Anyone But a Duke - Betina Krahn (Zebra - Nov 2019)

Series: Sin and Sensibility (Book 3)

The youngest of four spirited American sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has studiously avoided her mother's attempts to find her a titled husband among London's aristocracy. Now, after an earl's very public rejection, it seems her ideal mate will be anyone but a duke, a marquis, a baron, or a viscount . . .

Thankfully, there are no noblemen in sight at Betancourt, the country estate where Sarah takes refuge. Its rightful owner, the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah's brother-in-law, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence . . .

Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack. Nothing about "Art," the roguish interloper - now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber - smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke? If so, Sarah soon realizes this homecoming promises to be filled with unexpected challenges and passionate possibilities . . .

Very good conclusion to the trilogy. The youngest of the sisters, Sarah, is the last one unmarried. Her mother has tried hard to find a titled husband for Sarah, and just when it looks like she has succeeded, disaster strikes. The earl that Sarah had believed was her future mate returned to London after a trip with a fiancée. After such public humiliation, Sarah retreated to Betancourt, one of her brother-in-law's family properties. There she cheers herself up by setting the neglected property to rights and spending time with her assortment of critters. But trouble is brewing as a group of ruffians cause problems for town and estate.  A handsome stranger steps in when Sarah and one of her dogs are attacked, and later shows up wounded for Sarah to nurse back to health.

Arthur showed up in town with little except the clothes on his back. He had left home heartbroken, determined to spend some time learning about himself and seeing some of the world. He got more than he bargained for, and it has changed him from the heedless young lord he used to be. After years away, he is wary of his welcome and chooses to conceal his identity until he gets the lay of the land.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sarah and Arthur. It is a wary one at first, with Sarah unsure if he can be trusted and Arthur questioning what Sarah is up to. It was fun to see his reactions to her activities, from riding to shooting. It also didn't take him long to appreciate what she has done for his home and his people. I also enjoyed seeing the sparks that flew between them, as attraction flared. Arthur also suffers a little jealousy when his cousin shows up, claiming to be worried about Sarah being alone and unprotected. It's this reaction that ultimately motivates Arthur to reveal his identity and take his place as the duke.

One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing the influence that Sarah had on Arthur. It was watching her interact with his tenants and neighbors that showed him how to regain his place. I loved watching them work together, and in the process, get to know each other. It wasn't all smooth sailing, as Arthur isn't exactly smooth in communicating his feelings, leaving room for misinterpretation. Sarah also suffers from a bit of insecurity, knowing that Arthur had initially been engaged to her sister and believing that he still cares for her. As various people from Arthur's past show up, Sarah learns more about what Arthur has been through, and falls more deeply for him. I laughed out loud when Arthur's brother, Ashton, shows up and they go from tears of joy at being reunited to pounding on each other because of other things. Once the air is cleared, they can move on to other things.

Matters are further complicated by the continuing attacks that the estate suffers. The reader is well aware of who is behind the attacks and why, but the residents have their work cut out for them. The attacks escalate in intensity, and Arthur and the others are hard-pressed to protect the people and the land. Matters come to a head when the culprit goes after Sarah and loses control of his ruffians. There were definitely some nail-biting moments in the barn. I liked how the bad guy got his comeuppance - it was a very satisfying case of karma. I also had to laugh out loud as the men arrived back at the house, only to discover that the ruffians were already vanquished.

The ending was fun as Arthur received a whole bunch of unsolicited advice on how to proceed with Sarah. I have to admit that I felt a little sorry for the poor guy, but he did manage to come through it successfully. The epilogue was especially grand, and I loved the unexpected encounter at Ascot. It was another well-deserved example of reaping what you sow.

Though I haven't read the first book in the series (yet), where the trouble with Arthur and Ashton began, there was enough background provided that I never felt lost. However, I will go back and read that book soon. I'm looking forward to the author's next book, though I believe it will be a while before it comes out.

Dearly Beloved - Mary Jo Putney (Zebra - June 2019)

LOVE MUST FIND A WAY . . .

A sheltered life in the countryside has left Diana Lindsay restless to see the wider world, for both herself and the son she is raising alone. She cannot marry, but perhaps as a courtesan she will find love and protection despite her painful past. Gathering her courage, she moves to London—and finds herself the city’s most desired woman, as admired for her charm as for her beauty. But it is one man who captivates her—handsome, haunted, and harboring a secret as deep as her own . . .

Bound by the sins of his youth, Gervase Brandelin, the Viscount St. Aubyn, has spent his adulthood seeking redemption through service to England. Now a spymaster, he can allow nothing to distract him from his duty. But when he meets Diana, his burdens seem to lift. Though she can never truly be his alone, their genuine love fills him with hope, until a treacherous deceit—and a deadly enemy—threatens to tear them apart forever . . .

Good book about two emotionally wounded people. It opens with a young Gervase who, in a moment of drunken idiocy, compromises a young woman. He retains enough of his gentleman's code to marry the girl but also takes revenge for what he sees as entrapment. Devastated when he realizes the truth, he takes steps to care for the girl, yet also to avoid ever having to see her again.

I will say that Gervase did not endear himself to me in these opening pages. He was selfish, thoughtless, and cruel. I wasn't sure that he was at all redeemable. He is rightfully haunted by what he did, which drives him to find ways to ease his conscience. When the story resumes eight years later, Gervase is back in England after inheriting the title and continuing his service to England. He is emotionally closed off, allowing no one past the walls around his heart. So he is surprised and dismayed by the strength of his attraction to London's newest courtesan.

When we first meet Diana, she and her son and a friend live in a cottage in Yorkshire. It is the middle of winter, and during a vicious snowstorm, she rescues a woman who was a former courtesan. After nursing Maddy back to health, they become friends. Diana discovers that the stories Maddy tells appeal to the restlessness she feels. Something tells her that if she takes up that life, maybe she will find the love that she craves. But the man she is most drawn to is the least likely to give her what she needs.

