Though the story line is similar to some others I have read. I did enjoy this one. Written during Elizabethian times- the widower Sir Edmund Blackwell is having to accept an offer made by his ex-father-in-law to get the castle and lands back into shape and it will take a large sum of money. A bride and large dowry has been offered to Edmund with strings attached. It is made clear that the father-in-law is out to ruin Edmund. But Edmund is not one to turn down a challenge and accepts. He is to marry his deceased wife's cousin and if she is anything like Elizabeth was, Edmund is in for a miserable time. But she turns out to be just the opposite. Gwyneth Hall doesn't realize she is being used like a pawn and goes into this marriage to make it a success though she has never even met Edmund. With time Edmund lets his guard down to see Gwyneth as she really is and Gwyneth learns that there is a different person behind that face of Edmund's. Full of passion, some humorous bits, and over-all enjoyable
Rated '3/5 - Open door' for steam/spice/heat level.