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Bianca Tate has no desire to marry as she only has eyes for the glazes she creates for her family’s ceramics business, and that definitely includes a man out for nothing but said business. However, when her sister is forced into a betrothal, Bianca takes her place. Maximillian St. James is suddenly an (unlikely) heir to a dukedom after spending most of his life without its little comforts. To even make this inheritance somewhat possible, he is forced to marry. It doesn’t really matter which Tate sister he marries. Or does it?
So I had been looking forward to this book for a long time and there were loads of good things about it. Max being one of those things. His attitude the entire book was so affable that it was hard not to like him, maybe even love him a little bit. However, his good nature made Bianca’s refusal to like him that much more irritating. Especially because she seemed to hold on to the same reason the entire book. That doesn’t mean I necessarily disliked her, though. I just thought she needed to ease up a bit.
I did wish more of the ceramics business had been highlighted because it seemed to pretty much disappear once Max and Bianca actually got married. I always like the idea of a heroine continuing her work despite getting married so that was a bit disappointing.
I personally liked the mystery element and had no idea what was going on until the end. It was definitely a nice change of pace from the “normal” conflict at the end of the characters having an argument that could be solved by talking.
I am so very excited to read the next title on this series, especially after seeing that cover!!
*I received an eARC from Caroline Linden in exchange for an honest review.
