Will's True Wish - Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Feb 2016)

Series: True Gentlemen (Book 3)

It's a dog's life...

Will Dorning, as an earl's spare, has accepted the thankless duty of managing his rambunctious younger siblings, though Will's only true companions are the dogs he's treasured since boyhood. When aristocratic London is plagued with a series of dognappings, Will's brothers are convinced that he's the only person who can save the stolen canines from an awful fate.

But the lady's choice...

Shy, bookish Lady Susannah Haddonfield has no patience with loud, smelly beasts of any species, but must appear to like dogs so as not to offend her sister's only marital prospect. Susannah turns to Will, an acquaintance from her most awkward adolescent years, to teach her how to impersonate a dog fancier. Will has long admired Susannah, though he lacks the means to offer for her, and yet as they work together to rescue the purloined pets, it's loyal, dashing Will who steals Susannah's heart.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Though it dragged a little bit in a few places, the rest more than made up for it. Will and Susannah have a little bit of a history before the start of this book. Seven years earlier, Susannah was in her first Season and the victim of a pair of particularly nasty fellow debutantes. Will, being the truly nice guy that he is, stepped in to give Susannah a bit of confidence. They parted ways not long after, but Susannah never forgot Will's kindness.

Fast forward to the present, and Susannah is back in London, this time as a chaperone for her younger sister, Della. Susannah would rather spend her time reading her beloved Shakespeare than spend time in Society, but she is determined to help Della land a husband. Then she can go back to her books and be content as the maiden aunt. Unfortunately, her sister's one beau is a self-avowed dog lover, and Susannah most definitely is not. So she went to Will to ask him to teach her how to look like a dog lover.

Will is the second son of the cash-strapped Dorning family. He has taken on the responsibility of watching out for his younger brothers, a headache of major proportions. His preferred activity is the training and breeding of dogs, and he prefers their company to that of humans. He has also never forgotten Susannah, and over the years has found himself watching her from a safe distance.

I really liked both Will and Susannah. Will is a nice guy. He is honorable, kind, and loves his family, even though they frequently exasperate him. I loved watching him with the various dogs, his patience and understanding of their varied temperaments were obvious. He was equally patient with the various owners, who were much harder to train. Susannah is strong and determined. She no longer worries too much about what people say about her. She's comfortable with her old maid status. She also loves her family and is determined to do her best to make Della's season a successful one. I did get a little frustrated with her focus on shoving Della and Effington together, especially since it is so clear that he isn't a good man.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Will and Susannah. There are sparks between them from the beginning, as well as an undeniable connection. Will tried very hard to resist the attraction, making it very clear to Susannah that he is in no position to make an offer for her. While Susannah would like to have forever, she will try to be content with having him for as long as she can. I enjoyed their interactions, especially when Susannah put her mind to distracting Will from his honorable position. I did get a little frustrated with Will at times because he was so convinced of his unsuitability when he actually had a lot going for him. I also thoroughly enjoyed her "dog lover" sessions and the clear evidence that she wasn't as "anti-dog" as she thought she was. I liked the way that Will brought Susannah out of her shell and the time spent with Susannah helps Will let go of some of his control issues with his brothers. I loved the ending and seeing Will realize that a future with Susannah is possible after all. His discussion with his brother-in-law, Worth, about his finances and his plans was pretty funny, but quintessentially Will. His big moment with Susannah was sweet, with an additional twist for him.

The secondary story with Susannah's sister, Della, and her suitor was interesting. Susannah's determination to get Della married off quickly seemed a little extreme to me, and a bit selfish. It was especially annoying as more of Effington's personality was revealed. I had a great deal of fun watching Will's brother, Ash, stir that pot whenever he could. It was no surprise to see him show such protectiveness toward Della the more time he spent with her. I thought Della was a little naïve about her relationship with Effington, especially once her true feelings and intentions were revealed. I thought that Effington was creepy from the beginning and those feelings grew stronger as the book went on.

The mystery of the missing dogs was a good addition to the story. I was a little disappointed in Will's reluctance to get involved at first, though his reasons were logical. His brothers, Cam and Ash, had no such qualms and I loved watching the two of them and their attempts. Even Susannah got into the act of trying to convince Will to take action. The final confrontation was fantastic, with an intensity that kept me on the edge of my seat until it was over. I loved seeing how it all came together, with Susannah playing a significant part. I laughed out loud at her actions once the dognapper was captured.

Out of all the secondary characters, my favorites were the dogs. I loved Will's Georgette and her obvious affection for both him and Susannah. Each of the other dogs had their own personalities and unique relationships with their owners. I loved watching the various interactions between owners and pups, and between owners and Will as he tried to train the owners along with the dogs.

To Love a Duchess - Karen Ranney (Avon - Aug 2018)

Series: All for Love (Book 1)

Undercover as a majordomo, spy Adam Drummond has infiltrated Marsley House with one purpose only -- to plunder its mysteries and gather proof that the late Duke of Marsley was an unforgivable traitor to his country. At the same time, Adam is drawn to a more beguiling puzzle: the young and still-grieving duchess -- a beauty with impenetrable secrets of her own. For Drummond, uncovering them without exposing his masquerade will require the most challenging and tender moves of his career.

That a servant can arouse such passion in her is too shocking for Suzanne Whitcomb, Duchess of Marsley, to consider. Yet nothing quickens her pulse like Drummond’s touch. It’s been two years since the duke lost his life in a tragic accident -- and even longer since she’s been treated like a woman. But when Drummond’s real mission is revealed, and the truth behind Suzanne’s grief comes to light, every secret conspired to tear them apart is nothing compared to the love that can hold them together.

Good book with a different kind of romantic pairing. In this case, we have a commoner hero and titled heroine. Suzanne is the Duchess of Marsley. Her husband had died two years earlier, and since then she has just been going through the motions of daily life. When her father orders her to act as hostess for him, she does it, no questions asked. When her maid gives her a "tonic," she takes it. She goes through her days feeling detached from everything around her. Then an encounter with her majordomo shakes her out of her apathy.

Adam is a former soldier who now works for the War Department's Silent Service. His current assignment is to go undercover to Marsley House as the majordomo. This gives him the opportunity to search the house for evidence that the late duke was a traitor to his country. Everything was going smoothly, if slowly, until the duchess returned to London from her country home. He doesn't expect to be intrigued by and protective of the lovely widow.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Adam and Suzanne. It began with a bang, as Adam stopped her from what he thought was a suicide attempt. There were sparks of attraction from the start. Those sparks lit the fire in Suzanne that helped her break out of the daze she had been in. Both Adam and Suzanne are intrigued by the other and find it impossible to stay away. I loved Adam's protectiveness and how he took care of her when she was hurting. His sympathy and understanding when he found out the reason for the depth of her grief was one more thing that helped Suzanne break out of her fog. I loved seeing him support her as she began to take back control of her life. Suzanne was just as intrigued by Adam and found herself taking every chance she could to spend time with him. The feelings between them grew stronger the more time they spent together. I loved the fact that Adam told Suzanne the truth about why he was there and then listened to what she had to say afterward. I ached for him as he walked away at the end, believing that there was no chance for a future with Suzanne. I loved seeing her go after what she wanted, in spite of the obstacles before her. I hope we see more of them in later books.

