The Princess Stakes by Amalie Howard Historical romance stand-alone. Second chance and fake relationship troupes. When her father, the maharaja, is murdered, Sarani fears for her life, and escapes onto a boat that’s leaving Bombay that night. The boat Captain just happens to be her one time crush that she was force to jilt upon her fathers commands. It’s a long voyage and Sarani is willing to work her share of chores. The Duke of Embry, aka the Captain, comes up with a plan that will suit them both when they reach London. A fake engagement. The ending was brilliant with the heroine using her skills, her pride and receiving the family support. Absolutely loved it. Captivating with unexpected twists. This book is heavily weighted with dIversity issues. There are a few steamy hot scenes as the couple becomes emotionally connected and they begin a romance of true love. I skimmed over a dozen pages between 40% and 60% as the couple distanced themselves from each other while entering London society. Angsty maybe. I was drawn back in by the intrigue and the strength of the characters as their past kept coming up. This book also includes many time specific words that wouldn’t be used in today’s modern language. They were easily understood in context and I enjoyed looking them up occasionally for the specific definition. Excerpt - Sarani panics: “He stuck out his hand. “I propose a truce, then.” “A what?” “Truce. A cease-fire. Temporary amnesty.” She glared at him, ignoring his hand. “I know what truce means, you jackanapes. No one, least of all your mother, is going to be convinced that we are a love match. This is foolish. She’ll see right through this. Through me.” Her feeble confidence dissolved as panic set in. “I have a feisty tongue, made worse by weeks spent with your crew. I despise being told what to do. I couldn’t possibly make you or any Englishman a dutiful, proper wife. This is impossible.” Excerpt from The Princess Stakes by Amalie Howard The afterward is a bit of history and the voice of the author who knows the mixed culture and has incorporated it and risen to heights we can all aspire to in acceptance and understanding. I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.