Devil in Spring

This was exactly what I needed after the disappointment that was [b:A Scot in the Dark 27067875 A Scot in the Dark (Scandal & Scoundrel #2) Sarah MacLean https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1468811089s/27067875.jpg 46822469]! Kleypas does shared-universe right - the returning characters didn't feel shoehorned in or unnecessary, but were essential to the plot. (Minor gripe: Cassandra felt really sidelined here, especially for a character that's Pandora's twin sister! Would have loved to see more of her.) I really loved the chemistry between the main characters and that this plot didn't have a lot of over-the-top angst or ridiculous fake obstacles to the marriage. Pandora's concerns are treated respectfully and, seemingly, realistically for the time. The plot takes a kind of strange left turn at about 80% in that seems more designed to set up the next book than anything else, but that's not unusual, even though I would have appreciated more time spent on the main storyline instead. Despite that, this was perfectly refreshing and a book I couldn't stop reading. And also hooray for historical romances that don't end with the obligatory baby!!