Kate Westbrook dreams on using her beauty and the assistance of her aunt to restore her and her sister's place in society to what it would have been had their father not married an actress. Though she is disappointed to learn that her aunt's plans (now that her own daughters are all married off) are actually to find her a place as a lady's companion rather than a husband, she is still determined to make the most of her opportunities and marry for the advantages it can bring, not romance.
Nick Blackshear, a young barrister, accepted years ago that Kate would not return his feelings. Besides, there has been a recent scandal in his family that means there is no way he could help her with the redemption of her family's reputation. But now her father has asked him to keep an eye on her while at events with a nobleman he hopes may further his own political ambitions.
I enjoy her unusual characters and the new twists she puts on well known tropes, plus I am fond of friends-to-lovers stories. Some other reviews have mentioned having trouble liking the characters, but I actually enjoy their practical streaks. That said, something about this book didn't work quite as well for me as Lady Awakened did. But then less than perfect Cecilia Grant is still better than a lot of other authors.
Overall Grade: B