4.5⭐️
I didn’t really know what to expect going into this, but it definitely wasn’t what I thought it would be—if that makes sense. I assumed the story would lean more into Lachlan’s work life, and not be so focused on the inn, Livian, and the house party. That shift threw me a bit, and while it worked, I was hoping for a little more external drama rather than such a character-driven one. That said, their love story still caught me off guard in the best way, and I really did enjoy how it all played out.
One thing that seriously surprised me? The whole thing takes place over just a few days. They meet and are sleeping together within maybe 10 hours, head to a house party the next day that lasts two days, and then boom—engaged like five days later. I was not expecting that pace. Threw me off, but hey, still a great book.
I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, just occasionally bored with the back-and-forth. Livian’s negativity was oddly endearing, but I think I went into this expecting something entirely different—and that’s on me. Still, I was hooked. I spent the entire day thinking about this book, and when I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. That’s how I know I truly enjoyed it.
Christi’s writing is always top-tier and she definitely brings the steam. However, there were a few jarring moments—like when Lachlan called Livian “Raina,” which is the name of the main character from Lust in this series. I didn’t read that one because my sister’s name is Raina, and the last thing I need is graphic scenes with a character named after her. So when Lachlan said the name, it completely pulled me out of the moment. Christi, girl, get a second proofreader next time!
[summary for me]
this story follows Lachlan Lattimer, the owner of a gaming hell, who seeks to expand his business by marrying the Duchess of Argyle. On his journey to her estate, he’s stranded at an inn due to bad weather and meets Livian, a sheltered young woman on her way to meet her arranged match. As they spend time together, a forbidden connection forms. When they reunite at the duchess’s estate, their hidden feelings clash with duty and desire, leading to an emotional and steamy fallout.