Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 2.5)
Miss Anabel Snelling needs a fiancé, and fast. If her
father, Sir Archibald, has his way, she’ll be married in time for Christmas—to
a man she doesn’t love. That’s why she and her aunt have concocted a brilliant
plan to hire an American actor to play the role of her suitor. But the charming
Wesley Grant is playing the part a little too well, and Anabel is in danger of
falling for him. What Anabel doesn’t know is Wesley is not the actor her aunt
hired. Still, what kind of a gentleman would he be if he didn’t come to her
rescue? He has a new plan of his own—win Anabel’s heart…for real.
This was a short, fun story about a mistaken identity
that leads to love. Anabel is in a pickle. She will soon be twenty-one, and her
father has decided it's time she was married, and who better than a childhood
friend of hers and son of his friend. The problem is, Anabel thinks of Douglas
as a friend and a brother, and she wants to marry for love. So she and her aunt
have hired an actor to play the part of her suitor.
Wesley came to England to meet with the leaders of the
Explorers Club, hoping to interest them in his new chronometer. Instead, he
found himself helping out a damsel in distress. He is intrigued by her story
and charmed by Anabel herself, and quite willing to pretend to be the actor in
question.
Anabel and Wesley's first encounter was fun. He has sort
of crashed the ball, using his uncle's invitation, to meet the chairman of the
Explorers Club. As he is pondering his next move, he is accosted by Anabel, who
mistakes him for her actor. She goes on and on about the job, barely letting
Wesley get in a word. He is quickly intrigued by Anabel and noting her
connection to the man he wants to talk to, figures that helping her would also
help him. He did not expect to fall hard and fast for her. Anabel is also taken
aback by her reaction to him, not expecting to be attracted to an actor of all
people.
I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Wesley and Anabel
have more in common than either suspected, and it wasn't long before their
connection started to grow. It was aided and abetted by Poppy, Gwen, and Effie,
who served as chaperones on the couple's outings. Those who have read The Riseand Fall of Reginald Everheart will recognize the name that Wesley's alter ego uses.
The ladies get involved because of it, and their assistance provides some
laugh-out-loud moments. It isn't long before Wesley feels guilty about the
deception and fears Anabel's reaction to the truth. He wants Anabel for
himself, as himself, and isn't quite sure how to make it happen. Anabel has
fallen just as hard for Wesley, who she believes is a penniless actor. I liked
her confidence in her feelings and her belief that Wesley's actor profession is
not an insurmountable obstacle. The ending was terrific. The ladies' creativity
is called into service once again as they find a way to resolve all the issues.
I was also quite impressed with Anabel's reaction to all of the revelations.
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