Dex is a scarred, brooding duke who made a deathbed promise to a fellow soldier to look after his daughter. Years later, he tracks down Analise, who has zero interest in being anyone’s ward and a lot of interest in getting her fantasy novel published. Add a little marriage-of-convenience shenanigans and you have a recipe for good old-fashioned historical romance.

I haven’t read Lenora Bell in a while, and this reminded me why I enjoy her so much. She writes characters I genuinely like and want to get to know. Analise is a chaotic little gremlin in the best way. She’s writing her own romantasy novel throughout the book, and Dex keeps sneaking chapters to read; it’s a cute way for their romance to build and connect.

The age gap needs a mention because it can make or break this for some. It almost does for me if I think about it too hard. She’s 18, he’s 35, and she does read on the young side. Impulsive, sunny, and not particularly world-weary despite everything she’s been through. If that’s a hard line for you, skip it.

Book 1 is not required, but now I’ll probably go back to it eventually when I want a light read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.