The development of the relationship between Diana and Gervase is a rollercoaster of emotions. Both are wary of the strength of their attraction and the depth of the connection they feel. Gervase is a man whose trust in women was destroyed long ago in a most devastating way. He is determined to protect himself and uses that distrust like a shield. Though part of him wants to believe in Diana's goodness and the happiness he feels when he is with her, his skepticism is never far away. Diana is frequently overwhelmed by the strength of her feelings for Gervase, but also fears that giving in to those feelings without an equal return will cause her to lose sight of her own needs.

This is not a fast-paced romance. Instead, Gervase and Diana spend time together over many months, both in bed and out of it. I liked seeing Gervase slowly begin to exhibit his emotions. I especially enjoyed his connection with Diana's son. There were some pretty sweet scenes between them. However, Gervase's demons still made frequent appearances, most notably in his outbursts of jealousy. Diana is not free of her own issues. There are parts of her past that she needs to share with him, but she's afraid that it will drive him away. The longer she puts it off, the harder it becomes. When matters come to the points where both reveal their pasts, it is just as bad as she feared. Both of them frustrated me because of their attitudes. Diana made some excellent points about Gervase's actions, and I liked that he accepted the truth of them and sought to make changes. But she wasn't free of guilt herself, and the way she revealed her past only made things worse. Everything she said ran up against Gervase's fears and beliefs, causing him to believe the worst of her. I wondered how they could ever get past the things that were said and done.

Gervase did his usual shove everything he didn't want to think of behind a locked door in his mind and tried to lose himself in work. On the other hand, Diana still didn't give up hope that they could overcome it all and have that future she dreamed of. I enjoyed her arrival at the house party, and the after-dinner scene was marvelous. I loved how she handled herself and turned things her way. I still wanted to shake Gervase for his blindness and loved seeing his cousin tear into him. But it took nearly losing her for Gervase to finally let down his walls and allow Diana into his heart.

Running through the book was also an element of suspense. As a spymaster, Gervase actively works to help Britain in its efforts to bring down Napoleon. There is one particular French spy that he is determined to stop if he could only get the proof needed. This particular spy also has an unhealthy interest in Diana. The depth of his depravity and his determination to have Diana are another element of tension throughout the book. The final confrontation with him was a nail-biter and I genuinely feared for the safety of both Diana and Gervase. The way the spy was brought down was poetic justice and extremely satisfying.

 

To Bed the Bride - Karen Ranney (Avon - Nov 2019)

Series: All for Love (Book 3)

Politics has introduced MP Logan McKnight to many fascinating people, but the lady he encounters on the lands bordering his ancestral Scottish home outshines them all. Eleanor Craig of Hearthmere seats a Thoroughbred like a queen, knows as much about world events as any of his colleagues -- and is engaged to one of the worst men Logan knows. She also seems lonely, so Logan brings her a friend. Thus should their acquaintance end, yet it's only just begun.

The puppy Logan delivers is every bit as irresistible as the man himself. How could this stranger sense the isolation Eleanor suffers among her scheming, snobbish extended family and fiancé who control her life? It's even worse in London -- until she begins meeting Logan secretly in a secluded park. Their passionate connection frees Eleanor, body and soul. But discovery threatens disgrace -- or worse.

Good book, though it did have a few spots that dragged a little. Eleanor was orphaned at the age of eleven when her beloved father died. Her life at her Highland home of Hearthmere, with its rich traditions and its long line of famous horses, had been very happy to that point. Her aunt and uncle became her guardians, but when her uncle died also, her aunt moved them to London, reducing Eleanor's time at Hearthmere to one month a year. Eleanor lives for those months when she can return home and be her true self instead of the pale version dictated by her life in London.

Eleanor's most recent visit has been reduced to two weeks by the direction of her aunt and Eleanor's new fiancé, the Earl of Westcott. She's not happy about it but has accepted that her life will change with her marriage. One of the first things she does is head out on a ride where she encounters Logan, an MP on an incognito vacation, who she mistakes for a shepherd. Something about Logan unsettles her and gets under her skin, while Logan is utterly fascinated by Eleanor's looks and intelligence. But he can also see that she is lonely.

I liked the development of the relationship between Eleanor and Logan. There were sparks between them from the start, but Eleanor is caught up in her "London Eleanor" persona and ignores them. The only feeling she allows to surface is annoyance at the way he talks to her. I liked the way that Logan recognizes that there is more to her than she allows to show. He knows he should leave her alone, but something about her calls to him. Because he senses her loneliness, Logan gives Eleanor a border collie puppy that he hopes will be a friend. Eleanor doesn't want the puppy at first, but it isn't long before Bruce wiggles his way into her heart. When Eleanor returns to London, she never expects to see Logan again. She's stunned when he shows up at a dinner party at her aunt's house, and she discovers that he is a member of Parliament.

Though she knows it is wrong, Eleanor and Logan begin to meet secretly as friends, bonding first over Bruce's training. They grow closer as Eleanor finds herself increasingly willing to be herself in Logan's company. She also begins to chafe under the treatment she receives from her family and fiancé. Her family frequently shows their selfishness and disdain for the benefits they have received from being part of her life. I detested her Aunt Deborah and cousin Daphne and the way they browbeat her. But the one who really angered me was her fiancé, Michael. The more I saw of him, the more I wanted her to get away from him. His attitude toward Bruce would have been the last straw for me, but Eleanor was still stuck in her "family first" mindset. I was so glad that Eleanor was able to call on Logan for help in that situation. I ached for them both because, by this time, they knew that the pull between them was becoming irresistible. Logan's sense of honor was incredibly strong. But when Eleanor overheard Michael's plans for Hearthmere, she knew she couldn't marry him. What she never expected were the over-the-top actions of her family to force her into the marriage. I was horrified by what they did and waited as desperately as Eleanor did for Logan to rescue her. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over. The ending was great, especially with the revelation of Logan's secret. The only thing that would have made it better would be to see her family's reaction when they found out!

 I had two favorite secondary characters. First, of course, was Bruce. He was adorable, from his attacks on Eleanor's shoes to his absolute devotion to her. He made me laugh in many places, and I could see the difference he made in Eleanor's life. I loved his part in her rescue. The other character I loved was Logan's housekeeper, Mrs. Campbell. She was so kind and warm-hearted and was precisely what Eleanor needed in her life. I liked that she was the one who brought Eleanor's absence to Logan's attention and that she involved herself in finding out what was wrong.

