Falling for a Black Sheep by Emily Barnett

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Jane Austen's quote, "The loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable," has been said and re-quoted countless times. In this instance, however, it wasn’t her virtue in question, but her outspokenness regarding the lack of love in Adrien’s marriage betrothal, which she deemed a tragedy. This resulted in a five-year banishment by her brother and the ton. Now returned, she must endure the resurfacing of old gossip, making Austen's quote feel particularly relevant, and frankly, tiresome by the book's midpoint. The repetition of this sentiment became monotonous. Despite this, the story itself is engaging with well-developed characters. The Duke, her brother, however, was so stiff that his character felt brittle under the unfolding events. The narrative builds to a dramatic climax and concludes with a satisfactory resolution.