I instantly fell in love with the two main characters right from the start. This was a book that was very hard for me to put down. I have discovered that the romance genre has increasingly had quite the effect on me, and I am here for it! I enjoyed the author’s writing style, as the various plots were easy for me to follow along with. If you are looking for a scandalous romance between two different classes, then look no further. ( )

*3.5 stars rounded up*
Ooooh this was fun! Alex, the reclusive Duke of Brandon has been swindled out of his land by a shady neighbor due to a falsely drawn map. His next move, infiltrate the mapmaker’s home as a footman to get proof that the map had been drawn in bad faith. He never expected to be so drawn to the mapmaker’s wife Rose or have to drink used tea leaves, shine shoes, or eat scraps.

I really enjoyed this. Rose our female lead, was so good. Her chemistry with Alex was hot and I liked the way it built organically. It was very believable. Her reactions to the mess that also occurred with her husband touched me so much. It just drove home once again how much women really gave/give up to marriage. I am happy she got her HEA.

The secondary characters were also so fun. I enjoyed the banter between the servants when Alex was still a part of them. I loved Owen and his smart mouth and Dudley made me laugh so much when he became Alex’s valet and gave him marital advice.

Another lovely installment to the series.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC. ( )

THE REVIEW
Alexander Worthington, Marquess of Brandon is posing as a footman in the home of London’s preeminent mapmaker to seek revenge for using a fraudulent map to cheat Brandon out of his land. His father is known as the ‘Mad Marquess’ and being half-Arab people thought they were simpletons and that they wouldn’t understand.

Rose Fleming inherited a mapmaking business from her uncle and she continues it with her husband, although she does most do the work. Her husband, Roger, spends all the money and takes all the credit.

When Alex discovers the deception, he decides to go undercover as a footman at their home to find the proof he needs to fix it. What he doesn’t expect us to find Rose and fall in love with her. There are MANY twists and turns to this story, but to address them here would spoil the story immensely!

I really really enjoyed this book and have added the rest of her books, especially, this series to the top of my TBR list! The plot had enough angst to keep me ready, a bit of banter to lighten the mood, characters with depth and a passionate romance!

TROPES
Historical Romance, Shy/Recluse Hero, Mapmaker Heroine, self pleasure, bath steam, merchant class/Blue collar, Bath Steam, Betrayal Trope, Ton Society, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Titled Hero, Artist Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Damaged/Tortured Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Orphaned Heroine, Working Heroine, Class Difference, Workplace Romance, Betrayal Trope, Hidden Identity, Revenge Trope, Secret Baby, Five Star, Two Steam ( )

3.5/5 stars!

The hero is investigating property issues and he goes undercover to solve them. He meets the heroine and there is instant connection between them. How will they get their happy ending when there are obstacles along the way?

This is the second Diana Quincy book that I've read. I've been looking forward to reading more about the hero since his character was not prevalent in the previous book of this series. I enjoyed reading more about the hero and how he fell in love. I liked the hero more than the heroine due to a detail that I wasn't partial about. It was also enjoyable to read more of the secondary characters that supported the couple, especially the hero's family. This book may not be my favorite book but it's still enjoyable. Diana Quincy has a distinctive voice and I look forward to reading more of the author's work in the future.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.** ( )

Alex knows his neighbor is trying to steal his land. He pretends to be a footman to be hired at the mapmaker's home so he can discover evidence showing his neighbor's duplicity. Roger Fleming, his master, assigns Alex to be the footman to his wife, Rose, who is the actual mapmaker. Alex tries but he is a terrible footman, but Rose keeps him because he does protect her. When she learns of her husband's duplicity, Alex is there to comfort her. Alex is the Marquess of Brandon and has plans to marry the darling of the ton to avenge his parents' reception from the ton, but Rose is so much the type of woman he wants. When his sister questions him, he has to decide revenge or love.

I loved Rose. She is so feisty. I could totally identify with her as being a fish out of water. Nothing she does is good enough for her husband. When she discovers what he has done, she is livid but adamant that the print shop is hers. She is willing and able to prove it. Alex is right by her side. He will not let her go alone. When she discovers his duplicity, she is disenchanted. She thought they had a good thing going, but he does not trust her with the truth. I felt like I was in her shoes and could feel the same things she was feeling. When she is yelling at someone (or vehemently discussing) I was cheering her on.

I liked Alex. I liked that he could see beyond Rose's sedate front. I liked that he encouraged her to own her mapmaking skills. I liked that he supported her no matter what (though he made errors along the way.) Rose and Alex were made for each other. I am glad he persisted with Rose.

The secondary characters were interesting. Alex's sister, Leela, was fun. His extend family on his mother's side were wild. He had a family member to provide anything Rose wanted or needed. His grandmother was a doll. She loved him but did not agree with him until he brought Rose around. Roger, Rose's husband, was abominable. He deserved what he got. Alex's neighbor also deserved what he got.

The story was good. I sat and read it in one afternoon. I wanted to know what was going to happen with Rose and Alex. I liked that they were able to allow each other to be who they truly were. After a few hiccups, they also got the love they deserved. I look forward to reading more of this series. ( )