 

Behind Closed Doors - Betina Krahn (Kensington - Nov 2019)

Series: Tudor (Book 2)

UNDER THE QUEEN’S EYE . . .

As Queen Elizabeth’s prized new lady-in-waiting, Corrina Huntington is beautiful, innocent, and eager to know the world beyond her sheltered home—especially the mysteries of love. Despite the queen’s vow of protection, Corrie soon finds herself swept into the intrigues of the court, rampant with plots and pleasures—and discovers more than she ever imagined . . .

Manly and magnificent, Count Rugar Kalisson swears vengeance on the insulting, overbearing English who scorn him for his Swedish heritage. He vows to best the vain queen’s knights in contest, and her ladies in seduction—including her latest pet. Love is not part of his plan, yet he and the sheltered English rose are soon drawn together by a reckless passion—a forbidden bond that will not only inflame the wrath of a jealous Queen, but provoke a diplomatic scandal . . .

Good book. I especially enjoyed the setting of this one. Historical romances are overwhelmingly Regency era, but this one takes place mostly at the court of Elizabeth I with a little bit in Sweden. I felt that the portrayal of the intrigue and attitudes of the time were very well done. That said, the first 20% or so of the book dragged a little for me, but once Corrie and Rugar met, the story picked up quite nicely.

Corrie is eighteen years old and has been kept very sheltered by her parents. That comes to an end when Queen Elizabeth stops while on her progress around the country and takes a liking to Corrie. She insists that Corrie becomes one of her maids of honor. This horrifies her parents who are very familiar with the Queen's court and its ways, but they have no choice. Meanwhile, Corrie is thrilled with the opportunity to experience a wider world. It isn't long before Corrie becomes the queen's favorite. There are drawbacks to this, as Elizabeth is very possessive and warns off anyone who threatens her relationship with Corrie - especially the men. In spite of her intelligence and extensive education, Corrie is oblivious to the queen's machinations.

Meanwhile, Rugar is named ambassador to England by the king of Sweden and sent to establish good relations with the queen. This suits him to a T as he has personal reasons for going. As a lad of twelve, Rugar visited the court with his father, who was sent to propose a marriage between Elizabeth and the Swedish king. They were not treated kindly but mocked and derided for their differences. Rugar's father never recovered from the shame he felt at his failure, leaving Rugar burning with the desire for revenge. He arrives at the court determined to beat all the men in their manly contests and to seduce the queen's ladies.

It's at this point that the story picks up interest for me. Rugar is bowled over by his first sight of Corrie and makes her the target of his attentions. He is certain that she is just as immoral as all the other women of the court. Corrie is overwhelmed by Rugar's attentions, having never experienced anything like it. Her forthright nature supports Rugar's assumptions and his single-minded pursuit of her. I really enjoyed their interactions. Corrie's innocent reactions and questions draw Rugar closer to her. He is enchanted by her inquisitive nature and the passion he senses below her surface. As Rugar's attention stirs her senses, Corrie is determined to experience everything that she can. But as she becomes bolder, Rugar has to face the fact that he misjudged Corrie's experience, and tries to pull away. I ached for both of them at this point, because Corrie has fallen hard for Rugar, even though she feels that there is no future in it. Rugar, who has reasons for avoiding innocents, is determined to stay away from her but finds it impossible to do so. Dismayed to realize that he has fallen in love with her, Rugar is determined to protect her, even from himself.

There are outside forces that are determined to interfere. Elizabeth is angered by Rugar's attention to Corrie, even though she warned him off. She sets one of her spies on him, looking for a reason to send him away. Unfortunately, her spy has his own agenda. He has harbored a grudge against Corrie's parents for many years and looks on this a  chance to even the score. When Corrie and Rugar are discovered in a compromising position, Elizabeth's rage knows no bounds.

The last part of the book flew by for me, as Corrie and Rugar escape the queen's attempts to keep them apart and flee to Sweden. I loved Corrie's joy in being there and ached for her as she faced resistance from Rugar's people. It was interesting to see Rugar's reaction to what happened and the effect it had on his view of the past. I was glued to the pages as the queen's fury continued to build and ripped Corrie and Rugar apart. I loved Rugar's determination to get her back, no matter what he had to do. The final showdown with the queen was a nailbiter. I loved Rugar's reaction to her demands and how he regained the upper hand. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to the story.

There was also a secondary romance between Corrie's cousin Anne and Rugar's friend Torgne. The sparks flew between them from the start. Torgne, like Rugar, had a low opinion of English morals. Anne, a relatively recent widow, is not ashamed of her needs and gets a great deal of satisfaction out of tempting him. When an unexpected mix-up throws the two of them together, the sparks burst into flame. I loved the scene on the ship as Anne goes all-out to break through Torgne's resistance. With both of them caught up in Elizabeth's outrage, there was some question as to their chances of a future together. I loved the scene at the end, as Rugar suggests the perfect "punishment" for Torgne's crimes.

*Originally published in September 1991

Let Sleeping Rogues Lie - Sabrina Jeffries (Pocket - Feb 2008)

Series: School for Heiresses (Book 5)

"Don't let yourself be fooled, Madeline: once a rake, always a rake."

-- Mrs. Charlotte Harris, headmistress

When Madeline Prescott took a teaching position at Mrs. Harris's School for Young Ladies, it was to help restore her father's reputation. Instead, she's in danger of ruining her own. The devilishly handsome Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt, has agreed to provide "rake lessons" to Mrs. Harris's pupils so they can learn how to avoid unscrupulous gentlemen, and Madeline is to oversee his classes. She has always believed that attraction is a scientific matter, easily classified and controlled -- until she's swept into the passionate desire that fiercely burns between her and Anthony. Nothing could be more illogical than risking everything for a dalliance with a rake -- even one who's trying to behave himself. Yet nothing could be more tempting...

