Publisher: Avon Books, March 4, 2021

Format: ebook

Pages: 384

Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

The widowed Diana, Lady Templeton and Jeremy, Marquess of Willingham are infamous among English high society as much for their sharp-tongued bickering as their flirtation. One evening, an argument at a ball turns into a serious wager: Jeremy will marry within the year or Diana will forfeit one hundred pounds. So shortly after, just before a fortnight-long house party at Elderwild, Jeremy’s country estate, Diana is shocked when Jeremy appears at her home with a very different kind of proposition.

After his latest mistress unfavorably criticized his skills in the bedroom, Jeremy is looking for reassurance, so he has gone to the only woman he trusts to be totally truthful. He suggests that they embark on a brief affair while at the house party—Jeremy can receive an honest critique of his bedroom skills and widowed Diana can use the gossip to signal to other gentlemen that she is interested in taking a lover.

Diana thinks taking him up on his counter-proposal can only help her win her wager. With her in the bedroom and Jeremy’s marriage-minded grandmother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Willingham, helping to find suitable matches among the eligible ladies at Elderwild, Diana is confident her victory is assured. But while they’re focused on winning wagers, they stand to lose their own hearts.

My Review:

Thank you to Atria Books for the copy of this book.
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Read if you like: enemies to lovers, fun and witty romance.
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I absolutely loved this one. I typically enjoy the enemies to lovers trope in romance, and this one did not disappoint. We have two main characters, Diana and Jeremy, and they make a bet that Jeremy, a notorious rake, will marry within the year. The two have a history of arguing with each other, but this bet brings them a bit closer together.
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I loved Diana as the protagonist. She is a widow who married during her first season because she knew that this was the only way for a woman to gain any semblance of freedom in society. Now that she is truly free, she is reluctant to give up those freedoms by marrying again. Jeremy was also an interesting character as he was not quite what he seemed on the outside.
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Overall, I loved the witty banter, and it was a bit silly but a great read.