The threat lurking in the background kept me interested and made me invested in Rosalind's story and hopefully achieving her happy ending. There are trust issues on both sides and it was great to see the characters develop but can they slowly regain the trust that they have lost. They both have tragic pasts that make them such a great pairing. Sweet at times but with some darker characters lurking in the shadows to mix things up a bit.

A great combination of sweet, romantic and sizzling!

With thanks to Mills & Boon and Netgalley for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

In a story of concealed identities on the road to happy ever after, Janice Preston writes a love story with well crafted, likeable characters who just need to overcome a few bumps in the road.
I have been a fan of Janice Preston’s books since her debut ‘Mary and The Marquis’, and what I really like about her subsequent books is that she mentions characters from her previous novels (in this case Richard Stanton, the hero of ‘From Wallflower to Countess’), which is a nice touch if you have read the other books, but no hinderance to the story if you haven’t. Indeed, we previously met Leo in the same story as Richard, and it was nice to see his own story being told. Similarly, the characters in her novels may be Dukes and members of high society, but they are never your typical regency rich men who live the high life; they have their own issues, and are generally not your stereotypical perfect man.
Both Leo and Rosalind are well crafted characters who make you want to root for their future happiness. The fact both are concealing their true identities when they first meet (Leo is a Duke wanting to avoid women who are attracted to his title, and Rosalind is posing as a widow to evade family problems), makes an interesting concept as the start of their love story is effectively built on a lie, and once the truth is revealed there is a need for both to re-evaluate their feelings, although they clearly want to be together.
As with the author’s previous books, the secondary characters are also well crafted and essential to the plot - Anthony Lascelles makes a great villain, and perhaps we will be treated to his own story one day (and, who knows, he might be more likeable than we think…)
As this is the first of a two part series (I assume the second book will be about Leo’s brother Vernon), I look forward to reading it, and finding out what happens to Leo and Rosalind after this book ended.

I listen to Jane Austen's works on autoloop while doing housework and so am very aware when anyone echoes her work in a novel. Usually this is not a good thing, but this author has done a sterling job of referencing certain Austen moments whilst creating a plot and characters that are very much her own. The characters are strong and sympathetic while the plot is interesting with good pace and depth. I especially loved Leo's speech to Rosalind when he declared 'You are seared onto my memory and in to my soul. Fabulous!

I love regency stories and this one has a quick pace that held my attention throughout. I liked the fact that the main characters were both a bit older and more mature than the usual age in novels of this type. That gives them more strength to deal with adverse situations. There is enough danger and intrigue to keep it interesting, a few misunderstandings and plenty of love which leads to a happy ending. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I won't get a chance to blog before pub date but have left a review. - which is below Happy to read the next one https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R381RD3N7YSMB1/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Rosalind Allen gave up her marriage prospects long ago & has spent her life raising her brother & step siblings. Her stepfather recently died & guardianship of Nell & Jack have been left to a distant relative who wants to line his own pockets. Nell goes to London for a season & Rosalind & Freddie stay in a lodge of a close friend of their stepfather. So she’s shocked when an encounter with a mysterious stranger calling himself Leo Boyton makes her long to reconsider. Little does Rosalind know that her mystery man is Leo Beauchamp, Duke of Cheriton, travelling in disguise to evade the ladies of the ton! Impoverished Rosalind is the first woman to captivate Leo since the death of his wife many years ago but can Leo learn to trust again.
Leo & Rosalind are attracted to each other from their first meeting when she’s trying to get a runaway sheep back in the field. Both hide their identities that leads to distrust which they have to overcome. They are both very likeable and it was a little different in that they are both mature, he has three grown up children even though he can be arrogant at times. The plot is well paced & I read the book in a couple of sittings. The other characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth, it would be interesting to read their stories. Overall an enjoyable light read.