The mystery of the missing journal and the guilt or innocence of the late duke was very interesting. With Adam's experiences in India and his knowledge of the duke's activities, Adam was convinced of the duke's guilt. This case was personal for him and gave him extra motivation to complete it. There were times when I felt that it blinded Adam to other possibilities. That changed as he got to know Suzanne, and questions were raised in his mind. There were some interesting twists and turns that came out once Adam and Suzanne began to work together to find the truth. The revelations at the end had some unexpected elements as well as confirming a couple of my suspicions.

 

The French Maid - Sabrina Jeffries (Pocket - Apr 2012)

Lady Eleanor Langston has a problem: her husband Henry, prime-minister-in-the-making, is too caught up in his work to notice her. Despite her involvement in his various public appearances, she feels shut out of his life, especially with their one-year anniversary looming. When Henry hires a highly recommended French lady’s maid without consulting her, Eleanor’s anger can't be contained—until she meets her. With Babette’s help, Eleanor arms herself with the one weapon that will make Henry notice her as a woman—her inner siren.

Short and sweet story. Eleanor and Henry have been married for almost a year. Eleanor is very much in love with her husband, but he is oblivious to her feelings. He is a workaholic, devoting most of his time to his political career. He appreciates her presence when he needs her to support him, and her willingness to amuse herself when he's otherwise occupied. When her lady's maid leaves to get married, Henry hires a new maid without any input from her. Eleanor is ready to pitch a fit until she meets Babette.

Babette sees the problem very quickly. Eleanor loves her husband and wants more from him, but is afraid to ask. She fears rejection and would rather muddle along as is than to risk losing what she has. She doesn't have any confidence in her ability to gain and retain her husband's interest. Meanwhile, Henry is intent on protecting himself from losing control and focus and does so by keeping Eleanor at a distance.

I loved Babette's motivational abilities. Her speech to Eleanor, telling her that if she wants more from Henry, she has to be willing to risk it all, gave Eleanor the boost she needed. The addition of the sexy nightgown was a great attention-getter and served its purpose very well. But though the night proved promising with its heat and the amazing connection between Henry and Eleanor, there are still issues to be resolved. That same connection that gave Eleanor such hope sent Henry running. He suffers from his own fears and insecurities, and in his attempt to protect himself he breaks Eleanor's heart. I was happy to see him suffer a bit as he tried to deal with the intensity of his feelings. I loved the eye-opening lecture he received from Babette and the effect it had on him.

The conclusion was sweet and romantic. I loved Henry's big moment as he admitted his feelings and confessed his fears. The gift he had for Eleanor was perfect and showed his commitment to making their marriage work.

Notorious Pleasures - Elizabeth Hoyt (Grand Central - Jan 2011)

Series: Maiden Lane (Book 2)

THEIR LIVES WERE PERFECT...

Lady Hero Batten, the beautiful sister of the Duke of Wakefield, has everything a woman could want, including the perfect fiancé. True, the Marquis of Mandeville is a trifle dull and has no sense of humor, but that doesn't bother Hero. Until she meets his notorious brother . . .

UNTIL THEY MET EACH OTHER.

Griffin Remmington, Lord Reading, is far from perfect - and he likes it that way. How he spends his days is a mystery, but all of London knows he engages in the worst sorts of drunken revelry at night. Hero takes an instant dislike to him, and Griffin thinks that Hero, with her charities and faultless manners, is much too impeccable for society, let alone his brother. Yet their near-constant battle of wits soon sparks desire - a desire that causes their carefully constructed worlds to come tumbling down. As Hero's wedding nears, and Griffin's enemies lay plans to end their dreams forever, can two imperfect people find perfect true love?

Good book, though I liked the first book, Wicked Intentions, better. In this book, we have Lady Hero, her fiancé, Thomas, and Thomas's brother, Griffin. The story opens at a ball where Hero's engagement to Thomas is to be announced. Hero stumbles upon a couple in a very compromising position, considering the lady's husband is close by and looking for her. I thoroughly enjoyed Hero's way of getting the man's attention, and that she helped the woman. The sparks flew between Hero and the man, as she read him the riot act for his behavior, and he refused to be the least bit ashamed of it. He, of course, cements his reputation with her by stealing a kiss. Both are horrified a short time later when she discovers that he's her fiancé's brother, and he discovers that she is going to marry his brother.

These three characters were very interesting. First, there was Lady Hero. She comes across at first as very prim and proper. She is quite proud of her reputation and works hard to protect it. Her match with Thomas has been arranged by her brother. Though she doesn't love him, there is respect that she hopes will grow into love. Behind the façade of "Lady Perfect", there is also a caring, kind, and stubborn woman. As one of the patronesses of the Foundling Home in St. Giles, she is currently in charge of supervising the building of a new residence for the orphans. Unbeknownst to her brother and fiancé, she regularly goes into St. Giles, an extremely dangerous place for a woman.

Then there is Thomas, Hero's fiancé. I'll say right out that I didn't care for him at all. He is a boring, stuck-up prig. Hero's biggest appeal for him is her brother, the duke, and that she always behaves with grace and dignity. He doesn't love her and has no intention of loving her. He'd been married before to a woman who betrayed his trust, and he won't risk that again. Thomas also spends a great deal of the book lusting after another woman, though we don't find out about their history until near the end. Thomas also does something that, to me, is so terrible that I could not forgive him. He deserved far worse than what he got. His relationship with Griffin is strained because of something that he believes happened several years earlier. I didn't like the way that Thomas treated Griffin, especially considering everything that Griffin was doing for the family.

