I read historical romances as escapist fiction. I usually find it fairly easy to suspend my misbelief and just enjoy the read. I'm not looking for fine literature when I read them, and don't need a brilliant piece of writing. But...This was the first book by Mary Jo Putney that I have read, and it will be my last. Where to begin. The heroine is not interesting, and not particularly likeable. But the hero is worse - one of the least compelling I've ever encountered. All he does is ruminate, feel sad, demonstrate his kindness by saving puppies and birds, and design a flower-garden. It's not sigh-inducing stuff, unless you like wimpy heroes. The chemistry seems non-existent. Despite the major plot contrivance (amnesia, which is a bit boring and overdone to begin with) there seems little tension or any "hurdles" for the two protaganists to overcome. They simply fall in love in insipid fashion. That also reminds me - the book is pretty steam-free. So if you like some heat in your romances, this is not for you. The other plot devices, which don't really get going until the last 100 pages and then resolve themselves without any suspense, in my view, are either boring or totally ridiculous. The secret revealed at the end about the heroine's family had me rolling my eyes. Seriously, this is not a good book, even for devoted romance fans who enjoy a fun and frivolous romance novel. Try Lisa Kleypas, Stephanie Laurens or Elizabeth Hoyt instead...