While I have liked all of Sarah MacLean's book, I think this one is definitely my favorite. I could understand and sympathize with both of the main characters. Juliana is trying to fit into London Society and trying to overcome feeling of loss and abandonment. She is afraid that she is like her heedless mother who abandoned her family when she was ten years old. It doesn't help that London Society expects her to be the same as her mother and gossips about her. Juliana has determined to put on a strong, uncaring front to hide her vulnerable heart. Simon is committed to maintaining his spotless reputation even though his seventeen-year-old sister has had a child out of wedlock. He feels that marriage to a young woman of impeccable reputation will let him overcome the potential scandal. It doesn't matter that he doesn't love her. It is his duty and passion is something for the lower orders. But Simon can't help being attracted to Juliana's life and energy. She tempts him and forces him to reevaluate what is really important to him. Her outsiders view of Society and her occasional mangling of the English Language fascinate and engage him. And gradually, almost reluctantly, they fall in love.This was a great romance that kept me sitting in a chair and reading until I let out a sigh of satisfaction when the story was through. I can't wait for the next thing MacLean writes.