For the most part, I really liked Griffin. He is charming, flirtatious, and there is more to him than expected from the initial meeting. Griffin has the reputation of being an unrepentant rake. He carouses at night and sleeps the day away. He is also the unsung hero of his family. When his father died, he left the family in dire financial straits, and Thomas is no better when it comes to managing money. So Griffin took over managing the family estates and used his own inheritance to start a gin distillery in London to make money as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, gin distilling is illegal. Griffin is also very protective of those he cares about. I loved his relationship with his mother and sisters. He's very sweet with them. That protectiveness extends to Hero.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Griffin and Hero. Though it started out as a contentious one, with him sneering at "Lady Perfect" and her looking down her nose at "Lord Shameless", there was no denying the attraction that was also there. Their confrontations continued when Griffin insisted that she no longer go into St. Giles alone. She would allow him to accompany her or he would rat her out to her brother and his. Hero was horrified when she found about his gin distillery and made it her mission to get him to stop. During their times together, Griffin tried very hard to break through Hero's prim exterior to the passionate woman underneath. The attraction between them built until it could no longer be denied and became explosive. I loved that Griffin accepted his feelings and knew what he wanted right away. Hero made me want to shake her, repeatedly and hard. She let expectations rule her actions longer than she should have. I ached for her when she did finally stand up for herself because of what both Thomas and her asshole brother said and did. I loved Griffin's reactions to Thomas and Wakefield. His heartfelt words to Wakefield showed the depth of his feelings for Hero. I loved his big moment at the end as everything came together.

A big part of the story was the gin distilling. There was Griffin's use of it to repair the family finances. He also is fighting off attacks from a rival distiller whose actions have deadly consequences for some of those on Griffin's team. Those attacks grow more intense as the book goes on. On the other side is Hero's vehement dislike for anything having to do with gin. She sees the effects on the people of St. Giles, especially the children. I loved seeing her efforts to turn Griffin away from his part in it. Then there is Wakefield. He blames gin for the death of their parents and has set his considerable influence on ending the presence of gin completely. It's obvious there will be trouble when he and Griffin collide. The way that confrontation was handled was clever, exciting, and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.

The secondary characters were well done and had important parts in the story. Hero's brother, Wakefield, was a royal pain in the tail. He was such a stiff, judgmental man. I hated the way that he treated Hero after she tried to break her engagement. I expect that there will be a story for him, and hope to see a woman that will break that stick up his butt and bring him to his knees. I liked Hero's sister, Phoebe, and Griffin's sister, Meg. Both of them obviously love their siblings and know them quite well. Each of them has a talent for making those siblings see past the difficulties to what is possible. Though we didn't see much of her, I really liked Mrs. Tate. I loved how she stood up to Thomas and stuck to her principles.

 

A Secret Consequence for the Viscount - Sophia James (HH #1356 - Dec 2017)

Series: Society of Wicked Gentlemen (Book 4)

An unexpected Christmas gift…

Like all of London society, Lady Eleanor believed Viscount Bromley dead. Now, after six years, he has returned a changed man. Brooding Nicholas Bartlett has no memory of their one night of incredible passion -- so how can she tell him he fathered a child?

As Nicholas starts to regain his lost memories, he realizes the true reason he feels so drawn to beautiful Eleanor and her young daughter. And with the danger from his past threatening to rear its head, it’s up to Nicholas to protect his newly discovered family!

Good conclusion to the series. Throughout the previous three books Nicholas has never been far from his friends' minds, none of them ready to believe that he is dead, even though he's been missing for six years. As the book opens, he is in America, where he ended up, with no memory of who he used to be. Instead, he has had to fight off several attempts on his life with no idea why he has been targeted. However, in the latest attack, his memory is partially restored and he knows he must return home.

I loved the reunion between Nicholas and his friends. They are overjoyed to have him back, and deeply disturbed over what he tells them about what happened. I loved the fact that there was no hesitation in their welcome. Nicholas is a little confused at first by the changes he sees in them but happy for them. I ached for him because he felt a little lost, a little overwhelmed, and a lot like he no longer fit. Thanks to everything he had been through, he was no longer the young, reckless, dissolute rake that he used to be, but before he can look to the future, he has to find out who is after him.

Eleanor is Jacob's sister and has been present, though usually in the background, of the previous books. She has a young daughter and lives quietly, avoiding Society as much as she can.  There is some mystery about the father of her child, though her brother claims a Scottish marriage. She is stunned by Nicholas's return, and heartbroken and angry when he barely acknowledges her. I ached for her distress and loved that she had the backbone to seek him out to find out why. What she learns diminishes her anger, but increases her caution. She decides she must know more before she will allow him near their daughter.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Nicholas and Eleanor. She is determined to help him recover his memories so that, perhaps, they can have the life together that she dreamed of. I loved seeing Eleanor take Nicholas to the places where they had gone six years earlier, and seeing the events through her eyes. Though Nicholas occasionally gets a flash of memory, it's just spending time with Eleanor that soothes his soul. The more time he spends with her, the more he wants something deeper. I loved his first reaction to meeting Lucy, even before he knew the truth. There was a connection there that could not be denied. Once he knew the truth, his happiness was obvious.

But there are still obstacles to overcome. Just when it looks like Nicholas and Eleanor are ready to embrace their future, Nicholas's past rears its ugly head. The threats made against Eleanor and Lucy cause him to push them away and retreat into his previous persona. I ached for Eleanor and her heartbreak at being rejected once again by the man she loves. I loved the conversation she had with her sister-in-law Rose, who opened Eleanor's eyes to the way the men in their lives behave when their loved ones are threatened.

The final confrontation with the person behind the attacks on Nicholas brought the book and series to a thrilling end. I was not surprised at the identity of said attacker, but that did not diminish the intensity of the confrontation. I liked how Nicholas handled it, proving once again that his soul is not as black as he paints it. I loved the aftermath, as Eleanor has a captive audience to show him how much she cares.

The epilogue was terrific. It brought all four couples together and emphasized their bright futures. It will be interesting to see if there are books in store for the new proprietors of the club.

An Innocent Maid for the Duke - Ann Lethbridge (HH #139 - Oct 2017)

Series: Society of Wicked Gentlemen (Book 2)

His lady in red…

Jacob, Duke of Westmoor, is feeling the weight of his recently inherited title when a stolen kiss with a beautiful woman in his gentlemen's club breathes life back into him. Until he discovers she's a maid!

Unable to let the beautiful innocent go, he arranges for Rose Nightingale to become his grandmother's companion. But living under the same roof, their attraction becomes impossible to resist!

Good book. Jake is one of the owners of the gentlemen's club. His life was recently upended when both his father and older brother died in an accident, leaving Jake as the duke. It is a position that he never expected to have and feels woefully unprepared for. He is also carrying a boatload of guilt, as he blames himself for their deaths. Haunted by his feelings, he finds the only place he gets any peace is at the club, until the day he steals a kiss from an unknown woman.

Rose was a foundling, raised in an orphanage and trained to work as a maid or housekeeper. She had been working at the club for a few months and earned a little extra money by repairing gowns for some of the working girls. On this particular day, she gave in to the urge to try on one of the dresses and masks, only to be accosted by a gentleman who steals a kiss.

