I received a copy of this book from Inked Rainbow Reads in return for an honest review.
This story is not an improvement on the first book. It actually pains me to say it but it's true. At least the first book had some plot. This book seems like a placeholder book, as though the author wanted to write a trilogy for some reason. There may be some sort of resolution in the third book, but this book doesn't add much to Penelope and Carter's story. We still have an unequal relationship where Carter is controlling and keeping secrets, and Penelope is expected to live with it. There is no hint of compromise; Carter is basically telling her to take it or leave it, although she does expect Penelope to leave it. And I'm not really sure there's enough there for Penelope to stay. But there's still no real attempt to resolve this power imbalance and it makes it difficult to believe that Penelope would stay. Carter treats her like she's a child, incapable of making her own decisions and withholding information that might allow Penelope to develop into a mature partner. But the biggest problem with the book is that nothing happens. Yes, they get married. Yes, they go on trips to other countries. Yes, Carter changes all the plans at the last minute and doesn't tell Penelope why. And finally, Carter gets arrested in Paris, which is a little weird because she never did anything. But rather than using any of these events to help Carter and Penelope explore their relationship in an attempt to make it more equal, we have the same story of Carter making decisions for Penelope's own good, and Penelope allowing it to happen. How are we supposed to believe that Penelope is more than a toy or a trophy wife if she doesn't get to do anything? I will be reading book 3, but I'm not sure I'm looking forward to it anymore. I'd like to see the feisty, independent student stand up for herself and force a partnership on Carter.