I ADORED this book. LOVED it. I started it when I should have been sleeping and instead stayed up half the night reading 70% of it. I have never tried this author but oh she has climbed quickly up my next to read list for more.

This is book 3 in the series and can be read as a standalone. The heroines from the previous 2 books are in this story, but just briefly and you can easily grasp the story and their friendship without reading them prior to this.

Reese is the hero. It has almost a beauty and the beast feel to it in some parts. He tempts her with a rose. He has a tangled, beastly garden they help nurture, though it retains its underworld feel. But he is not a beast. He is wonderful. Utterly sweet, receptive, loving, such a beta hero through and through. Reese was never meant to be the Earl, so he went into the military. He suffers from PTSD from a few things that have occurred in his life. But he finds Sophie to be the perfect balm for his tortured soul.

Sophie is promised to another. She doesn't love him but she knows what she must do to save her family. Her family is near destitute because of her father's gambling and drinking. Her favorite thing to be a part of is the Debutante Underground and escape her reality for a little while. It's unusual for me to really love a heroine. I loved her. I want her in my life and being my friend. She's one of those just wonderful people that brighten your day no matter what. I was literally felt happier reading about her.

This book starts out introducing us to the Debutante Underground, a secret group that discusses whatever women love and focuses on the weekly newspaper clipping of The Debutante's Revenge. This is what binds the heroines from the 3 books of the series together. It was wonderful to read and experience, something a bit new and different.

This book had so much sweetness in it. So much love. There were feels everywhere for me with this book. I have no hesitation about the couple being together. I know they love each other. I know they will be happy ever after. Some stories I'm just not fully convinced by the end but I can see Reese and Sophie's future clearly.

I remember looking at the page count and saying I love this book. It was 7%. I remember thinking I REALLY love this book. It was 12%. And then I was completely and absolutely lost in the story. It takes a good story to get me fully immersed, just watching the characters play out before. And before I knew it, it was 4am and I was 70% done. Can't wait to try another one by her.

Thanks netgalley for the complimentary ARC. These opinions are completely my own.