I loved this unconventional story about the romance between a jaded, widowed duke and a spirited bookstore owner. It’s a beguiling take on the ugly ducking and Pygmalion tropes.He saunters into her shop intent on winning a bet. His mission is to transform her into the irresistible diamond of the season. She rebuffs his offer because she doesn’t suffer fools and she thinks he’s both ridiculous and insulting. When tragedy strikes her shop, she’s forced to enter into his devil’s bargain.The things I loved the most: 1. He actually tells her about the bet that is the reason for his attention and the impetus behind the makeover. I loved that she was a willing participant and fully on board. 2. The dancing lessons! His patience and encouragement were so wonderful.3. He appreciates her intellect and defends it. He makes it clear he would never stand in the way of her pursuit of anything- whether society deems it ladylike or not.