I really enjoyed this book. Thanks to a disastrous attempt by Venetia to protect her sister, combined with a cruel trick played by Everett's brother, she and Everett were forced to marry. Everett was furious, believing that Venetia had trapped him on purpose. He abandoned her right after the wedding, leaving on his planned voyage to India. Venetia lived a quiet, impoverished life on one of his brother's estates for five years.

Everett had no plans to return to England until he received word that his brother had died, making him the new Marquess of Gore. He knew he would have to see Venetia again and make their marriage work. He returned to London, expecting to find her there enjoying life as a society lady, and was stunned that she wasn't there. It took some time to track her location. Venetia was shocked when Everett showed up, as she had no idea his brother was dead.

Their first meeting was an antagonistic one. She is furious over his neglect and abandonment, while Everett believes she is lying about receiving no support. Venetia isn't happy when he insists that she return with him to London to take her place as his wife. She is happy where she is and has found a calling in helping abused wives escape their husbands. I loved seeing Venetia stand up to Everett and refuse to accept his demands, making him work for her cooperation.

Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them, and they weren't pleased about it. Venetia still remembers his cutting remarks on their wedding day, and Everett doesn't trust her. But as they are forced to spend time together, their relationship changes. I loved that Everett felt guilty about what Venetia went through because of his neglect, especially after discovering the truth. I liked his protectiveness when he saw how her father treated her and began to understand how their marriage happened. Venetia sees that Everett has changed in the five years he's been gone and begins to hope that their marriage may work out.

I liked seeing Venetia and Everett get to know each other and discover they had much in common. I loved the scene where they waltzed together and his patience with her insecurities. That patience was evident when they gave in to their attraction, with Venetia surprising herself and Everett. There is also a fantastic scene at Almack's that made me laugh out loud. But when Venetia is needed to help another abused wife, she can't bring herself to confide in Everett. To return alone to her previous home, she picks a fight with him. I ached for both of them because they were clearly in love but too proud to risk rejection.

I ached for Venetia's heartbreak, though she brought it on herself. At the same time, Everett copes by getting wasted, then rescued by his brother-in-law. I loved that he decided to go after her and ended up walking into the middle of a problem with her latest rescue. He won significant points with Venetia and me, as he immediately stepped up to help. I enjoyed seeing the plan he came up with and how it worked out. With no more secrets between them, they were able to break down the last of the barriers keeping them apart.

Though we didn't see much of him, I loved Venetia's brother, Paris. He and Venetia protected each other from their father as best they could. I felt for him when he talked about the woman he loved and thought he couldn't have. I liked how he took care of Everett and later asked Everett's advice about India. I would love to see him get a story of his own. ( )