When Alek’s introduced, he’s a tabloid magnet and a player, so you’d think there would be a massive arc for this guy to go from that to ideal husband material – kind, compassionate, truly listens to the heroine and only has eyes for her – but weirdly there was almost no arc at all here. For a guy who’s forced to marry, who supposedly reveled in his freedom, he settles down with an annoying level of ease.

Hester, Alek’s bride of convenience, unfortunately underwent little to no change either, unless you count a glamorous makeover.

I liked Alek and Hester, I thought they had chemistry, but they were both in desperate need of a plot and conflict and some character flaws to grow from, there was just disappointingly little story here.

I have had several fantastic reading experiences with this author’s books in the past and I’ve no doubt I will again, this one just didn’t quite work for me. ( )