This story tells what happens when two people marry for shallow reasons to find they really don't know one another all that well. Lady Perdita Selby is young, beautiful and married to one of London's most desirable gentlemen, the Duke of Fletcher. Poppy and Fletch are the talk of the ton because to everyone else, their marriage is perfect. But inside the Fletcher household, that could not be farther from the truth. Poppy is frigid when it comes to lovemaking and ever since before she was married, Poppy's mother has told her how awful lovemaking is, and naturally Poppy does not look on the act kindly when she marries. The Duke of Fletcher could not be more opposite than his frigid wife. He is sensual, and virile and when he married Poppy, he expected to have a wonderful time between the sheets because to him, she represented the epitome of sensuality. But this is not the case and Fletcher becomes disheartened whenever he considers the lack of intimacy between he and Poppy.
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When he tries discussing this with Poppy, she could care less because she never expected lovemaking to be enjoyable. Furthermore, she was destined to marry a Duke and this goal has been fulfilled. When it becomes even more apparent to the Duke that Poppy's opinion about lovemaking is seriously distorted and will not change, it causes and even bigger rift in their marriage, forcing Poppy out of the home the couple share. Upon leaving, Poppy takes up residence with a friend and fellow Duchess. While gone Poppy rediscovers her love for Naturalism and immerses herself in studying it. She also learns a thing or two about intimacy that interests her.
Fletch misses his wife terribly and dives into his work at the House of Lords to distract him from the his sexual urges that have grown stronger. He considers taking a mistress but this idea fades just as quickly when he realizes it's Poppy he wants to be with. When unforeseen circumstances throw the husband and wife back together again, Poppy and Fletch discover a passion for oneh other that neither has known before. Not only are they making love but they are falling even deeper in love than they ever were before. In the end they must decide if they will let their hearts lead them to happily ever after or will their differences be enough to tear them apart.
Best part of story, including ending:
I loved this story because it showed that no matter what condition a marriage might be in, there is always the possibility of rediscovering why you fell in love with that person. It is hopeful and inspirational for anyone missing love and/or intimacy while in a relationship.
Best scene in story:
My favorite scene is when Poppy and Fletch are in Paris. The snow makes this scene so romantic and I really got a chance to be inside of Fletcher's head. From his thoughts and expectations we see that he did not get what he bargained for as a husband when marrying Poppy.
Opinion about the main character:
I loved that Poppy had other interests. Eloisa James does a wonderful job in writing realistic heroines that are in love with their heroes but not utterly and completely consumed by that love.
