reviewsbyerin

Luke Delacroix has cut a dashing figure across the first two books of Camden's Hope and Glory series, and now he has his own chance to shine. Back in Washington, DC, after his stint in a Cuban jail, Luke's mission is to see certain congressmen ousted from their positions for their support over untested preservatives and fillers in mass-produced canned food. The root of Luke's dedication is the Delacroix's generations-long feud with the Magruder family, whose food empire has been known to use questionable practices.

One winter day Luke helps rescue a dog, and falls half in love with the spunky woman who assisted him. They manage to form a friendship before either of them realizes their last names: He's a Delacroix, and she's Marianne Magruder, the daughter of Luke's sworn enemy.

Marianne traverses Washington as a photographer for the Department of the Interior, documenting the status of buildings around the district. When she's sent on a job to photograph the new hygienic table trials—a months-long human experiment on food preservatives—she runs into Luke again.

This book is full of fascinating history surrounding Washington, DC, in 1902, as well the beginning of what would eventually be the Food and Drug Administration. Luke's vibrancy and Marianne's loyalty provide the perfect blend of personalities to carry the ins and outs of the plot. I enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet romance, and found this to be another winner from this author!

Content warning: There is one instance of actual swearing in this book, which took me by surprise. Use your own discretion about choosing this or any other reading material.

I received my copy of the book from the publisher. All thoughts in this review are my own.