I found this novel to be an absolute delight! Cara Maxwell shines in this series. With a through line around a devious racing group, this second installment in the Racing Rogues is able to carry along a mystery thread while exploring a lovely new romance. Maxwell's writing is well crafted and accessible, creating a story that is interesting while developing an romance between two character who are not looking for love. This novel is well paced and I really enjoy the open end-ness of the mystery which helps to draw the reader into this series and curious about what will come next while still having an absolutely endearing HEA.
William is a duke-to-be with a devil may care attitude, and he can never say no to a wager, especially one that has to do with racing. Little do his acquaintances know, he is secretly investigating the racing community and is out for revenge and information surrounding the disappearance (and supposed death) of a friend. When William is wagered that he must get Lady Simone Laurent to marry him or he will forfeit his stable of racehorses, William can't pass up this opportunity to add to his stables and upon first meeting Simone, he is also very intrigued by her. Simone is the youngest of a very boisterous family, and because of this she often feels overlooked, but when William continues to pursue her, she can't help be curious about what his intentions are.
The relationship between Simone and William is absolutely delightful! Upon their first meeting Simone sees him as a rake with a pompous attitude and thinks she will just write him off, but William is draw to her like a moth to a flame. He calls upon her the next day, and softly courts her without her truly realizing what is happening. The way they begin to feel free together, they way the open up to each other, and the sizzling chemistry that bubbles under the surface all coalesce into a sweet love story between two people who fall softly in love. I really love how William feels so comfortable around Simone that he finds himself trusting her and confining in her with ease and he choses not to hold things back from her. I love how trusting Simone feels with William that she opens herself up to him both physically and emotionally. I love that Simone sees how William values her and will stand up for her. I love that even when they have a misunderstanding, they take the time to cool off while never falling out of love. Their relationship grows from curiosity to sensuality in such a lovely and organic way and I found this novel to have a great steam level for the relationship that Simone and William.
I very highly recommend this absolutely lovely romance, it is a perfectly developed relationship between two people who trust each other and learn to work together. I can not wait for the next installment in this series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.