My first love has always been historical romance, Ms. James deliverers the story with characters who are fabulously flawed and real. Not what I expected when I bought the book but so much better. The Duke is a man’s man. He is blunt and ineloquent. Like many newlyweds, they blunder their way. Add in all the extra baggage and this marriage is doomed from the start. The strong characters and their struggles not to lose themselves as they give in to desire and learn to love is what makes this love story feel like a real story. I couldn’t put it down, it was like a delicious addiction, too good not to finish. This is the kind of book all writers want to write and all readers hope to read. If you love romance, real men and a little history to tie it all together, don’t miss this book!