Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Historical Romance
Length: 304 pages
Author: Megan Walker
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Release Date: May 5th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Ruined by scandal, Georgiana bargains with a duke to regain her place in Society. But their pretend friendship sparks real love, risking reputations, duty, and unexpected happily-ever-afters.

Eight months after a stolen kiss ruined her reputation, Miss Georgiana Wood is a recluse, cast out of Society without any hope of ever finding a suitable match. Longing for redemption, she never expects her salvation to arrive in the form of a handsome, temperamental duke.

After a failed bargain left the Duke of Marlow without a promised wife and heir, he must face courtship a final time. He plans to entice his future bride with a priceless family heirloom—one now in the possession of Miss Wood, who agrees to return it if he takes her on three outings in London during the Season to restore her reputation.

As the pair navigate Society’s expectations and whispered gossip, Marlow begins to see Georgiana as an ally and a friend. Her wit and courage, grace and allure far exceed that of the eligible ladies he intended to court, and soon, he’d do almost anything to secure her happiness.

As Marlow wrestles with duty and desire, Georgiana begins to hope that she could be loved for who she truly is. When hearts are tested, truth and secrets revealed, will love be enough to risk it all?

Thank you to Shadow Mountain and Megan Walker for the gifted copy.

AHHHHHHHHHHHH.

I don’t even know how to put this review together because I can’t fathom how to explain HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS BOOK. It took me exactly one chapter to lock in and be glued to this book. It was an immaculate concept of OH MY GOSH WHEN ARE Y’ALL GOING TO KISS. I can’t tell you how many times I shouted that at Marlow & Georgiana. Which honestly, is my favorite way to be. This was full of YEARNING to the nth degree. And we got this cinematic masterpiece in dual POV? I’M DECEASED.

I loved everything. Every scene. Every moment. Every character. IT WAS ALL AMAZING OKAY? I didn’t want this book to end. The nuanced and deep connection Marlow and Georgiana formed sent me to the stratosphere. The late night moments were romantic and swoony and once again, you’ll be shouting at every glance, touch, and longing look across the way.

It’s stunning in all ways and is easily going to be one of the best romances I’ve read this year!!

Overall audience notes:

• Historical romance
• Language: none
• Romance: kisses
• Violence: low
• Content warnings: physical altercation

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