This book had a slow start, but once I got a few chapters in, I positively devoured it in an afternoon. I loved the hero and heroine. He's a complete engineering geek, working on an early "horseless carriage." She's a titled widow. Somehow, it all works out, and in a partially ruined Italian castle, too. I can't put into words exactly why I liked this one so much, but the author's writing style is great, and I hope to read more in this series. I understand this is Julianna's debut novel and it was wonderful!!! It's the first of a trilogy and I look forward to reading the next two books. It's witty, humorous, and I love the dialogue between the characters. Lady Alexandra Morley, a widow who is well known for things like her intellectual get togethers and her powerful status in society. Most of her fortune had been invested in a company that was to be a 'sure thing', a company that makes steam motors. She finds that it was not as profitable as previously thought and is desperate to find a way to reverse her fortune, and place herself back in what is for her a very comfortable role in society. Her home has become a bit too expensive for her to live in so she and her sister and a unhappily married friend of theirs lease a castle, for a very low rate, in Italy, while she tries to figure out what she is going to do next.Phineas "Finn" Burke isn't a member of the aristocracy but he is known for his brilliant scientific mind and has created a very comfortable and wealthy place for himself. Finn has only one thing on his mind and that is to find a place that is quiet, and secluded that will allow him to work on a new idea for his electrical powered engine, one that will power his horseless carriage. There is a group of motor enthusiasts that will be getting together in Italy who will be bringing their own horseless creations together and racing them. As it is not far from the castle Finn believes he has found the ideal location when he reads of a castle that is up for lease for a full year. He jumps on the opportunity and invites the Duke of Wallingford and his younger brother along.Both the men and women think they have found a perfect solution to what they desire until the two groups come together and discover that the castle has been leased to all of them. So they create a bargain that will ensure one of the groups will have to leave, but things don't always work out in the way that they think they will. Very funny and enjoyable read!
Do You like book A Lady Never Lies (2012)?
Must say I'm loving this trend towards historicals placed in the later part of the 19th century.
—JaneW96
Loved! Eagerly awaiting the rest in the series.
—Ailani
A nice, unique, easy-read historical romance.
—Brittttnicole4
