Tom Severin is a railway magnate who loves a challenge but grows bored soon after accomplishing his goal. His latest goal is winning over Cassandra Ravenel, a beautiful and quiet woman more interested in love than being a challenge.

I pre-ordered this title the day I saw it on sale. I know I will be reading it again because I absolutely loved it! Based on the blurb, I was honestly expecting another title where the hero and heroine marry immediately and then come to love each other throughout. And I was okay with that because it’s a great trope. I can say I was pleasantly surprised, however, when that is not what happened.

I fell in love with Tom in the first chapter. He considered himself to be such a controlled and calm man and immediately lets his emotions take over the first time he meets Cassandra. He regained control of his composure, but it was those little glimpses of his heart throughout the book that just made me adore him. I loved Cassandra, too, even if it took maybe one more chapter. She is just such a good person but had a quiet strength about her that let her go after what she really wanted in her life. That’s what made her such a good match for Tom because she wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself with him and tell him no when she needed to.

As I said, the plot surprised me and didn’t go the direction I was expecting, at all. It was nice to see Cassandra and Tom get to know each other throughout without being forced into marriage at the very beginning (even though I love that trope). The major conflict near the end felt real and didn’t feel like just a plot device to force Tom and Cassandra together. Overall, this was just a fabulous read, and I cannot wait for Lisa Kleypas’ next!