Description
In the third instalment of this witty Regency romcom series, a headstrong chaperone is torn between following her rigid principles or her heart
Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.
From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realised that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticises weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?
This was such an enjoyable read and exactly the kind of historical romance that keeps me turning the pages. The first half is packed with humour thanks to Portia’s brilliant interview scene and her unapologetic disdain for the aristocracy, Leo very much included. Their banter is sharp, their reluctant attraction is great fun, and I loved every moment of their back‑and‑forth.
The story does slow a little in the middle when the focus shifts to Portia’s involvement with Equitas and the legal trouble surrounding her political writings. It’s interesting, but it changes the pace. Leo’s attempt to save her from deportation adds emotional tension, though their relationship suffers from insecurity and their inability to communicate honestly.
Thankfully, the resolution is worth the wait. It leads to a standout, genuinely hilarious scene in the House of Lords that had me grinning. Overall, this is a witty, charming story with memorable characters and plenty of heart.
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