There was no question about the sparks between Rose and Jake from the very beginning. But Rose has been very careful all her life not to give in to the passions that she believed got her mother into trouble (or else why would Rose have been given up by her mother). I liked the practical side to Rose and how she tried to resist Jake's advances. I was a bit disappointed in Jake at first, as a nobleman making advances to someone who worked for him. But I quickly came to realize that what Jake saw in Rose was someone who wanted him for himself, not his title. I also liked that he saw that she had potential to be more than a maid, and set her up as a companion for his grandmother. I ached a bit for Rose as she felt unprepared for the role because of her lack of education, but loved how she was such a quick learner.

The development of the relationship between Jake and Rose was full of obstacles. First and foremost was the difference in their stations. He's a duke and she's a maid. That just isn't done. There was also the promise that Jake had made to his dying father to give up his "wild ways" and do the right thing for the title. As they gave in to the passion between them, they also had to be careful not to be discovered. The more time they spent together, the more their attraction deepened into stronger feelings. But Jake still tried to deny those feelings, believing that he had to follow his father's dictates as the only way to alleviate his guilt. I shook my head at his plans for Rose as I really thought he knew her better. Rose's feelings for Jake had grown into love. Even though she knew that it was impossible, she had allowed herself to dream a little of what might be. I loved seeing her stand up to him. I thought his turnaround was a little fast, but in the end, he did the right thing and let love win the day.

I think my favorite character was Jake's grandmother. Her love for Jake was obvious, and she did her best to help him accept his future as the duke. I enjoyed her interactions with the people around her. She had a pretty discerning eye when it came to people, and I loved her comments on some of them. I got the feeling that she saw a lot more than Jake gave her credit for, and that she was doing her best to push him and Rose together.

A Pregnant Courtesan for the Rake - Diane Gaston (HH #1353 - Nov 2017)

Series: Society of Wicked Gentlemen (Book 3)

Claiming the courtesan's child…

It's been more than three months, but Oliver Gregory still remembers the exquisite night he shared with a beautiful woman in Paris. Discovering her working at the discreet London gentlemen's club he owns comes as a shock…even more so when he realizes she's pregnant!

Oliver knows the pain of being an outcast and will do all in his power to ensure his child is not born illegitimate. Cecilia will return to his bed…as his wife!

Good book about two lonely people with difficult lives who are brought together by chance. Cecilia is an Englishwoman left penniless in Paris after the war when her soldier husband dies in a duel. To support herself, she goes to work as a courtesan, but one with an unusual way of conducting business. Knowing what it's like to be hungry, she uses some of her wages to feed the street children, which brings her to the attention of Oliver.

Oliver is part owner of a gentlemen's club in London. He has come to Paris to get ideas to take back home. Wandering along the banks of the river, he finds himself reflecting on his life. The bastard son of a nobleman and his Indian mistress, he was taken to England with his father. He was raised by his indifferent father and an unpleasant stepmother who lost no opportunity to put him down. School was no better until he made a few good friends, with whom he later opened the club. But he's grown tired of the club's activities and wonders what it would be like to have a normal life. It's at this point when he meets Cecilia and is captivated by her combination of strength, beauty, and vulnerability. They spend a lovely day together just seeing the sights and go on to have a passionate night together. But that is all they can have, and Oliver returns to London, where he can't forget her.

Fate isn't done with them yet. Cecilia finds herself pregnant and without a job. She returns to England, hoping to reconcile with her family. When that doesn't happen, she has no choice but to find work and is hired as a hostess by one of Oliver's partners, unbeknownst to him. To find the woman he can't forget working in his own club comes as quite a shock, but not as big as the one he's about to get. Oliver had never seen himself as a husband and father, but he refuses to let a child of his suffer as he has done. The problem is getting Cecilia to agree.

I enjoyed the development of Cecilia and Oliver's relationship. Both of them have major trust issues that need to be overcome. Cecilia was badly abused by her husband and refuses to put herself under the control of another man. Oliver may seem nice now, but her husband had been nice at first, too. I ached for Cecilia and her fears, as she keeps a wary eye on Oliver. His bouts of temper do not help his cause. I really liked Oliver. He is an honorable man who wants to do right by Cecilia. I loved seeing his protectiveness, even though he has his doubts about the truth of her claim. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow, but it is still a roller coaster of a relationship. They must fight their own doubts and fears, as well as interference from outside forces. I liked how it was Oliver who first understood his feelings and tried to make Cecilia see. I ached for him when she let her fears win. His feelings of loss were so intense I cried for him. I loved the ending, as Cecilia finally believed the truth about Oliver and his feelings for her. The epilogue was great.

As with the previous books, Oliver and the others still wonder what happened to their friend and partner, Nicholas. In this book, I got the feeling that one particularly obnoxious character may have had something to do with Nicholas's disappearance. I am looking forward to the final book to see if I am right. 

The Debutante's Daring Proposal - Annie Burrows (HH #1332 - June 2017)

Series: Regency Bachelors (Book 2)

"I want you to marry me."

Miss Georgiana Wickford has a plan to avoid the marriage mart -- she'll propose a marriage of convenience! She hasn't spoken to the Earl of Ashenden since their childhood friendship was torn apart, but now Edmund is her only hope.

Edmund refuses to take any bride, especially the unsuitable country miss who abandoned him years ago. But when he sees beautiful Georgie at the mercy of society's rakes, it arouses his protective instincts. And soon the earl is tempted to claim the daring debutante for himself!

Good second chance/friends to lovers story. Georgie and Edmund had been good friends as children. Both of them had been labeled as "different" and as a result were also each other's only friend. Georgie was a tomboy, more interested in fishing, fencing, and outdoor pursuits than in the "girly" ones of fashion, needlework, and gossip. Edmund was fascinated by bugs and all things scientific. As the heir to an earl, Edmund's mother didn't want him associating with "common" children, so he was very isolated. When Edmund became ill, Georgie found ways to sneak in and see him, until it all came to a crashing end. Edmund was sent away to recover from his illness, and both he and Georgie promised to write. But as months went by with no letters, each believed that the other had abandoned their friendship.

Georgie has grown up and changed from the hoyden that she used to be. After Edmund's departure, her father remarried and her stepmother went to great pains to turn Georgie into a lady. Her methods were extreme and Georgie has buried the girl she used to be under a façade of propriety. Now that her father has died, she and her stepmother and stepsister have lost their home. Her stepmother is determined to marry the two girls off to titled husbands. Georgie has a fear of marriage due to something she witnessed and is desperate to avoid the marriage mart. She remembers that Edmund had promised to help her if she ever needed it, and comes up with a desperate plan.

Edmund is shocked when his first communication from Georgie in years results in an incredible proposal. She wants him to marry her and in return she will leave him to pursue his own interests with no interference from her. All she asks is that he doesn't consummate the marriage. Still angry over what he sees as her abandonment, he shoots her down most emphatically. But it isn't long before he feels guilty and decides to go to London and find a way to help her that doesn't involve him marrying her.