Good book about two people with pain and secrets, who are very different and yet find a way to help each other. Madeline is a relatively new teacher at Mrs. Harris's school. She applied there after she and her father left Shropshire under a cloud. Dr. Prescott was a respected doctor until one of his patients died while he was using the new nitrous oxide during her treatment. The local baron, a particularly nasty and vicious man, is making trouble for the doctor and pushing to have him charged with murder. Madeline is desperate to clear her father's name and is determined to find the scientist who wrote about the use of nitrous oxide and ask for his help.

Anthony Dalton, Viscount Norcourt, recently inherited the title when his brother died. His niece's fate, thanks to the lack of a will, was left up to the courts to decide. There are two claimants for Tessa's care. First, Anthony's aunt and uncle, who Anthony is desperate to keep away from Tessa. He still bears the mental and emotional scars of the time he spent with them and dreads the thought of what they would do to Tessa. Then there is Anthony, a confirmed bachelor and notorious rake whose flaunting of Society's rules was a direct result of his treatment at their hands. He feels that getting Tessa into the right school is his best chance of proving that he has her best interests at heart. Unfortunately, most of the schools want nothing to do with him. Appealing to Mrs. Harris is his last chance.

I loved the first meeting between Madeline and Anthony. She is familiar with his reputation and fears he has ulterior motives. But once she learns about Tessa, she knows she must help get the girl away from the baron - the same one who threatens her father. She agrees to help him convince Mrs. Harris if he will consent to spend the next two weeks teaching classes in 'How to Avoid Rakes, Rogues, and Fortunehunters". Mrs. Harris is skeptical but agrees to give him a chance. I loved the back and forth between Madeline and Anthony as they work through the negotiations. It is immediately apparent that there are sparks between them.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Madeline and Anthony. Both are highly intelligent and have quick wits. Madeline knows that her attraction to Anthony is trouble waiting to happen, but she can't stop thinking about him. Anthony is equally attracted and determined to find a way to get Madeline into his bed without risking his custody battle. The more time they spend together, the stronger the flames grow. There are some great scenes of the two of them as their banter fans the fire between them. And when those flames become explosive, the heat between them is incredible. But both of them are also hiding secrets. Madeline hasn't told Anthony the truth of why she has made her demands for fear of his refusal to help. I got quite frustrated by her reticence as it showed a lack of trust in the man she was coming to love.

Anthony held on to his own secrets about why he was so determined to get Tessa away from his relatives. I ached for him as more of his past was revealed. The cruelty and abuse he suffered as a child still haunts him. I loved how Madeline pried those secrets out of him and did so with compassion rather than pity. When Madeline's deception came out, Anthony was understandably hurt and angry. I liked that, once the initial explosion was over, he was able to listen and understand. He also realized that if he was going to be able to help Madeline and save Tessa, he had to face his past first. I loved the difference it made in him. It also gave him some interesting ammunition for his final confrontation with his uncle. That confrontation was immensely satisfying, and I loved the follow-up of the epilogue.

The beginning of each chapter began with correspondence between Mrs. Harris and her school's benefactor, her "Cousin Michael." He comes across as a bit of a self-righteous prig, and I enjoyed seeing her push back when she didn't agree with him. Though Charlotte occasionally seemed judgmental, her protectiveness toward Madeline was real. I liked that she also came to believe in Anthony as well.

The Earl's American Heiress - Carol Arens (HH #1448 - July 2019)

From American heiress…

…to his convenient countess!

When American schoolteacher Clementine Maccoish rescues a handsome stranger from perilously drowning late at night, she's stunned to discover he's actually Heath Cavill -- the Earl of Fencroft -- and the man she's conveniently betrothed to! He has a reputation for being a man of mystery, so what was he doing outside so late? Intrigued by his secrets, Clementine wishes to find out the truth before she walks down the aisle to wed him!

Good book. In the late 1800s, many of England's aristocracy found themselves in financial difficulties, while there was a slew of wealthy Americans with eligible daughters. A match made in heaven, so to speak, as the daughters married titled men and the men got healthy dowries to repair their family fortunes. Wealthy James Maccoish and Oliver Cavill came to an agreement where Oliver and James's granddaughter Madeline would marry. Unfortunately, Madeline ran off before they even left the States, and Oliver died, leaving his brother Heath to take over the title and impoverished estates. Meanwhile, James was determined that a match take place anyway.

I liked Clementine and Heath. Clementine is a schoolteacher who loves what she does. She isn't all that happy to be marrying, but she loves her grandfather and will do it for him. She is intelligent and kind and fiercely independent. Heath isn't all that happy to be stuck with the title and estates, plus his brother's fiancée. He has a special project going on, and a wife will get in the way. Heath is a good man with a strong sense of honor. He is charming and funny when he wants to be.

When Clementine and Heath first met, it was late at night in the garden between their residences. Heath ended up face down in the fountain, and it was Clementine who pulled him out. Both of them were in awkward positions, so neither gave their real names when they introduced themselves. But there was no doubt about the sparks that were there between them. Imagine their surprise when they were formally introduced to each other! Though they were disposed to agree to the marriage anyway, the wedding was accelerated when they were discovered in a slightly compromising position.

There are complications to their marriage. Because of the secret work that he does, Heath needs to keep Clementine at a distance so that she isn't implicated if he gets caught. Unfortunately for him, he likes Clementine and also wants to get closer to her. Clementine is frustrated, knowing that he is keeping something from her but with no way to find out what it is. For her part, Clementine desperately wants a chance to do something useful. She misses teaching, but it isn't something a countess is permitted to do. When she finally finds something she can do, it runs up against Heath's secret.

I liked the development of the relationship between Heath and Clementine. They had much in common, and it was easy to see them falling for each other. As they grew closer, the sparks between them grew hotter, and I loved seeing them finally give in to them. They realized and admitted their love for each other fairly quickly, but pride kept them from sharing their secrets. I ached for Heath, who felt guilty about keeping Clementine in the dark, but thought that it was the only way to protect her. He made some boneheaded mistakes because of it, some of which put Clementine in danger after all. I was frustrated with Clementine, who knew that Heath must have reasons for forbidding her to do what she did, but her pride wouldn't let her give in. When she decided to take matters into her own hands she only made matters worse. I was glued to the pages at the end when she discovered her mistake and took steps to fix it. I laughed out loud at her methods and cheered when they were successful. There was one last obstacle to clear, and it was a vital one. The final confrontation was intense, and I loved seeing the significant part that Clementine played in it. It was satisfying to see the bad guy finally get what was coming to him. The epilogue was great.

