I loved this story. The title itself drew me in and I always enjoy “fake fiancee” tropes. However, as always with the Brandon series, the story is more than just the (lovely) romance. It involves adventure and jeopardy that added exciting, page-turning elements that kept me reading until the small hours.

I was struck by the numerous moments of jeopardy throughout the story. From Adam and Camilla’s initial doubts about Leo’s involvement with Grace Chartley to whether Leo would be forced to offer marriage to someone he hardly knew and on through all the twists and turns engendered by Sir Jerome’s headlong rush to obtain Mariella’s inheritance: these added a frisson of danger that made me want to keep reading.

This novel works as an exciting, adventure story. There is plenty of action, danger and suspense, as Adam, Camilla and M Section hunt down Sir Jerome and Cox. It is a real battle of wits supported by good detective work, gritty determination and a certain imaginative panache.

However, it is the central relationship between Leo and Mariella that is the beating heart of the story. Their love story is woven seamlessly with the thriller elements and is all the richer for it.

Leo is a real triumph. We have had captivating glimpses of him in Trick of Fate and Under a Dark Moon, but it was wonderful to see the whole of his character revealed as the story progresses. We already know that he is handsome, intelligent, charming and very talented so I really liked that Adam and Camilla set the scene early on in this novel, wondering how Leo would cope with adversity. I enjoyed watching Leo increase in confidence and decisiveness in dealing with the problems that beset him. I loved his understanding, compassion and sensitivity, especially in his relationship with Donato. His dealings with Donato revealed the essence and depth of his personality, as did his amazing portrait of Sebastian. Who could fail to melt at his protective instincts and care for Mariella.

Mariella is also an interesting character. She is more subtly drawn: she is quietly strong, intelligent, honourable and fiercely protective of her little brother. Her proposal to Leo was quite bold and demonstrates strength of character. Mariella’s shy pleasure in her new life in London; the way she immediately fit into Leo’s family and was accepted by his circle of friends; her sense of humour and her quiet dignity in dealing with the way she had been treated by Sir Jerome are all qualities that make her attractive to Leo.

I really liked the way Leo’s love story with Mariella developed. There was no “coup de foudre” for him, although Mariella fell in love with Leo at first sight. The enforced proximity of the fake betrothal enabled us to see the rapport build between them to the point where Leo realised that Mariella was essential to his happiness. His realisation of his love is truly delightful.

One of Ms Riley’s greatest strengths is her creation of wonderfully vivid and authentic characters. Donato is a lovely example. It must have been tricky to get the balance right but there are no false notes, and he is just delightful, adding so much depth to the story.

Readers of Ms Riley’s novels will recognise many characters from her previous stories. This is another aspect of her writing that I particularly like. The new story is fresh and exciting but it is set against a recognisable background. It is lovely to meet so many old friends: Adam and Camilla, Sebastian and Cassie and the operatives from M Section. The novel does work as a standalone, but it is so much richer if you know the previous stories in the Brandon Brothers series. Indeed, if you have not read them or the Rockliffe novels, you have a veritable treat in store. They are all a similarly high standard.

I don’t want to talk about the actual Montesoro legacy for fear of spoilers. However, the denouement of the story offers us the opportunity to go on a beautifully described journey and is a fitting conclusion to a wonderful story. I just loved it.
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