My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Scandal Sheet #6
Publication Date: 11/12/19
Number of Pages: 79

This was a lovely, romantic, steamy, short novella with lovely, lovely characters. It is a well-written and satisfying read.

As one does, Miss Hannah Blankenship attended the Donville Masquerade with the express purpose of losing her virginity. No, she’s not a wonton miss, she is just trying to do whatever she can to prevent her father from forcing her to marry the odious Viscount Hiram Gordon who is ten years her father’s senior. He is a letch with blackened teeth and foul breath and she knew she’d never be able to stomach being married to him – letting him touch her. She knew he’d refuse the marriage if she wasn’t chaste – so – she wouldn’t be chaste.

Duncan Cavendish’s brother, the Earl of Wilding, has been more and more dissatisfied with Duncan’s lifestyle of late. He has finally told Duncan that he must either straighten out his life, settle down or he’ll be cut off from his inheritance. So, Duncan has been busily betrothing himself to a young lady with a social-climbing father. He’s never met the woman, but she meets all of his requirements, so he’d bite the bullet and marry her. First, though, he is going to spend a night at the Donville Masquerade for a night of pleasure before committing himself for life.

Although everyone at the Masquerade was masked, there was an immediate, undeniable attraction between Hannah and Duncan as soon as they locked eyes across the room. Duncan headed straight for the beautiful, alluring woman he sees across the room and she’s smiling at him. They dance, they retire to a back room and he eventually makes a very shocking discovery.

When the man her father has betrothed her to arrives the next day, Hannah is shocked to find that it is Duncan. She recognizes him immediately even though they were both masked the previous night. He also recognizes her, but neither of them acknowledges that fact.

It was lovely to see two individuals who were rabidly afraid of love, trust and commitment grow to love each other – although they had both agreed that they would keep their relationship to a physical one – no emotions involved.

It was an entertaining, though short, read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.