I really enjoyed a lot in this series set-up - the meet-cute is epically hilarious (and historically authentic apparently?! incredible), and the female main character, Lady Nora, is excellent. Our male main character, Julius, was very meh for me. I love reformed rake stories, but this rake, for all his "let your actions speak for you," acted in some really absurd ways that I still can't quite make sense of. He spends a lot of on-page time with a former mistress, and while I love that Shupe isn't using the "Other Woman" as a villain, nor is she leaning too hard into creating jealousy or a love triangle, it ultimately feels unresolved and annoying. Love declarations arise out of some big third act drama and leave a pretty valid conflict unaddressed entirely, and while I think we're meant to just assume it's all fine, I'm a suspicious (and jealous) water sign who would like characters to say the thing on page if they really mean it. Therefore, points deducted for lack of explicit declaration of fidelity from Julius. Nora is perfect, no notes for her.