This novella is another fantastic work set in the Gilded Age. It starts off with a bang, and keeps the heat going. Rose is a young actress who moved from Ohio, and Moore is a rich tycoon who is obsessed with her - watching her performances for weeks in the same show. She’s forward and he loves it. She resists being his mistress, but she eventually breaks down. The class difference also plays in to her not wanting to be beholden to any man, and he just buys her a house. You know, normal.

The story of Rose and Moore is well paced. Whitney-Dunn satisfies as the villain who brings the conflict for Rose and Moore to a head. Moore’s mother comes in clutch in the end. And it all finishes with a superb grand gesture and grovel. Though I do agree with Rose - he does appear to have more money than sense.

Thanks so much to the author for an advanced copy to read and review!