Turns out my new favorite type of MMC is an emotionally intelligent cinnamon roll Duke who isn’t suave with the ladies.

This book is bonkers, heartfelt, and unexpectedly endearing. Eoin, newly titled Duke of Foxglen, goes searching for the mother and sister he was torn from as a child. Hannah Wick, pirate’s daughter and coffeehouse proprietress, agrees to help him while secretly pursuing revenge.

The pacing was perfect. No lag. We moved through clues, taverns, and absurd animal chaos without losing the emotional connection.

Eoin. My sweet, sensitive, deeply emotionally intelligent Eoin. I cannot remember the last time I read a duke who was not confident with women. Instead of making him a joke, the book treats his inexperience with care. He listens. He respects boundaries. He feels everything. It was endearing and refreshing.

Hannah’s patience with him made it all the better. I usually hate long-held secrets. But I understood her conflict. She was not malicious. She was protective. And because Eoin is so sensitive, her hesitation felt human, not contrived for plot.

Chemistry is high intimacy, low explicit spice. Heavy petting, lots of yearning, no full intercourse. It fit them honestly.

Five stars. I enjoyed every moment. I laughed. I teared up. I loved these characters.

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