Battle lines are drawn!

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Tempt Me with Diamonds (London Jewels #1) by Jane Feather    
This had all ingredients for a captivating read.
There's the feisty young woman (Diana Sommerville) used to getting her own way. (Ok so she's spoilt, and then some).
The handsome ex fiancé Colonel Rupert Lacey who was Diana's brother best friend. Rupert and Jeremy were fighting in the Boer War in South Africa, when Jem was killed in battle.
It's Diana's deceased brother's will and the two protagonists having been left a joint inheritance that sparks trouble. Rupert has inherited half the estate and other interests, including a racing horse Jem and Diana had been raising and nursing along since a colt.
Diana comes to blows with Rupert over the town house. In the end they share it (and pretend to all that they'd married in South Africa as had been planned.) Now thats a situation waiting to be blown sky high! The atmosphere inside the house is decidedly cool and how the staff manage is to be wondered at.
There are two dedicated minders (Diana's ex nanny and Rupert's batman come valet) who are at their wit's end.
Their situation has all the hallmarks for a strong story but to me it falls flat.
The so called chemistry seemed too manufactured. Would be interesting situations just didn't follow through.

 A NetGalley ARC

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