Nice romance, not as steamy as expected.

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Good book with a little bit of a Romeo and Juliet theme to it. The Patton and St. James families have been at odds for many years, thanks to a scandal involving their grandfathers and Alex's great aunt. The story opens as Alex, under orders from his grandmother, breaks into the Patton's house. He is looking for a key that belongs to his family and must find it to prevent a scandal. He doesn't expect to have his search interrupted by the early return of Lady Amelia. He barely makes it to the balcony of her room before she appears.

Amelia spent her whole life in the country until her father decided it was time for her to marry. Her life was quiet, filled with books and walks. Now she is the Elusive Queen because she doesn't act like the other debutantes. Amelia is an intelligent woman and is frustrated by the dullness of the men her father pushes at her. On this night, she left the ball early and returned home, using her occasional breathing problems as an excuse.

I loved the first meeting between Amelia and Alex. He is hiding on her balcony when she steps out for a breath of air. We immediately see Alex's kindness and sensitivity, as he witnesses what he thinks may be the beginning of a fainting spell. Amelia is understandably startled by his presence but doesn't react with the fright he expected. I enjoyed their exchange as he reassures her he isn't there to either rob them or assault her. He does say that "in the spirit of being an effective burglar, I should steal something. A kiss comes to mind..." Neither one expected it to be something so unforgettable.

I loved the development of Alex and Amelia's relationship. From that first kiss, they shared a connection that neither could deny. It was fun to see her aunt's dismay as Amelia pointed Alex out at the next ball and asked who he was. Alex has a reputation as a rake, one that is more inherited than deserved, though it is convenient at times. Amelia finds him far more interesting than the men her father recommends. At the same time, Alex is fascinated by Amelia's intelligence and wit. Another encounter in the dark ended in a steamier kiss that was interrupted by Amelia's aunt. I enjoyed Amelia's conversation with Aunt Sophia as she makes her interest in Alex clear. Amelia may be innocent, but she knows what she wants. Alex surprises himself with his unwavering interest in her, despite the obstacles.

I loved seeing them find ways to spend time together and get to know each other. For a supposed rake, Alex's behavior is quite honorable. They are further drawn together when each of them receives mysterious letters. Amelia gets letters written by Alex's great-aunt Anna, the one who had an affair with Amelia's married grandfather. Alex receives letters written by her grandfather to Anna. Alex and Amelia work together to figure out the connection between the notes, their relatives, and the mysterious key. As their feelings for each other grow, they hope their families will let bygones be bygones, so that they can marry.

I ached for Alex here, because he is such an honorable man that he attempts to ask Amelia's father for her hand. He suspects it won't go well, but he has to try. I loved the advice he got from his brother, his friend, and even Amelia's aunt. I had to laugh at his appearance at the dressmaker's and what he did with all that advice. Their arrival at his family's home was everything I'd hoped it would be, especially with Alex's brother and sister-in-law. It's there that all of the pieces of the puzzle start to come together, revealing a heartbreaking tale of star-crossed lovers.

The secondary characters were also well done. Alex's two friends, Luke and Michael, share Alex's war experiences, binding their friendship even closer. I liked how both were ready to help Alex with whatever he needed. I loved Amelia's Aunt Sophia, who played the part of Amelia's chaperone. Her decisions when it came to Amelia and Alex were unexpected, promoting love over propriety. Sophia also had a romance of her own simmering in the background. I liked her beau, Richard, for the way he treated her and supported her. He also provided an unexpected twist in the story.

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