I kept seeing this series and actually have them on my kindle, but did not get around to reading them yet. But something about this synopsis just pulled me in and I wanted to give this new-to-me author a try sooner rather than later. And even though the characters from the first books were featured in this one, it can be read as a total standalone and it just makes me want to go back and read more about their courtships. This is a quirky and loyal group of friends, and it is now time for them to help their sweet friend Penny...Lady Penelope Campion.

Penny is a self-imposed wallflower and avoids society expectations. She is caring, loyal, romantic, but an object of ridicule and pity. She has her reasons that she keeps to herself. She spends in her time taking care of her menagerie of misfit animals and being a good friend. But when her aunt gives her an ultimatum, she has to take a hard look at her life and figure out how she can win more approval.

Gabriel Duke, otherwise known as the Duke of Ruin, is temporarily staying next door as he supervises renovations of his newly acquired property. He is glad to have a Lady next door to raise up property values but had no idea how odd this Lady could be. He has survived a rough past and is known for his cutthroat business practices and wealth gained by the misfortune of others. He is a ruthless, shameless, rough-edged beast with a black heart who does not care to conform to society.

These two come from different backgrounds, worlds, and beliefs. They share a common ground of self-worth issues and are two outcasts to society despite money or station. And somehow they start to become catalysts for change. Maybe it is time for Penny to show her backbone and be her own person. And somehow he finds himself wanting to show Penny her hidden value even if he cannot find it in himself. There just might be a heart hidden under his invincible facade that only she can see. They find lust, trust, and appreciation of each other's idiosyncracies. But they are not the clear cut answers to each other's problems and there are plenty of challenges both due to personal issues and societal standards. There are some secrets and twists along the way as well.

This also features her groups of friends and their significant others Emma, Ash, Alexandra, Chase, and Nicola. They, along with other entertaining side characters both animal and human add some drama and comic relief. I loved all the fun and witty banter between the friends and the couple. It reads fast and does not get bogged down like some historicals do with language and descriptions. I enjoyed this story and am interested enough to want to read the rest of the series.