I enjoyed the development of Edmund and Georgie's relationship. It is still antagonistic at the beginning as each confronts the other about their past actions. But there are indications that their previous friendship isn't as dead as they thought it was. I liked the way that their former openness began to resurface as they spent more time together. It was great fun to see Edmund go from wanting to play matchmaker to realizing that he didn't want her to marry some other man. He is completely oblivious to the reason he is so reluctant to hand her over as he comes up with reason after reason that this man or that one is unsuitable. He also becomes very protective of her, which lands him in an awkward situation but also opens his eyes.

Meanwhile, Georgie is stuck doing what she doesn't want - entertaining gentlemen callers who aren't truly interested in her. I ached for her as she dealt with the constant criticisms from her stepmother while trying to find an acceptable solution to her predicament. I liked seeing her real personality begin to reemerge whenever she was with Edmund. I enjoyed seeing her call him out on some of his attitudes toward her, especially on those things she had no control over. It wasn't long before she was comparing each of her suitors to Edmund until she finally realized that it was Edmund she had wanted all along.

Both Edmund and Georgie also had to find a way to overcome their own insecurities. Though he puts on a good front, Edmund is affected by the way others see him. He frequently takes things Georgie says the wrong way as they play upon those insecurities. It was quite satisfying whenever Georgie would upend those feelings by being supportive of the real him. Georgie's insecurities have been thrust on her by her stepmother's attitudes and actions. Georgie is a tall girl with a curvy figure, nothing like the current fashion, and she can't see how any man would want her for who she is. I loved seeing her surprise whenever Edmund would compliment her. Her fears of the physical side of marriage also faded when she pictured Edmund in that role.

I enjoyed the ending as Edmund took drastic steps to gain the result that he wanted. It was fun to see the encouragement he received from his friends, who saw things much more clearly than he did. I loved that he was so willing to be whatever Georgie needed from him. The conclusion was sweet, romantic, and intense as both Edmund and Georgie were finally able to put all their fears to rest.

The secondary characters were also well done. Georgie's stepmother was vividly portrayed in her horrible attitude toward Georgie. There were many times I really wanted someone to let her have it. I was not terribly surprised by the revelation of how she came to marry Georgie's father. Edmund's mother, though she had few actual appearances in the book, had a much bigger role in their lives than either knew. Again, I wasn't surprised by what she did. I liked seeing Edmund finally stand up to her.

The Duchess Deal - Tessa Dare (Avon - Aug 2017)

Series: Girl Meets Duke (Book 1)

When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir -- which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:

- They will be husband and wife by night only.

- No lights, no kissing.

- No questions about his battle scars.

- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:

- They will have dinner together every evening.

- With conversation.

- And unlimited teasing.

- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love… 

Fantastic start to the new series. This is a Beauty and the Beast type of story. Ash is terribly scarred physically on one side of his body from injuries received during the war, and emotionally because of the cruel words of his ex-fiancée. He is holed up in his house, seeing no one but the servants, and trying to figure out how to get the wife he needs, when Emma bursts in on him. Emma is a vicar's daughter turned seamstress who is at the end of her rope. She is the one who made his ex-fiancée's wedding gown, but with the wedding canceled she hasn't been paid for the dress, and she has rent due. Ash is taken with the brilliant idea that Emma is the perfect solution and proposes a marriage of convenience.

I loved Ash and Emma. I ached for him and the physical pain that he still endures, and for the emotional pain caused by his fiancée's rejection. But even though he believes that he will never have a normal life, he hasn't let it destroy his humanity. On his late night walks, he steps in to right several wrongs. His relationship with his butler is that of a friend as well as an employer. Plus, his sense of humor is still very much intact, though sometimes its very dryness makes one wonder. One of my favorite things was the advice he had gotten from his father, that an educated gentleman should not use vulgarities to express himself. Ash is very creative with his Shakespearean epithets.

I hurt for Emma also. All her life she had tried to earn the approval of her vicar father. Her search for approval led her to make a decision that caused her father to turn his back on her and kick her out of the house in the middle of winter. I was impressed by her strength and resilience as she made her way to London on her own and carved out a place for herself. Through it all, she still tends to see the good in people, which has on occasion come back to bite her. I also like the way that she has no trouble standing up for herself, hence her trip to get Ash to pay the bill for the wedding dress.

I loved the development of their relationship. The sparks between them are intense from the start, even though both try to resist. Ash does everything he can to keep Emma at an emotional distance but fails miserably. With each passing day (and night) the walls he has built around his heart begin to crumble. He doesn't go down easily, but the fall is inevitable. I loved seeing his confusion as the more he tried to push her away, the more trouble he had keeping her off his mind. It wasn't long before he felt an intense protectiveness toward her. I loved what he did when he found out about her father's actions. His tenderness and care after the confrontation with his ex at the opera were incredible. It was obvious by then that he was a goner.

Emma knows that Ash doesn't want any emotions between them. She's okay with that because she's had her own run-in with love and it didn't turn out well. But she can't deny that the man behind the scars pulls at her heartstrings. She sees a man capable of great caring who refuses to believe that there is any good left in him. I loved the way that she teased and bullied him into taking the first steps back out into society.

The heat between them was intense. In spite of his intention to bed Emma without emotion, he was completely unable to do so. I loved how he was so careful to make sure that he didn't hurt or frighten her. His surprise at how passionate she was made it even more difficult to maintain his distance. I ached for him and his fear of letting her see all his scars. Emma's ability to look past his scars was fantastic. She was curious but didn't make a big deal out them. They certainly didn't impact the way she burned for his touch, and how she slowly worked her way past his guard. But all that intensity also created a belief in them that it couldn't last. I ached for them both as secrets revealed hit both of them in their deepest fears. I liked Emma's strength of will that made her continue with what she felt was right in spite of Ash's reaction. I loved how it was Khan that made Ash see the error of his ways. I was on the edge of my seat as Ash was determined to make things right, but ended up being waylaid. His big moment at the end was incredible as he faced his biggest fears all because of his love for her.

I loved the secondary characters in the book. Khan was fantastic with his lifelong devotion to Ash. He was another person who would stand up to Ash when he was an idiot. I also loved the way that he and the other staff members could see that Ash and Emma belonged together. Their attempts to throw the pair together so that they would fall in love were funny and heartwarming. I really liked the three women who included Emma in their group. The scene with Emma and Alex as they were fixing all the timepieces in the house was hilarious. I loved their support of Emma and their suggestions for what Emma should call her "cat" was great. The cat was another grand addition to the story, from the way he became part of the family to his intrusion into their bedroom. Last but not least was Trevor, the "apprentice" to the Monster of Mayfair. I loved his complete devotion to Ash and his absolute refusal to be run off. 

Bound by Their Secret Passion - Diane Gaston (HH #1325 - Apr 2017)

Series: Scandalous Summerfields (Book 4)

A forbidden attraction… A hidden desire!

