He was her target. She was his diversion. Falling in love was never something they wanted.

As a con woman who has spent her entire life fending for herself on the streets of London, Rose Wakefield knows how to scam a gentleman out of his money without ever getting caught. That’s until she knocks on the wrong earl’s door and is faced with Carver Ashburn, Earl of Kensworth, and not the notorious rake she thinks she is approaching.

Carver is a good man, but even a good man will not pass up an opportunity to escape his grief. What better way to avoid his feelings than to play into a con woman’s ruse and offer to marry her?

Things only grow more complicated when Carver sweeps Rose off to his family estate, and circumstances force them both into continuing the ruse. Carver needs to protect his family, and Rose needs to protect herself—and her heart.

With so much set against them, will Rose and Carver have a chance at love and freedom? Or is the possibility of more heartache not worth the risk?

I had been looking forward to this Regency romance for ages, and it absolutely lived up to the anticipation. I had only read a couple of this author’s contemporary romances before, so I was curious to see how she would handle historical, and she delivered a story that felt both charming and immersive. I listened to the audiobook while following along on Kindle Unlimited, which made it easy to sink into the world. The narrator did a solid job overall. I did find myself wishing for a bit more emotional nuance and expressiveness at times, but it was still an enjoyable listening experience.

I’ve read quite a few Regency romances, but this one stood out for how cozy it felt. It was funny, sweet, swoony, and genuinely wholesome, but there was also a warmth to the relationships that gave it that comforting, almost snug atmosphere I don’t always associate with the genre. I also appreciated that there is no spice and no language. While the story is set in winter, it has that late winter into early spring feeling that makes it perfect for seasonal reading, though it would work beautifully any time of year.

Rose and Carver were both incredibly likable, and I loved watching their relationship unfold. They each carry their own emotional barriers, and seeing them slowly lower their defenses and grow felt rewarding and added depth to what could have been a simple romantic comedy. While the tone is largely lighthearted, the story does touch on heavier themes, including grief, loss, and fertility struggles. These elements were handled with care and added emotional weight without overwhelming the story, though it’s worth noting for more sensitive readers.

One of my favorite aspects was Carver’s family. Once they’re introduced, the story becomes even richer. The family dynamic is full of warmth, humor, and tenderness, and I loved seeing Rose begin to find her place among them. There are so many small, meaningful moments that made me smile and added to that cozy feeling.

The romance itself was delightful. There’s a touch of miscommunication and mistaken identity, but it’s resolved quickly enough that it never becomes frustrating. The pining, flirting, and witty banter were all so well done, making the relationship feel both playful and heartfelt.

The only thing that kept this from being a full five stars for me was a slight slowdown in the middle. I found my attention drifting just a bit, and I didn’t quite get those all-consuming, five-star flutters. Still, it came very close.

I’m so excited to continue with the next book in this duology, especially since it follows one of Carver’s sisters and her romance with his best friend, which is one of my favorite tropes. I grew so attached to this family and this world, and I can’t wait to return to it. I only wish this author wrote more Regency romances, because I would gladly read them all. Highly recommend!