The secondary characters were also good. James Maccoish was quite a character. There was no doubt about his love for both his granddaughters, nor about how well he knew them. I thoroughly enjoyed his part at the end, from his support of Heath to his glee during the epilogue. I also liked Heath's sister Olive. She has good reason to be bitter about men, and I wasn't sure about her at the beginning. But she turned out to be a terrific friend to Clementine. I especially enjoyed her scene at Lady Guthrie's tea. I am curious about Clementine's cousin Madeline, and hope that she will have her own story soon.

Seduction on a Snowy Night - Mary Jo Putney; Madeline Hunter; Sabrina Jeffries (Kensington - Sept 2019)

A Christmas Abduction by Madeline Hunter

Caroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to insure his undivided attention. Yet once in close quarters, she finds herself beholden to their smoldering connection . . .

Good story. Adam is on his way to his cousin's house for Christmas. He's not enthused about it as he is expected to announce his engagement to a woman he doesn't particularly like. However, it is an alliance thing, and he'll take one for the family. He doesn't expect to get kidnapped on his way there. As he is not wealthy, he has no idea what his captor wants. Caro is not interested in Adam's fortune or lack of it. She has far more personal plans for him.

I liked both Adam and Caro. He is a decent guy at heart. He's made mistakes, admits to them, and wants to change. He takes his abduction in stride and is more amused than angered by it. Once he figures out who she is, he believes he knows the why. He is impressed by Caro's efforts to keep things running and, drawn to her, finds himself wanting to help. For her part, Caro is determined to make the notorious rake do the right thing. But the more time she spends with him, the less rakish he appears to be.

There are sparks between Adam and Caro from the start. Besides the attraction, Adam finds himself feeling protective of Caro, especially after the incident at the pond. He's stunned when she finally tells him why he's there and vehemently denies the charge. Caro can't believe she's attracted to Adam after what he did, but she can't deny what is between them. I liked seeing them talk and get to know each other. The more I learned about Caro's reasons for having Adam there, the more I suspected that there was additional information that she was unaware of. I was not surprised by the truth when it came out. I loved Adam's actions to fix the situation. I loved the ending, as Adam finally found his purpose in life, and Caro found the support that she needed.

A Perfect Match by Sabrina Jeffries

Series: Duke Dynasty (Book 1.5)

Whisked away from a wintry ball by the officer she knew only through letters, Cassandra Isles struggles with her feelings for the commanding Colonel Lord Heywood. For he, secretly a fortune-hunter, must marry for money to save his estate—and Cass, secretly an heiress, will accept nothing less than love . . .   

Good story. Cass and her cousin Kitty are at a winter ball where Cass does her best to keep Kitty out of the clutches of an unsuitable man. Though he presents well, there is something about him that Cass doesn't trust. Her suspicions are reinforced by the arrival of Colonel Heywood, who brings a message from Kitty's brother with news of the man's perfidy. Heywood arrives in time to overhear plans to abduct Kitty to Gretna Green, so he kidnaps Kitty and Cass first.

I liked both Cass and Heywood. Cass is independent, smart, and protective of her young cousin. She is also cynical about men, having been courted for her fortune in the past. Now she puts out that she is the poor relation, wanting to be courted for herself. Heywood is an honorable man who has spent many years as a soldier, but he longs for peace and a family of his own. His father left him some property, but it is in poor repair, which means Heywood must marry a woman who has money.

I liked the development of the relationship between Cass and Heywood. It begins with a bit of mistaken identity, as Cass has been writing letters to Kitty's brother in Kitty's name. Douglas shares those letters with Heywood, who has fallen in love with the writer, whom he believes is Kitty. This is convenient because Kitty is an heiress. It doesn't take long for him to realize that Kitty is not what he thought and that it is her poor cousin Cass who won his heart. Cass is equally drawn to him, but having been burned once she is wary. I loved seeing them spend time together, matching wits in some excellent banter. As their feelings for each other deepen, Heywood realizes that he'd rather give up his land than Cass. As Cass realizes her feelings for Heywood, she feels guilty about keeping the truth from him. Heywood disappointed me with his reaction when she confessed, his injured pride causing him to say some terrible things. Fortunately he sees the light in time to save her from near disaster and is properly contrite. Cass takes her share of the blame, too, which was nice to see.  I liked the epilogue also.

Heywood's family was terrific, and I look forward to seeing more of them. His mother led an intriguing life, and it affected each of her children. I loved the closeness of the family and the lovingly done teasing among them all.

My only quibble in the story was the frequent insertion of lines from modern Christmas carols as parts of conversations. I found myself rolling my eyes each time it happened, as it would pull me out of the story.

One Wicked Winter Night by Mary Jo Putney

Series: Rogues Redeemed (Book 3.5)

Dressed as a veiled princess, Lady Diana Lawrence is shocked to discover that the mysterious corsair who tempts her away from the costume ball is the duke she once loved and lost. Now snowed in with Castleton at a remote lodge, will she surrender to the passion still burning hotly between them?

Good second chance love story. I loved that this was Diana's tale, who was part of Rory's story in Once a Scoundrel. Diana left England seven years earlier, fleeing the memories of a love gone wrong. She became an independent woman of means thanks to an import/export business she owns with a friend. The story opens as Diana receives a letter from Rory, inviting her back to England for a visit. Diana realizes that she is homesick and makes the decision to return home to stay. The only downside is the chance that she will run into the man she loved.

Anthony recently inherited the dukedom from his late, unlamented father. The previous duke had been a cruel man, and Anthony worked hard to be nothing like him. He is a quiet, kind man who loves his two sisters. He avoids social events whenever possible, as he has become the target of every eligible miss and her mother since becoming the duke. His sisters convince him that attending a costume ball will be fun as he can maintain anonymity while there.

