DNF at 25%. This could not be filled with less interesting people. The female MC is fine, the male MC is dull and superficial, the female MC's half sister who is a very important secondary character is written as if she comes from Pluto. She shares no characteristics with any human I have encountered. This is my first Anne Gracie book, and it would appear we are not a match. ( )

DNF at 25%. This could not be filled with less interesting people. The female MC is fine, the male MC is dull and superficial, the female MC's half sister who is a very important secondary character is written as if she comes from Pluto. She shares no characteristics with any human I have encountered. Leaving off the star rating, but it would have a 1.5 if I gave it one at this point. This is my first Anne Gracie book, and it would appear we are not a match.

I loved this book, with its tight bond between Clarissa and Izzy and the unlikely romance between Leo and Izzy. The book opened with the heart-grabbing introduction between Clarissa and Izzy and didn't let go until I'd read the last page.

Clarissa was the lonely and neglected daughter of the notorious rake, Sir Bartleby. One day a carriage appeared on their estate, carrying the illegitimate Izzy to become her father's responsibility. He intends to dump her in an orphanage, but Clarissa hides her away. Having discovered that Izzy is that coveted being of a sister, she flatly refuses to give her up, thwarting every attempt Sir Bartleby makes to separate them. Ten years later, upon their father's death, Clarissa finds herself the ward of Leo, Earl of Salcott. Though no provision was made for Izzy, Clarissa still refuses to be separated from her.

After a year away from England, Leo is horrified to discover he is Clarissa's guardian. He's even more horrified that Clarissa expects her half-sister to participate in the Season with her. Despite his predictions of scandal, and his attempt to buy off Izzy, nothing will convince them that it can't be done. He takes them to his aunt, Lady Scattergood, because they can't live with a bachelor, who informs him that she won't launch them into Society but will watch over them. In frustration at their stubbornness, he leaves for a few days at his estates after instructing them to stay home and behave.

Neither Clarissa nor Izzy has any intention of doing so. They came to London to find husbands, so they took matters into their own hands. I loved that they were fully aware of the risks but determined to do things their way. By the time Leo returned to London, the two women had successfully launched themselves. Leo was furious but could only hope to get both married before the scandal broke.

I loved the relationship between Izzy and Clarissa. Izzy is fully aware of her situation but loves Clarissa too much to abandon her. Clarissa is on the shy side and having Izzy with her gives her the confidence to handle Society's challenges. Whatever happens, they are there for each other, and the rest of the world can live with it - or not.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Izzy and Leo. I was disappointed that Leo's opinion was influenced by a letter left by the girls' father in which he said terrible things about Izzy. Leo is rude and judgmental to her rather than paying attention to her actions. I loved seeing her stand up to him and push back against his attempts to separate her from Clarissa. Underneath the antagonism that characterizes their early encounters are sparks of attraction that neither wants to admit.

Leo and Izzy know that a relationship between them is impossible. Her illegitimacy makes her ineligible to be the bride of an earl, and she knows it. Leo's attitude is also driven by past experiences with his parents and relationships with other women that leave him doubting his marital future. He and Izzy must overcome their insecurities before they can open themselves up to a future together. I loved their interactions and seeing them grow closer despite their battles.

I loved the scene where their attraction pushed them over the edge. Neither one expected the intensity of their connection and what it meant for them. Leo made the expected offer, being an honorable man but made a terrible mess of it in his nervousness. I ached for Izzy and her feelings of hurt and disappointment. Her reaction was precisely what I expected, leaving Leo stunned and uncertain. I loved his "uh-oh" moment when he realized his mistakes, and his subsequent meeting with Lady Scattergood was fantastic. He knew what he needed to do but not how to make it happen.

At a ball that evening, a friend of their father's made offensive remarks about Izzy. I loved Leo's protectiveness and how he jumped to her defense. Everything he said was true but ambiguous enough to sow doubt. But the clear winner in the race to protect Izzy was Clarissa. Her staunch and unique way of doing so was excellent.

It was fun to see Leo's attempts at making amends with Izzy get thwarted as circumstances seemed to keep them apart. I loved seeing him finally break through the wall of support around her and get to say his piece. I thought he groveled quite well and earned his happy ending. Izzy also finally believed that she could have that future she dreamed of. The final chapter and epilogue were terrific. I can't wait for the next book - I hope it is Clarissa and Race's story!

#netgalley ( )

Stubbornness takes first place!

Half sisters join together at a very young age to thwart their pleasure seeking, selfish father who has neglected the girls. Isobel, Izzy, is his natural daughter whom he refuses to acknowledge. However his eight year old daughter Clarissa, normally a biddable child had other ideas.
Then there’s the unaware Josiah Leonard Thorne, sixth Earl of Salcott who discovers upon his father’s death that he has been appointed guardian to Sir Bartley Studley’s daughter Clarissa. Despite his protestation that the intended guardian was meant to be his father seeing as Studley and his father had been of the same age, the Will stated the “sixth” earl. Clarissa it seems is an heiress. Leo undertakes to give her a season and hopefully fire her off. It’s only when Clarissa arrives that he discovers there are two sisters, and shock horror! they both demand to be presented, including vouchers for Almack’s. That’s not going to happen, not on Leo’s watch. If the ton ever learns of Izzy’s background they would be unforgiving about having this social pariah foisted upon them.
Leo didn’t bargain for the girls’ powers of persuasion, and the way they quietly moved people around like chess pieces to reach their desired outcomes. Izzy’s abilities to make things happen are Machiavellian. Nor did Leo bargain for his attraction to a woman who’s background would never be accepted in polite society. Marriage to someone like Izzy is quite out of the question. The divide between respectability and non acceptance yawns wide. Of course this is where I heartedly dislike Leo, but then he’s a product of his time. Just want put it out there—he often disappointed!
There are some excellent moments as this story unfolds, and then others when I just didn’t engage. The fun and often tense times did out-way the ho hum moments.

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher. ( )