When it comes to writing romance, stakes are key.
Theres a secret baby subplot, but it refreshingly belongs to the hero.
Dr. Nicole Allen is on the cusp of realizing her dreams.
Credit: Illustration by EW
An already accomplished surgeon shes about to begin a prestigious fellowship when her disciplining of an intern threatens everything.
But as soon as this fake relationship begins, sparks fly.
This is underscored by Bens ex Tinsley, who is the epitome of an entitled Karen.
Avon
Ben is Nics foil, hunky, compassionate and hungry for a family.
His own privileged upbringing means he comes with blindspots that Livesay handles deftly.
And did we mention the hammock sex?
Avon
Jeremy Malcolm is an arrogant and wealthy man cut from the same cloth as Mr. Darcy.
When Selina Dalton arrives in London, he thinks hes found her at last.
Allains writing is wry and delightful, borrowing skillfully from Austens distinctive use of free indirect speech.
Berkley
Its missing the undercurrent of melancholy and social commentary that make Austens stories universal and endlessly fascinating.
Its raw and real, but all buoyed by Lieses innate sense of humor and warmth.
Ferres research is impeccable, and the French Revolution is a dizzyingly exciting setting for a romance.
Theres potent material there, and it would benefit from pushing even further on that front.
The chemistry between Henri and Perrin crackles, their dance of attraction a heady one.
Grade: B
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