Years ago, penniless Lorene Summerfield wed for duty, giving her siblings the chance to marry for love. But now the generous-hearted countess finds herself widowed…and the man she's loved in silence for years is falsely accused of her husband's murder!

Although he closed his heart to love long ago, the Earl of Penford has always found Lorene irresistible. Their newly ignited passion may be scandalous, but now he'll stop at nothing to clear his name and win Lorene's hand!

Good conclusion to the series. Lorene has been a key character in all of the books. Years earlier she had sacrificed her own happiness by marrying a much older man. She did so in exchange for him providing for her sisters and half-brother. It was not a happy marriage, as the Earl of Tinmore could be a cruel and controlling man, but Lorene made the best of her circumstances. Then, at Christmas, she defied his order to stay away from her family and walked five miles through the snow to spend the day with them.

At the end of the day, Dell, Lord Penford, escorted her back to her home. She was confronted by her furious husband, who accused her of carrying on an affair with Dell. Horrified by what he heard, Dell tried to reason with Tinmore. Unfortunately, Tinmore was beyond reason and attempted to attack Dell, and instead fell down the steps and died. The butler accused Dell of murdering Tinmore, forcing an inquest. Though the death was ruled accidental, it is pretty obvious that the butler is not going to give up and go away quietly.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Lorene and Dell. It was a lengthy process, due to their circumstances and the challenges that faced them. Lorene had a secret crush on Dell from the time she met him. He was everything that her husband was not - young, kind, handsome. She was very careful not to let any indication of her feelings show. Dell, too, had been drawn to Lorene from the beginning. He was impressed by the sacrifice of her happiness to ensure that of her siblings. I liked the way that, after her husband's death, he wanted to help but also knew that he had to be cautious in the way he did it. I loved how he offered to let her stay in her childhood home and to supervise the renovations. I loved how they followed the customs of the day and that he didn't see her for more than a year after her husband's death.

When they did see each other again, it was obvious to each that their feelings were as strong as ever. But there are also issues holding them back. Lorene is part of the "Scandalous Summerfields" family, tainted by the actions of their parents. She fears adding to the talk by having a relationship with Dell. On his side, Dell still grieves the loss of his family, who died in a fire at their home while he was away at war. He has promised himself that he will never allow himself to care that deeply for anyone ever again, unwilling to risk the pain of losing someone he loves. I liked seeing the friendship between Dell and Lorene deepen as they saw each other more often in London.

Lorene's desire to avoid scandal is upended when her mother shows up on her doorstep, along with the man she ran away with. Hetty immediately takes Society by storm with her outrageous behavior, horrifying Lorene and her sisters. I was a bit torn by this part of the story. Yes, Hetty was outrageous, but I also felt like she was driven to that behavior by her own ghosts. I would have liked to see a bit more regret for the actions that affected her family so badly. But I also liked the way that she stood up for her own wants and needs in spite of what people were saying about her. I ached for Lorene, but I also wanted her to stop letting what other people said and thought dictate her actions. It was sweet to see Dell's protectiveness toward Lorene as he tried to help her cope with her mother's behavior. It didn't take long for the feelings that were simmering under the surface to erupt into unexpected passion. I found Lorene's attitude to be a little hypocritical as she wanted to do as she wanted regarding Dell but denied her mother the right to do the same.

Dell fights his feelings for Lorene. He is attracted to her, and cares for her, but is afraid to love her. Instead, he considers a "suitable" marriage with a woman that won't engage his feelings. I wanted to shake him for even thinking of marrying someone else, but fortunately, he figured it out in time. He, too, was influenced by what people thought, though not as severely as Lorene was. He was driven more by the memories of his family and what he thought they would want. I ached for him and the grief that would frequently overwhelm him. I liked how Lorene saw that grief and wanted to help him through it.

Lorene and Dell's relationship was progressing nicely when their past was made public. The vindictive butler made another appearance, this time selling his story to one of the London tabloids. The resulting scandal was huge, creating all kinds of difficulties for the couple. Lorene reacted in her usual way, by wanting to withdraw. She felt she could protect Dell best by making herself scarce, and removing her influence on people's attitudes toward him. Dell has more backbone. I loved seeing him stand up to the scandal and take steps to counter it. I loved the support he received from his friends. I ached for him over Lorene's departure and his unhappiness over her absence. I liked seeing each of them reevaluate their lives and finally realize that love is more important than anything else.

I liked seeing all of the couples from the previous books and how their lives are going. Their reactions to Lady Summerfield's arrival were an important part of the story, with each one showing different feelings. I especially liked the way that they stood behind Dell against the accusations of murder. The epilogue was terrific, bringing them all together in a most satisfying way.

Blackthorne's Bride - Joan Johnston (Dell - July 2017)

Series: Mail Order Brides (Book 4)
            Bitter Creek (Book 15)

Two years have passed since Josie Wentworth was bought from the Sioux for a gold watch and whisked back to England by Marcus Wharton, the Duke of Blackthorne. When Marcus breaks his promise to return Josie to America, she ends up as a maid in the home of his charming but neglected nephews. Once Josie’s long-lost family finds her, however, the suddenly wealthy heiress sets out to save the two boys from their indifferent uncle -- and teach the duke a lesson in honor.

Learning that Marcus is seeking a rich American bride to save his estate, Josie plots to catch his eye -- certain he’ll never recognize the beauty she’s become as the ragged captive he rescued. But Josie doesn’t wager on her marital charade taking a tender turn, as the nobleman she’s despised for years proves to be a very different man than she’s imagined. And there’s no denying his passionate caresses, as she falls deeper under the spell of a husband determined to claim her heart.

Good conclusion to the Mail Order Brides series. In the earlier books, the four sisters had all taken steps to escape the horror of their lives in a Chicago orphanage after their parents' deaths. Josie was captured by renegade Sioux warriors, and in the prologue of this book is whipped by one of her captors because she resisted. Marcus, Duke of Blackthorne, and his friend David, Earl of Seaton, happen upon the scene. Horrified by what he sees, Marcus buys Josie from the Indian, determined to save her. Unwilling to leave her behind to recover, Marcus takes her with him back to England, nursing her himself during the journey. As he is to be married to David's sister on his return home, he charges his friend with making certain that Josie is returned to her family in America once she is healed.

Two years later, Josie is practically a prisoner at one of the Duke's estates, working as a maid and caring for the Duke's two orphaned nephews. She is furious at the Duke, both for his broken promise to her and for his neglect of his nephews. She has written to him numerous times with no response and her anger at him continues to grow. Her life takes a sudden and drastic change when she is visited by a Pinkerton detective. She is stunned when he informs her that her sisters have been searching for her for two years and that she has inherited a significant amount of money. She decides to use that money to bribe Marcus to allow her to take his nephews back to America with her. That decision undergoes a change when she discovers that he is looking for a rich American to marry to save his estates. I loved Josie's spirit and determination to protect the two little boys she has come to love.