I loved the meeting between Diana and Anthony. She and Rory dressed as Indian dancers and performed for the ball's attendees. Anthony was intrigued by the veiled dancer and requested a dance. The sparks between them led to an explosive kiss. To say they were shocked to discover who was behind the masks was putting it mildly. Though Anthony let Diana get away once, he is now determined not to let it happen again. Diana is still insistent that there is no chance of anything between them. I loved Anthony's spur-of-the-moment plan to get Diana to himself long enough to get to the bottom of her resistance, though Diana took a rather stupid risk to get there quickly. Once they were together, Anthony's patience and understanding broke through the guilt that had driven her away and kept her away. Those moments between them were emotional and heartwarming. Their happy ending was great. I loved their arrival at his sister's house and how Diana was embraced by them.

One of my favorite things in the story that had me in giggles was the creativity of the names they had for the cats' species. I also liked seeing Will and Athena again (loved their costumes for the masquerade ball) and Rory and Gabriel. I loved the fun that Rory and Diana had planning and doing their dance.

The Merry Viscount - Sally MacKenzie (Zebra - Sept 2019)

Series: Widow's Brew (Book 2)

The “fallen” ladies of Puddledon Manor’s Benevolent Home are determined to rise above scandal—and forge a sparkling new future operating their own brewery and alehouse…

With Christmas around the corner, Miss Caroline Anderson hoped to persuade a London tavern owner to carry the Home’s Widow’s Brew—only to discover the dastard was more interested in her ankles than her ale! To her further annoyance, her stagecoach back to Little Puddledon is waylaid by louts and a snow-covered ditch. Amid a nasty storm, Caro seeks shelter at a nearby estate—only to be greeted by Viscount Oakland, aka Nick, her brother’s childhood friend—and her schoolgirl crush. Now he’s the half-dressed host of what is clearly a holiday bacchanal. Still, his house is irresistibly warm…

Ever the free spirit, Nick has invited the wilder gentlemen of the ton, and an assortment of London’s lightskirts, to celebrate Christmas in a more traditional, pagan fashion. So he’s surprised to find Caro at his door. Now, with a blizzard raging, he must take her in—despite his fear she won’t take to his guests, and worse, upend his party. But she may surprise him—and upend his life…

This was a fun and fast-paced story about two people haunted by their pasts. I loved how the healing process was wrapped in humor and romance. Caro is the brewmaster for the Benevolent Home where she lives. She took that post after an event that caused a rift with her family and has affected her life ever since. After an unsuccessful trip to London searching for new markets for her ale, Caro is stuck on a coach with some unpleasant passengers and increasingly bad weather. When the coach ends up in a ditch, she recognizes their location and tramps off to seek help at the estate of Viscount Oakland, aka "Lord Devil," her brother's old school friend and Caro's girlhood crush.

Nick recently became the Viscount after the death of the uncle he loathed. Orphaned at a young age, he was wrenched from his mother's family in Italy and forced to live with his cold and bitter uncle. He usually avoids Oakland, but due to unforeseen (and hilarious) circumstances, he had to vacate his townhouse. To thumb his nose at his uncle's memory, Nick invited a couple of his wilder friends and some lightskirts to celebrate with a Christmas orgy. Only, now that he's there he finds himself less than enthusiastic about the festivities.

I loved the opening meeting between Caro and Nick. It has been almost twenty years since they last saw each other and neither immediately recognized the other. Caro mistakes Nick for his butler an is pretty brash in her zeal to procure help for her fellow passengers. She's shocked when she realizes her mistake, but no less determined. Nick didn't recognize Caro at first either, though he did think she looked familiar. He was immediately attracted to her, something that surprised him in light of his earlier disinterest in the available "ladies."

I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Nick and Caro. In a hilarious conversation, Caro offers a trade with Nick. She will pretend to be his lover, thereby negating rumors of his "problem" in exchange for his protection from any of the men who get the wrong idea about her. Thanks to their pasts, neither one has any interest in settling down, but their hearts don't get the message. As Nick learns about Caro's past his protective instincts are aroused along with other parts of him. I loved the way that he helped her let go of the pain of that past event and see that it wasn't her fault. Though her heart wants to believe that there is hope for more between them, her head still believes that a "fallen woman" is no match for a viscount.

Meanwhile, Nick begins to realize that he has let his feelings about his uncle control his life for too long. Caro's presence reminds him of happier times when he felt a part of her family. I loved seeing his metamorphosis from rake to responsible. His protectiveness toward Mrs. Dixon and her children, and his kindness toward young Edward was only the beginning. Learning more about Caro's new life made him take a fresh look at his and realize that he was ready for a change.

The interactions between Caro and Nick were great. The attraction between them was incendiary but tempered by Caro's fears. I loved Nick's patience as he helped her move past them. Their conversations were frank and frequently funny, and their inner monologues added to the hilarity. Nick's were especially amusing as he dealt with the feelings that Caro aroused. As he came to accept and embrace his newfound feelings for Caro, Nick struggled with finding a way to convince her of his love and to believe that they can have a future. I felt for him with his rambling attempts to tell her how much he needed her. I liked seeing Caro's thought processes as she worked through her feelings and fears to the realization of the dreams she thought she had given up. The ending was sweet and sexy and perfect for the two of them.

The mixture of people thrown together could have been awkward and uncomfortable, but the Christmas spirit seemed to take hold of everyone. I enjoyed seeing different sides emerge of the people who didn't make the greatest first impressions. The baker and his wife left their quarreling behind to prepare a special dish for the group. The "Weasel" turned out to be less of a threat than expected, and the judgmental preacher showed he had a heart after all. The two young peers learned a bit of humility, with one of them also experiencing an eye-opening revelation. The lightskirts found a new direction for their lives, and their boss played a big part in bringing Nick and Caro together. I loved Nick's servants and how the relationship between them and Nick changed as he did.

