I really loved this, despite the minor annoyance I knocked half a star off for*. Lester really nails the exact balance of romance and historical intrigue that I love – the war stuff is interesting and horrifying and just devastating enough; the fashion PR (in Dior!) stuff is a blast to see unveiled and pulled off with such charming flair; and the story climax felt like it was ramped up to with just enough stakes.

*The emotional climax is the only thing that sort of bugged me. And that's partly because I think Alix & Anthony are fantastically likable, with their push & pull & thawing EXACTLY the vibe I love. But the blowout fight they have, while feeling cogent as part of the greater story, still had me grasping a bit, for what I don't know. But genuinely other than that – the romance stuff was top notch.

Also, what a fantastic cast of characters. Ex-loves and present loves, ex-enemies, and incredibly bright women with sharp edges. I loved all of Alix's friends and the people she wraps her roots around in Paris. I loved it and can't wait to read more Lester.