Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 7/29/2021 + 2614 more book reviews

Excellent book. Griffin Steele, the illegitimate son of one of the Royal Dukes, made a name for himself out of nothing. Abandoned by his mother and unacknowledged by his father, Griffin was raised by a cold and uncaring uncle. Because of that past, Griffin is seen as cold, ruthless, and dangerous by the society he despises, but the few that know him well know that he is loyal, caring, and protective of those he considers his. As the story opens, Griffin prepares to sell off the last of his businesses before leaving England to tour the world, searching for something he can't name.

Those plans hit a snag when a baby boy shows up on his doorstep, with a note entrusting the child to his care and protection. Griffin sends for his friend and mentor, Dominic, expecting him to take the child off his hands. Instead, Dominic insists on leaving young Stephan with Griffin but promises to provide a caretaker for the child. Meanwhile, he will investigate the note and ring found with Stephan.

Justine is the daughter of a spy and Dominic's goddaughter. Between her father's chaotic life as a spy and the bluestocking antics of the aunt who helped raise her, Justine craves a calm and peaceful life. She believes she has it as the companion to an elderly woman in the country. Dominic disrupts that peace when he requests Justine's help with the baby, thrusting her into the house of one of London's most notorious men.

I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Griffin and Justine. She makes no secret of her dislike, and Griffin delights in pushing her buttons. However, underneath the antagonism burns an undeniable attraction. Griffin hates having Justine there, and her stubbornness and attitude drive him crazy, but he can't stop his need to know everything about her. The feelings Griffin stirs up disturb Justine, and she does her best to ignore them, but it's impossible to resist his pull.

When Justine's attempt to protect someone puts her reputation at risk, Griffin's sense of honor insists that he do the right thing and propose marriage. Justine is horrified but eventually sees that there's no other option. Though they initially plan to live separate lives, as they get to know each other, their growing feelings make that less desirable. I loved watching the trust build between them and Griffin share his past with Justine. It was also fun to watch Griffin's roguish ways get past Justine's walls and change her mind about peace and solitude. But it isn't until Griffin thinks he's lost her that he realizes he's able to love after all. I loved his big moment at the end and seeing the change in him.

The mystery of the baby was good and played a big part in bringing Griffin and Justine together. I liked Justine's devotion to the baby and laughed at some of Griffin's reactions. Dominic's investigation kept me intrigued and invested in the outcome. There was a twist near the end that I suspected well before its revelation, and I thoroughly enjoyed the reactions when it was. The situation intensified with the involvement of a mysterious stranger. I was disgusted with Dominic and Griffin when they didn't take Justine's fears seriously, forcing her to take matters into her own hands. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with Justine showing her strength and courage.

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