I did have a few questions at the end. Why was Caro in service as a nanny at seventeen? She is the daughter of the gentry, with parents and seven brothers. Shouldn't they have been helping her find a husband rather than sending her out alone into the world? Nick's realization of his feelings about his Italian family at the end left me wondering if he was going to do anything about it. I would have liked another chapter or an epilogue, maybe showing him and Caro honeymooning in Italy and visiting his family. I'd like to see what happens with the new residents of the Home and hope that maybe they will appear in the next book. 

 

Heiress Gone Wild - Laura Lee Guhrke (Avon - Sept 2019)

Series: Dear Lady Truelove (Book 4)

Dear Lady Truelove,

My ward is driving me crazy. I have to marry her off and get her out of my life. There's just one problem...

When Jonathan Deverill promised a dying friend he'd be guardian to the man's daughter, he envisioned a girl in pigtails and pinafores, a child he could leave behind in some finishing school. Problem is, his ward is actually a fully-grown, defiant beauty whose longing for romance threatens to make his guardianship a living hell.

New York heiress Marjorie McGann wants a London season and a titled husband who can help her spend the Yankee millions she's inherited, and she thinks her new British guardian is the perfect person to help her find him. But Jonathan has no intention of letting his friend's fortune be squandered. Under his watchful, protective eye, Marjorie finds romance hard to come by . . . until one fateful night when her own guardian's devastating kisses makes her wonder if the greatest romance of all might be right in front of her.

Fun book about two people who seem to be opposites, but are more alike than they know. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two people drive each other crazy on their path to happily-ever-after. Though I haven't read the earlier books in the series, this one works well as a stand-alone. There are hints of the earlier stories, enough to fill in the blanks without bogging down the story with recaps. It was also motivation to read the previous books as soon as possible.

Marjorie is a young woman who is ready to take on a new life. She was dumped in boarding school at the age of seven by her father who promised to come back for her. Infrequent letters promised it would be "soon" but the years passed. She dreamed of having what her friends had - a London season, a titled husband, children, and a beautiful home of her own. She's saddened by the passing of her father, but more determined than ever to pursue the life she wants. A stuffy English guardian with plans to leave her at school until it's convenient for him to take her to London is not in her plans.

At the age of eighteen, Jonathan was disinherited by his father, leaving him to make his way in the world alone. After ten years in America doing many things, he and his business partner struck it rich in Idaho. Though extremely rich, Jonathan has just seen his best friend and partner die a terrible death from consumption (tuberculosis). Before Billy died, he begged Jonathan to take care of his "little girl." Of course, he promised to do so, expecting to find a child that he can leave in school.

Jonathan received quite a shock when Billy's "little girl" turned out to be a beautiful twenty-year-old woman. Not only is Marjorie not a child, she has no intention of being left behind and makes that perfectly clear. The sparks flew between Jonathan and Marjorie from the start, each intent on having their own way. Marjorie is an intelligent and determined young woman, and I was not surprised to see her take her destiny into her own hands. Jonathan's plans were completely upended when he found Marjorie onboard the ship to London. He and Marjorie butt heads as his protectiveness runs up against her determination to pursue the life she wants. That protectiveness goes a little overboard, though he did have reason to be concerned.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Marjorie and Jonathan. The sparks of attraction were there from the beginning, with Jonathan realizing that he could be in deep trouble. Lusting after the daughter of his best friend was not appropriate, and his attempts to fight it became more and more difficult. Marjorie started out pretty naïve, unwilling to believe the trouble she could make for herself. I could feel her frustration at the restrictions she faced on the ship, but she was also smart enough that she learned from it. Things got even livelier once they were in London and joined forces with Jonathan's sisters. I loved the way that they upended his plans, forcing him to stay in London.

Thrown into each other's company regularly, the attraction between Jonathan and Marjorie continues to build. Neither of them knows quite how to handle it. Jonathan has no interest in settling down. Even after all of his success, he still feels that he is searching for something which keeps him on the move. His growing feelings for Marjorie cause him to take a good look at himself and what he really wants for his future. I loved seeing him accept his feelings and look for the way to make his new dreams happen. I ached for him when Marjorie allowed her fears to push him away. Those fears made her look at her future with tunnel vision, refusing to face the truth about her true desires. Advice from an unexpected source opened her eyes. I loved Marjorie's big moment at the end and seeing her open her heart to the possibilities.

The secondary characters helped things along quite nicely and were lots of fun themselves. Marjorie's new friend and ostensible "chaperone" was quite a character. I leaned a little bit toward Jonathan's belief that she was a fraud. There were a couple of scenes on the ship that reinforced that idea, and yet I felt that there was more to her. She was a good foil for the Countess of Stansbury, who was very different from the Baroness. Though the Countess was a royal pain for Marjorie, she did provide a good look at what Marjorie would face when she reached London. Jonathan's sisters and their husbands were great. Jonathan's trepidation overseeing them for the first time in ten years was understandable, especially his sister Clara. I liked that she made him sweat a little before forgiving him. I loved the two sisters and their immediate support of Marjorie, as well as their refusal to let Jonathan bail on them. 

The Dance Before Christmas - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Oct 2018)

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.

The Rise and Fall of Reginald Everheart - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Nov 2017)

Series: Lady Travelers Society (Book 1.5)

Unmarried and dedicated to illustrating the Explorers Club’s artifacts, Dulcie Middleworth is running out of prospects. Spinsterhood’s a tragedy for the daughter of a viscount, but London’s most eligible maiden has a secret: she’s already in love. But to confess an attraction to charming explorer Michael Shepard? Not when the man has no wish to marry and his heart’s desire lies in adventure abroad.

Surely such a predicament calls for a matchmaker of Poppy Fitzhew-Wellmore’s caliber! And calls as well for a romantic rival—the legendary figment of Poppy’s imagination Reginald Everheart—to nudge Michael’s affections in Dulcie’s direction. But what to do when everyone demands to meet the famously infamous suitor who doesn’t really exist?

Short, sweet story of love in the library. Dulcie is on the shelf according to society's leaders. Instead of hunting for a husband, she spends her time in the library at the Explorers Club illustrating their artifacts. What they don't know is that she is already in love with the man who sits on the other side of the library, wannabe explorer Michael Shepard. It's a hopeless love as he has made it clear that he does not intend to marry.

