Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 6/16/2021 + 2617 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Good friends to lovers story. Melissa and Henry met in an unusual manner when they joined forces to save a young woman from abduction by a rake named Harlby. When Henry introduces himself later, he makes arrangements to call on her the next day.

Melissa is spirited, intelligent, and independent. She recently persuaded her father to allow her to live in London with only her aunt as a chaperone. Melissa uses her time to write society articles for a newspaper and lurid novels for Minerva Press. Having witnessed her parents' marriage, she decided "marital bliss" is not for her. Henry is the fourth son of a duke and makes his way in the world as part of the diplomatic corps. Recently returned from Vienna and the post-war diplomatic efforts there, he is watching a suspicious character while waiting for his new posting. Henry's observations of his parents' relationship leave him in no hurry to look for a wife.

I enjoyed the meeting between Melissa and Henry the next day. They connect quickly and find it unusually easy to talk to each other. Melissa intrigues and amuses Henry with her opinions, and they arrange to walk in the park the next day. With similar outlooks on marriage, their "friends at first sight" relationship is unusual, to say the least. Both are surprised by how easily they share their lives and backgrounds. It isn't long before Henry recruits Melissa to help him keep an eye on his quarry. At the same time, Melissa and her friends discover that Harlby is up to his old tricks. They plan to split up and attend as many functions as possible to find out his latest target. Melissa and Henry team up and use their time to fulfill both missions.

I liked seeing the relationship between Henry and Melissa develop. Both are quick-witted and intelligent, their conversations full of teasing and honest discussions. When circumstances put them on the path to thwart Harlby's latest plan, they don't hesitate, even though they risk their reputations. I loved seeing their teamwork as they threw themselves into their pursuit. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that appeared between them during their travels. Both worry about the effect on their friendship if the other finds out about their feelings, sure that the other is only interested in friendship. Rumors of their travels bring on the inevitable consequences, including some interesting confrontations. Those secrets, which go against their earlier honesty with each other, cause some drama near the end. Fortunately, the friendship that underlies everything made it possible to discern the truth. I liked the ending and seeing their friendship enhanced by the love they felt for each other. I would have enjoyed an epilogue showing their life at Henry's next posting.

The two substories, Henry's pursuit of the spy and the issue with Harlby added some additional depth to the story. I liked Melissa's enthusiastic support and assistance in their observations of the spy. Her actions at the church helped Henry immensely. Their determination to stop Harlby, while adding to the story's excitement, also gave Melissa a chance to educate Henry on a Regency woman's circumstances and life.

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