Marcus's life since his return has not been an easy one. His father died, leaving the estate in debt. His brother also died, leaving Marcus to care for his two nephews. His beloved wife also died, along with their son, after an illness she had hidden from him. Though he doesn't want to marry again, he needs an heir and the wherewithal to restore his estates. Throughout it all, he has never forgotten the girl he rescued and has often wondered how she is and why she has never contacted him. Marcus irritated me at the beginning with the way he had neglected to follow up on his promise to Josie. He also seemed far too willing to depend on other people's word instead of checking things out himself.

I enjoyed the meeting between Josie and Marcus. He doesn't recognize her as the woman he rescued, and he never knew her name. Josie is determined to dislike Marcus, based on his broken promise and neglect of his nephews. Neither expects the buzz of attraction between them. It was fun to see Marcus begin to regret the bargain that he had made, promising that he would not seek out the physical side of their marriage past their wedding night. Josie keeps the secret of her identity as she still plans to leave him as soon as she can. But as they spend their honeymoon preparing to restore his main estate, they begin to get to know each other. There are some terrific scenes as Josie's American outlook butts up against Marcus's British reserve. Josie discovers that Marcus is not the unfeeling man she thought he was. Marcus is stunned when he discovers the truth about Josie. The attraction between them continues to grow as do their feelings, though neither is ready to admit it.

As Josie fights with herself over her best course of action, family crises create complications. One of Marcus's sisters disappears, and Marcus and Josie embark on a search for her. Josie receives word that one of her sisters is fighting for her life. Josie and Marcus become separated, and he discovers the truth behind what happened to Josie. I wasn't surprised by who was behind it, though the reasoning was somewhat incredible. Josie's fear for her sister causes her to act precipitously and by the time she realizes that she may have made a mistake it's too late to change course. I liked their big moment at the end as they finally admit to their feelings. I loved the epilogue as the family is reunited.

I enjoyed the occasional update on the other sisters as they waited to hear that Josie has been found and is on her way home. I also liked Marcus's sisters and their immediate acceptance of Josie into the family. There is a good secondary storyline involving one of those sisters that shows Marcus's love and protectiveness for his family, even though he sometimes has a hard time showing it.

Devil May Care - Melanie George (Zebra - Feb 2001)

Series: Sinclair Brothers (Book 1)

Every woman of quality knows that Damien Sinclair, Earl of Blackstone, is a notorious rogue. Every woman knows that he's called the Devil. Only one woman is about to discover that the...

DEVIL MAY CARE

Lady Eden Spencer has been educated in a convent--and she has every intention of taking her vows. But opposition from her uncle and even the Mother Superior convinces Eden that she cannot dedicate her life to goodness when she has no idea what it is like to be...well, bad. Eden knows only one man can teach her the ways of the wicked--Damien Sinclair. Tall, dark, and quite sinfully handsome, Damien agrees to introduce her to London's every vice--but Eden never suspects that she will introduce this disreputable rake to something even more tempting...love.

Good book. Lady Eden is just shy of eighteen years old and experiencing her first Season. She has spent the last six years, since the deaths of her parents, being raised in a convent. She intends to take her vows and become a nun. However, her guardian and uncle is adamantly opposed to the idea and has insisted that she look for a husband. Even the Mother Superior has told Eden that she needs some life experience to know what she really wants. So Eden and her cousin Reggie have decided to ask Damien Sinclair to show her the other side of life.

Damien has quite the reputation as a rogue and a rake. He has recently inherited the title and a nearly bankrupt estate, swimming in the debts his father left behind. He has been gambling with a purpose, to gain the funds to clear those debts. He also has a shipping company that is his hope for a better future. He is intrigued by Eden the first time he meets her and agrees to her request, though he has some less than honorable intentions of his own.

I enjoyed the development of Damien and Eden's relationship. Eden is sweet and innocent but also has a stubborn streak. I liked the first meeting between her and Damien, as she puts forth her plan and he does his best to prove Society correct in their characterization of him. Though Damien knows he should refuse, his fascination with her leads him to agree. The two events he took her to were real eye-openers for Eden as to what people could be like, but she never really lost her ability to see the good in people. I especially liked the way that she saw past Damien's reputation and the façade he showed the world to the honorable and somewhat vulnerable man that he kept hidden. I ached for him with each confrontation with his mother and the memories he had of his father. It was easy to see the effect they had on his ability to believe in love. The more time he spends with Eden, the more she brings out the softer side of him. I loved the protectiveness that comes out as less savory characters make their presence known. It comes as quite a shock to Damien when he realizes that he has fallen in love with Eden, and must decide what to do about it. Eden has some demons of her own that drive her, namely the reason that has motivated her to become a nun. I ached for her when that came out and loved that Damien was the one who was able to reach her and relieve her misery. There are outside forces that do their best to keep Damien and Eden apart, but in the end love wins all. I loved Damien's big moment at the end, as he risked it all to gain the prize.

The secondary characters were well done. There were brief appearances by Damien's two brothers, who have stories of their own that I am looking forward to reading. Each of them also seems to have something driving their own reputations. Eden's uncle appears to want what is best for Eden but seems to be oblivious to the way he is played by those who have their own agendas. I liked seeing Eden go from being a little too eager to please him at the beginning to being able to stand up for herself at the end. Damien's mother was weak and selfish, as well as manipulative, and I did not like her at all. Lord Myddleton was flat out creepy. I hated his smarmy attitude when he talked to Eden. His vicious attempts to ruin Damien had me worried for a while as I wondered just how things were going to turn out for Damien. But, by far, my favorite of the secondary characters was Eden's cousin Reggie. He reminded me of Sir Percy in The Scarlet Pimpernel, with his over-the-top dandyism. I'd love to know just what it was that caused him to want to irritate his father so much. I loved how much he cared for Eden and his way of playing fairy godmother for her. He had an amazing way with words. His banter with Damien was hysterical at times, and absolutely on point at others as he worked to bring Damien and Eden together. I also loved his encounters with Myddleton and the scene in the park had me laughing out loud.

The MacGregor's Lady - Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Feb 2014)

Series: MacGregor (Book 3)

What if the steps they take to avoid marriage...

The last thing Asher MacGregor, newly titled Earl of Balfour, wants is a society wife, though he has agreed to squire Boston heiress Hannah Cooper about the London ballrooms. When he's met that obligation, he'll return to the Highlands, and resume the myriad responsibilities awaiting him there.

...Lead instead to impossible love?

