It's been 4.5 years since I last read a book in this series (literally the only thing Goodreads is good for, appreciate that tracking data) and I forgot how much I love it. This book was practically perfect in every way. Reasonable conflict that was not too drawn out and with not too much angst. Free was the PERFECT heroine, and I don't say that only because she was partially modeled on Nellie Bly who I've been obsessed with since I was in elementary school. Forthright and principled and headstrong and stubborn. And Edward was a lovely broken hero, but not cold in his brokenness. The way they just made each other laugh and found such amusement in each other when sparring was the level of banter that I am looking for in a romance of any genre, but especially in a historical. Loved it, loved it, loved it.