Originally published at Rookie Romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed this unusual regency romance with an impetuous heroine, surly hero and plenty of mysteries to unravel.

Julianne was a really interesting heroine, I thought. She could sometimes come across as a bit self-absorbed and vain, particularly to begin with, but she's complex and there's a lot more to her than meets the eye. She may be a society miss, but she's fiercely loyal, headstrong, passionate and intelligent as well. I liked that it's not just that her character grows through the story, we also see unveiled the myriad of layers that make her the whirlwind of a woman she is.
Patrick was also a great and unusual hero. He's a second son who never expected to inherit the Earldom, particularly since he has been accused of murdering his older brother in order to do so. He spent years studying veterinary medicine abroad and that's where his passion lies. He's very compassionate and kind, although this is hidden beneath a gruff exterior. Even when Julianne is trying his patience, he can't deny the irresistible attraction that burns between them.

The plot starts off largely centering on their attempts to clear Patrick of murder charges, but before long it starts to seem that initial conclusions about his brother and father's deaths are wrong. There's plenty of intrigue to keep the plot moving at a quick pace. I admit to being very surprised by the ending- I love when that happens because too often, you can work out an ending. This kept me guessing and held my attention easily.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this! I loved Julianne and Patrick together, they complement each other's personalities really well and I loved their passionate connection. The plot, writing and characters are all a breath of fresh air in a genre that can become steeped in cliches. I'm really looking forward to catching up on the previous books in the series and seeing what more Jennifer McQuiston has in store for us!

*I received a review copy for my honest opinion, Thank you!