An absolutely bonkers frenemies-to-lovers, boat trip, not-so-fake marriage, I-don’t-love-you-but-I-really-really-do, interracial romance with a heavy dose of hidden agenda, revenge and courtroom drama.
Lady Asilia – the determined, independent heroine who was forced to flee England after rumours and scandal ruined her young life, is now set on saving herself from an arranged marriage to a cruel Lord. She has no problem dressing like a boy, or punching one out when it’s necessary.
Cameron – the scarred heir with a target on his back who ran all the way to Africa, but not before making sure his younger siblings would also stay out of their conniving uncle’s clutches. Living of his investments and inventions, he shares his hut with a far too clever boy and an intrusive peacock.
She entices him to join her on a dangerous horse race through the desert; the prize money – if they survive and win – will set her free. Of course nothing goes as planned! First her captain uncle insists they marry for protection, then a hurricane, his old paramour, her ex, old acquaintances, snobby expat nobs and finally his unavoidable ploy for avenging his family.
All the while their battling their undeniable attraction. She wants it all until she doesn’t, and he figures out pretty quickly the truth will break her, so he forces himself to resist and deny. Of course, the mind is strong, but the flesh is weak – and then the heart gets involved...
This was an exhausting read in the best way possible – enthralling, witty, adventurous, exciting, action-packed and very sexy – but I’m pretty sure it showed me just how much bonkers I’m willing to handle in a book.
It’s a solid and very entertaining plot, but the infernal two steps forward one step back between these two was dizzying. They’re always on the move, always either fighting or loving, never a quiet moment. The courtroom drama was thrilling, but the outcome got a little too chaotic for me, and I really would have liked to see them find some peace in the epilogue instead of the next crazy adventure.