This book was originally released under the pseudonym of Michelle Kasey. It has strong ties to The Toplofty Lord Thorpe and The Beleaguered Lord Bourne, taking place after those books. As is typical of the author's early Regencies, this is a frothy Regency with passionate kisses forming the limit of sexual tension. As it is a romance, the question is not if the main characters will fall in love, but how they accomplish that by overcoming obstacles.

I loved the mystery in this book and the slow realization of Tristan that Mary was worth loving, in spite of her mysterious past. Mary comes to know what true love means. A couple of loose ends get wrapped up in this book (no more, spoilers!).

If you like traditional Regencies, this should be on your list to read. ( )