To Lady Wilhelmina Bettesford, the "game" of finding a husband is a competitive sport she wants no part of...until her much-younger step mama forces her to play it. So when her stepmother asks sexy barrister Bram Townsend to pretend to woo the amateur astronomer to boost Wilhelmina's popularity, it's up to Wilhelmina to navigate a fake courtship that will keep the family from forcing her into a marriage--any marriage--before she finally receives the inheritance that will allow her to live as she wants.
The trouble is every time Bram takes her in his arms she has a most difficult time remembering theirs is an act...the make-believe passion feels very real indeed.
Bram is an orphan who was raised in a local orphanage and eventually adopted by a wonderful couple who raised him. He grew up to be a successful barrister and very starchy and set in his ways. He has goals of becoming a judge and, if he were to marry, it would be to someone very quiet and proper who would not cause a disruption to his goals.
Wilhelmina Bettesfords mother died when she was young and recently her father came home with a new bride, who is five years younger than Mina. But all Mina wants is to make it six more months so she can gain her inheritance and move to the country with her aunt, spend her days studying astronomy and live without a spouse controlling her.
Mina and Bram chance a meeting when he believes she is about to jump off a bridge when she is simply trying to get a better view to star gaze. Then, they bump into each other again when her parents bid on Bram at a charity auction! After that night, neither of them can seem to stop thinking about the other and the passionate kiss!
After seeing Mina on the arm of a handsome man, other gentleman took notice and showed interest in Mina. So Alethea and her father, determined to see her married, ask Bram to pretend interest in her so that other men will continue to notice her. Mina is obviously outraged but Bram agrees so he can help her avoid the wanted affects of her parents plan. Their fake relationship has an unwanted effect though…they start to develop feelings for each other…feelings other than the lust they both admit to having for each other.
Bram and Mina are both very intelligent, interesting character and, honestly, we’re made for each other. Both scientific and honest, they made for some funny banter and conversations! I really liked Bram’s friends a lot and am curious to read their stories in the future. However, I wasn’t really embedded in the story…I thought it was adorable that they were both virgins and their first time was so cute! And funny! But I just didn’t feel much passion between them; it might have been because, as was their nature, everything was very calculated as only two scientists could do! Again, cute couple, fun fake relationship, but just wasn’t moved by the couple or their relationship.
Historical Romance, Victorian Era, Ton Society, Beta/Cinnamon Roll Hero, Orphan Hero, Lawyer/Barrister Hero, Self-Made Hero, Starchy Hero, Virgin Hero, Aggressive Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Independent Heroine, Scientist Heroine, Wallflower Heroine, Fake Relationship, Lost Heir, Class Difference, Uptown Girl, Auction, Three Star, Two Flame
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