a cute novella and quite effective set up for a series! i admit, this did not really sweep me off my feet but given the format that is not very common anyway, so on that regard i am not complaining. on the other hand, i must compliment the writing, it was solid and kept me turning pages. i knew without a doubt after a chapter or two that i would read more by this author.
the problem i had is a bigger issue really and that is that clean romance simply does not work for me when it involves a marriage of convenience. i understand it is a matter of personal preference but intimacy will never not seem something too important to like... barely even allude to it taking place. it weirds me out. how does sex not affect a relationship, especially a budding romance? very well, it is not necessary for it to be shown, just a line or two mentioning the characters find it enjoyable or more pleasing than expected would be Something, at the very least. but alright, it is the author's decision to handle it this way and i respect that. i still can't help that it dampened my enjoyment.
but back to the good stuff! i really liked cecilia and gregory, i appreciated that they were both practical and dutiful people that did everything they could to fulfill their responsibilities. cecilia's passion for architecture was endearing, and i love that she got to take on a project as huge as the castle reconstruction that allowed her to exploit that passion and which also became a labor of love for her husband and their family over the years. i can't wait to meet their children and other members of their household in the stories that follow this one!