This book, the second in the Castles Ever After series, was a fun, light read that featured a smart, forward-thinking heroine, a handsome lord turned prizefighter, and an absent fiancee. Clio has been engaged to Piers Brandon for 8 years and has waited patiently for him to return from his travels as a diplomat, but after inheriting a castle of her own she begins to think for herself and is ready to move on from the engagement. Piers' brother, Rafe, meanwhile, is the black sheep of the family but he loves his brother so he makes it his mission to convince Clio to keep the engagement and marry his brother. Clio and Rafe are childhood friends, and the reconnection that happens while he's attempting to convince her to marry Piers (which involves some hilarious attempts at wedding planning) causes their relationship to change in unexpected ways. 
 What I really loved about this book was Clio; she was smart, capable, and put her education to good use to find a way to take care of herself. She realized that she still had a lot of growing up to do and, at age 25, started to come into her own and understand what she really wanted. She had to overcome a childhood with an overprotective and at times damaging mother, learn how to care for her unique younger sister, and deal with her socialite of a middle sister. I loved reading about how she became more and more empowered and confident throughout the book, and was practically cheering for her towards the end of the book. It took me a little longer to warm up to Rafe, the hero, but he also was a layered character who had a lot of growing to do throughout the story and I ended up being completely invested in their relationship. 
 I'm excited to read the next book in this series!