Miss Emma Henley had always been eclipsed by her beautiful sister, even her mother has given up on Emma ever finding a husband. Emma, along with her similarly politically inclined friends Olivia and Sara, has found her purpose in various noble causes. Emma has also struck an improbable friendship with renowned rake Lord Theo Collington; he's handsome, witty, a wastrel and marriage is the last thing on his mind. Neither feels threatened by the other, they enjoy their interactions, and yet there's an unmistakable attraction that could prove troublesome. . . 

THE AWAKENING OF MISS HENLEY presents a welcome twist on the rake and the bluestocking trope. She's plain and ignored, he's dashing and popular, and they get along so well because she is unfazed by the dashing rogue while he is intrigued by her intelligence and determination, and doesn't feel threatened. I loved that they truly are friends, how they constantly challenge each other, trading quips, exchanging ideas, helping each other grow. Emma is observant, perceptive, blunt and bold, Theo is a worthy opponent, which translates into scintillating dialogues where unsuspected longings from either side eventually surface. And the best of all this is that we are shown, there is no telling here, and it is divine!

Theo has a secret passion, and I found interesting how Julia Justiss shows us the limitations to which both men and women were subjected for very different reasons. Emma chose to go forward and live the life she wants, conscious of the social implications and doing her best to limit the potential damages. Doing so, she inspires Theo to finally do something meaningful with his life. THE AWAKENING OF MISS HENLEY is a delightful slow burn, and I loved how Theo never pressured Emma in spite of his desire, and his honesty for his reason to remain a bachelor. He cares deeply about Emma as a person and respects her.

Almost from the beginning, the air crackles with sexual tension, yet nothing is rushed. The romance happens organically, the intimate scenes are wonderfully sensuous, playful and tender. Ms. Justiss' prose is flawless, so evocative that every emotion permeates the narrative, subtly yet powerfully. Olivia Overton made a very strong impression on me in a crucial passage, and I can't wait to read her story in the new exciting series, The Cinderella Spinsters.

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