CUTEEEEE! I don't often read friends to lovers, but it's a wonderful trope to enjoy once in awhile. This was just so dreamy~~ Christi Caldwell's stories are often enjoyable, and this one is one of them.
ANDREW was an absolute rake, and pardon my language but quite a waste of space in society when he doesn't do anything productive but carousing, gambling and whoring. Like a typical gambler, he was also deep in debts. He seemed irresponsible and unreliable. Imagine the surprise when the girl he's known all his life turns to him as an accomplice for debauchery, and suddenly he developed a conscience. That pretty much tells us he isn't as bad as he seem. The poor fellow was merely pushed into his current disposition by something that happened with his sister and brother-in-law, the origins of his birth and how everyone expected him to behave depravedly. Naturally, he wielded the mantle as they called him - until getting reacquainted with Marcie. For everything Marcie, Andrew was an absolute softie, hooked, lined and sinker. Honestly, it took him THAT long to realize his feelings. Trust me, he'll change his ways - eventually, in way that you know he's not a bad person. He just needed someone to believe in him.
I adored their intimate moments - both in conversation and sexual nature. It's nice to see the awareness between friends who were once platonic and suddenly they were seeing each other in a new light.
MARCIE was a typical good girl. Once upon a time, a diamond of the first water, but suddenly thrusted into a "scandal" when the true nature of her conception was revealed, and being jilted at the altar? Well, that just ruins a woman's day and self-esteem. Tired of the pitiful looks and abject scorn from society, Marcie decides to embrace her "bad seed" side and wants to live up to the slanderous rumors about her parentage. Who better than Andrew to guide her in London's debauchery? Judging by her situation, Marcie was only hurt and wanted to lash out but also she was just confused about her identity. She was well loved by her family, never wanting for anything, so some might call her a selfish, pampered bred who truly didn't know the real sufferings of the world.
OVERALL perhaps some parts were farfetched, but this IS a fictional romance, and I enjoyed the chemistry + easy camaraderie between Andrew and Marcie. Their friendship was everlasting, and the passion between them...effortless. Ironically, Andrew and Marcie assumed they were their (bad) fathers' children, but unknowingly mirroring their thoughts whilst Andrew and Marcie only saw and brought out the good in each other. Nevertheless, sweet and encouraging. Nothing beats having a partner who appreciates your ups and downs, and has seen you at your lowest points.