This is the first time reading Sherry Thomas. I know she makes a lot of people's favorite authors list but most of her titles feature "second-chance-at-love" premises which I rarely enjoy.I was so happy to stumble upon this one and now I understand what all the fuss is about when it comes to her writing.
I was a bit concerned in the beginning because the hero's idiot role-playing seemed a bit far-fetched. Also, I was worried this was a love-at-first sight romance based on Ellisande and Vere's reactions upon meeting. Never fear. The author deftly steered it in another direction and I was hooked. I'm a sucker for lonely/isolated heroes who reluctantly fall in love and heroines who take control of their destiny.
The side characters didn't distract from the romance and added some humor. The mystery/suspense plot was nicely woven in and I wasn't skimming page upon page of pointless action waiting for the romance to pick back up again. In fact, a few plot twists actually surprised me. Usually I can seem them coming from miles away.
Overall, I highly recommend this book if you like humor, solid romantic/sexual tension and lonely-no-more heroes.
