I really wanted to read the third one in this series and when I started it and was a bit confused, I decided to stop and begin with the first one. Reading this one, perhaps I should have just started in order of publication because apparently Lucas and Rosalind the two hosts of the Christmas party are the main couple in Her Noble Captive. For the most part it was fine as a standalone, but there were a few references to backstory that were lost in translation. That said, I don't think you could read this specific series out of order, well you could I guess, but there were quite a few references - maybe not ones that impact the actual story but ones that make it that bit more enjoyable. Like Jack's codename.

Anyway, I loved the second book in the series. Asher was intriguing in the first one and it was fantastic to see him find love. I loved his statistics and facts. I really liked Lily and her path to finding herself after her first husband did everything possible to destroy her confidence and self worth. I liked her list and her bravery in building herself back up. The romance between them was sweet and cheesy. They don't get to know each other as well as I would like, but they still get to know the pertinent facts and actually have quite a few conversations so it's not total instalove.

Great read. 4 stars. ( )