Although I'm not a huge fan of historical romance, I actually found this book to 1) hold my interest, and 2) be a fun read. Probably wouldn't have picked it up on the shelf (especially when looking at the cover -- blech!), but my book group received it as a free book. I give it between a 3.5-4.0. If you are a fan of Downton Abbey (which I am), then you will enjoy this book. It has a bit of everything you would expect in a novel set in 19th C England --- intrigue, disguises, duels, pirates, honor, manners, chivalry, love, etc. It was nice that so much of the story revolved around the lives of the wait staff, who knew about everything going on!