At her step-father's insistence, Hannah Cooper must endure a London season, though she has no intention of surrendering her inheritance to a fortune hunter. When she's done her duty, she'll return to Boston and the siblings who depend upon her for their safety... or will she? The taciturn Scottish earl suits her purposes admirably-until genuine liking and unexpected passion bring Asher and Hannah close. For if the Scottish earl and the American heiress fall in love, an ocean of differences threatens to keep them apart.

Very good book. Asher has returned to Scotland after being declared dead, to take up his responsibilities as the earl. He has no intention of marrying, having a tragedy in his past that has made him unwilling to risk his heart. He has been coerced into escorting Hannah and her aunt around London, after which he will return to Scotland and his duties there.

Hannah has been forced by her stepfather to go to London and find a husband. She has no plans to marry; instead, she will return to Boston to watch over her younger brothers, grandmother, and mother. All she has to do is remain unmarried until she can claim her inheritance.

I loved the relationship that developed between Asher and Hannah. They clashed at the beginning, as neither wanted to be where they were. But it didn't take long for them to discover their similarities, and a pretty sweet friendship developed from there. Hannah is pragmatic about herself. She doesn't see herself as attractive, she has a limp and feels that her only appeal is her fortune. Her family is important to her, and she feels that she is the only one who can protect them from her stepfather. Her focus is on surviving the Season and returning to Boston. For Asher, his family is also his focus. He feels guilty for the way he had previously abandoned them and is determined to make everything right now that he is back.

It was fun to see Asher push Hannah through the preparations for the Season. She tried to resist but ended up giving in. I loved his sensitivity to her limp and the way he found to fix it. It was sweet to see how he wanted to make her forced social time easier for her. As they spent time together, they discovered that they liked each other and appreciated the similarities of their situations. That liking turned to love, intensified by the attraction they felt for each other. Asher quickly realized that he wanted to keep Hannah in his life and proposed marriage. Unfortunately, Hannah was still focused on her need to return to Boston. I was a little frustrated with her, as Asher made multiple offers to help her with her family issues, but she refused his help. I ached for them both as they admitted their love for each other, but couldn't see a way to make it work.

I loved the support that Asher received from his family. They welcomed him back into the fold with few recriminations. When he wanted their help with Hannah's Season, they came in force. There is an especially moving scene near the end, as Asher is holding a baby, where he finally confesses his painful past to his brothers. I loved their understanding and shared grief.

I wasn't sure how Asher and Hannah were going to get their HEA with everything that was working against them. Seeing her get on that ship, headed back to Boston, made me want to shake her until she saw sense. That Asher's plan was nearly too late made me crazy when so much could have been avoided if he had just told her what he had done. I loved the ending as Hannah makes a decision and tries to stop the ship at the same time Asher attempts to do the same. It was a scene that had me laughing out loud and cheering them both on.

Dance of Seduction - Sabrina Jeffries (Avon - Mar 2003)

Series: Swanlea Spinsters (Book 4)

She won't let a thief steal her heart ...

It's difficult enough for Lady Clara Stanbourne to run her London home for reformed young pickpockets without having to contend with a criminal in business right next door! The mysterious Morgan Pryce is obviously dealing in stolen property, and she will never allow the handsome scoundrel to lead the children astray! Pryce is very much mistaken if he believes her a delicate rose he can wilt with soft words and passionate, unspoken promises. Now if only Clara could douse the fiery yearning the charming cad ignites inside her ...

This bold, beautiful temptress is indeed a distraction -- and Morgan wishes he could tell the exquisite Clara the truth: that he is working undercover to break up a notorious crime ring. His mind should be on his duty -- not wondering how it would feel to hold Clara in his arms and taste the sweetness of her luscious lips. But now that she has entered into his most dangerous game, Morgan knows he must have her, despite the very real peril to his secret mission ... and to his heart!

Good book. I especially enjoyed a setting outside the usual balls and house parties. Clara runs a home for reformed pickpockets in one of the seedier parts of London. She works hard to show them a better way of life and find them proper employment. She is dismayed and angry when a man who deals in stolen goods moves in so close to her property. She doesn't need him tempting her children, let alone herself! Morgan is there for one reason only - working undercover to catch the leader of a crime ring. The last thing he needs is the distraction posed by the beautiful and passionate Clara. The sooner he can fulfill his mission and get away from her temptation the happier he will be.

I really liked both Clara and Morgan. Clara is determined, spirited, and passionate about her work with the children. She refuses to let the Morgan's arrival undo her hard work and has no trouble charging in to save one of her boys from his evil influence. She is quite stubborn, and when things don't add up she takes matters into her own hands. Morgan is a man who is haunted by his past. Though eventually rescued from a bad childhood, the things he did have influenced the man he is now. Though he gives the impression of being a ruthless criminal, he is actually an honorable man doing what he can to serve his country.

Clara and Morgan struck sparks off each other from the moment they met. I loved watching Clara stand up to his threats. Morgan wasn't sure at times if he wanted to shake her or kiss her, and the kissing usually won out. It was fun to see him do his best to scare her off, especially since her reaction was usually the opposite. It didn't take long for Clara to realize that his words and actions didn't match up, making her even more determined to get at the truth. I enjoyed how she persisted until Morgan had no choice but to tell her what was going on. I found it amusing that in spite of his worry that she wouldn't be able to keep the secret, he was the one who couldn't stay away from her. I also liked the fact that when Morgan proposed marriage to protect her reputation, she refused to settle for what he was offering. She made it plain to him that she deserved more. I loved how well she understood him and wanted him to see the same man that she did. It was an emotional scene when he was finally able to let go of the past and see a bright future. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up for the book.

The part of the book dealing with Morgan's mission to capture the Spectre was pretty good. Morgan's past made him uniquely suited for the mission. I enjoyed Morgan's interactions with Johnny the pickpocket and Samuel the footman, as he tried to maintain his cover without putting them in danger. The first encounter with Spectre was pretty creepy, especially with his disguise. It was easy to feel the threat that he posed to both Morgan and Clara. As the book progressed, I suspected who it might be, but wasn't sure how he pulled it off until the end. The final confrontation was intense and had me on the edge of my seat until it was over.

The secondary characters also added depth to the story. I loved Clara's Aunt Verity and her dogs. It was easy to picture them as I was reading, along with her attempts to fix Clara up with Lord Winthrop. My favorites were Johnny and Samuel. Johnny's struggle with giving up pickpocketing was real. It was easy to see that he wanted to please Clara, but giving up that independence was hard. He had that teenage bravado that tried to hide his vulnerability, and I liked the way that Morgan tried to help him. I also loved Samuel, the reformed pickpocket who is now Clara's footman. I loved his protectiveness toward Clara, and his growth into the position as Morgan took him under his wing. He was really sweet with Lucy, too.

I definitely want to read the other books in the series, especially the one about Juliet and Morgan's brother.