I enjoyed the progress of the relationship between Dulcie and Michael. They spent months in the same space, intrigued by each other but never exchanging more than polite pleasantries. That doesn't stop them from watching each other, noting the little things that tug on their hearts. Dulcie's mother is determined to marry her off and constantly pushes one particular suitor forward. But Dulcie wants to marry for love, and Preston Drummond doesn't appeal in the slightest. Michael is intrigued and attracted to Dulcie, but long ago decided that a man who disappears for months or years at a time has no business subjecting a wife to that lifestyle. When Preston's attentions become more pointed, Michael can't let Dulcie be fooled into accepting the man. However, his attempt to help is not well received, and the resulting scene causes sparks to fly.

Poppy and her friends believe it is evident that Dulcie and Michael belong together and that they just need a little help to see it. Poppy resurrects an intrepid explorer from her past, one Reginald Everheart. He is very nearly perfect - and wholly a product of her imagination. With the help of Gwen and Effie, Poppy uses Reginald's "attentions" to Dulcie to provoke Michael's jealousy and motivate him toward accepting his feelings. The sparks continue to fly as Michael keeps saying things that rile Dulcie's independent nature. It takes advice from the experienced older ladies to get both Dulcie and Michael to realize that with love, anything is possible.

There were quite a few scenes that had me laughing out loud. Dulcie's rejections of Preston's proposals were great, as he had so much trouble believing anyone would turn him down. The scene with the arrival of the artifact from Reginald that Dulcie was to draw was hysterical, thanks to Michael's reaction to the baboon's "attributes." It was also fun to see Poppy and friends stumble over their invention in a case of "too many cooks."

 

The Determined Lord Hadleigh - Virginia Heath (HH #1443 - July 2019)

Series: King's Elite (Book 4)

He's got iron control…

But she might be his undoing!

Haunted by Penny Penhurst's courage on the witness stand, meticulous barrister Lord Hadleigh offers her a housekeeper position at his estate. Despite trying to stay detached, Hadleigh is charmed by her small child and surprised by how much he yearns for this proud woman! Can he break through his own -- and Penny's -- barriers to prove he's a man she can trust…and love?

This was an excellent conclusion to the King's Elite series. "The Boss" is in custody and it is up to Lord Hadleigh as Crown Prosecutor to build a watertight case for conviction. Hadleigh is well known for his meticulous and thorough preparations, and his unemotional prosecutions. The book opens at the trial of Lord Penhurst, who was captured in the first book of the series. Lady Penny Penhurst is on the witness stand, and Hadleigh can't help being moved by her courage. Haunted by what she endured both before and after her husband's capture, Hadleigh takes steps to help her secretly.

Penny endured three years of hell at the hands of her physically and mentally abusive husband. With her husband's estates and funds confiscated by the Crown, Penny is left with nothing but her determination to start a new life. It is harder than she expected, but she intends to stand on her own two feet. When she finds out that Hadleigh has been helping her on the sly, she is furious and reads him the riot act.

I loved the development of the relationship between Hadleigh and Penny. Overall, it is an emotional rollercoaster with both of them having to face the demons of their pasts before they can move on to a happy future. Hadleigh is a fixer. He is compelled to right wrongs when he sees them, which is why he is so outstanding as a prosecutor. He is consumed by guilt over what happened to Penny and feels partially responsible for it. Partly driven by his feelings of not having been able to help his mother, it helped him to know that he was helping someone who suffered as she had. Penny was furious at his interference. Having been controlled and manipulated by one man, she was not going to allow another one any control over her life. I loved the way she laid out her objections in a manner that Hadleigh could understand, and how it opened his eyes to the consequences of his actions.

But Hadleigh still isn't able to let go of his need to help. The perfect solution falls into his hands when he offers his country estate as a place to prepare witnesses for the upcoming trial. The house was closed for a decade, so he offers the job of housekeeper to Penny. This gives her the employment she craves and Hadleigh the satisfaction of helping her. But there are also consequences to his actions. Hadleigh avoided the house for years because of the memories he associates with it, memories he is now forced to confront. I ached for him as those memories frequently overwhelmed him.

The interactions between Penny and Hadleigh were fantastic. Penny refuses to be a victim and has no trouble standing up to Hadleigh when she feels that he oversteps. Hadleigh isn't a man who feels he is always right and can see the error of his ways when they are pointed out to him. It takes him a while to realize that there is more to his need to help Penny than just reparations for the past. I liked seeing them slowly get to know each other. There were some heartwarming scenes of Hadleigh with Penny's son, as she sees a different side to him. There were also some intensely emotional scenes, such as when she breaks through the walls he erected around his memories of his mother. At the same time, the attraction between them continues to grow. Penny is reluctant to trust herself after her disaster of a marriage, while Hadleigh is ready to have it all. I loved his understanding of her feelings and his willingness to be patient while she works through them. The epilogue was fantastic and perfect for this series. I loved seeing the extended length of time passed and where they all are in their lives.

The secondary characters were all people from the earlier books. I loved Clarissa and Seb's support of Penny and laughed out loud when Seb confronted Hadleigh over his clandestine efforts to help Penny. Seb is caught between a rock and a hard place as he wants to help Penny but also understands Hadleigh's actions. When the action moved to the country house, I loved seeing Jessamine again. The instant friendship between her and Penny was great, helped along by their shared experiences. The Dowager Lady Flint and Harriet were both a riot with their uncensored comments and advice. Flint, Gray, and Seb were all willing participants in giving Hadleigh a hard time over his relationship with Penny.

 

The Disgraceful Lord Gray - Virginia Heath (HH #1426 - Apr 2019)

Series: King's Elite (Book 3)

A spy on a mission…

Until he meets this heiress!

Miss Theodora Cranford's learned to keep her impetuous nature locked away. She won't be deceived by another man who can't see past her fortune. She wants an honorable, sensible sort -- not a self-assured scoundrel like her new neighbor, Lord Gray. Although she's sure there's more to him than meets the eye… But after that first captivating kiss, she's certainly left wanting more!

Good addition to the series. In the previous two books, the men of the King's Elite worked to bring an end to the smuggling and spy ring that was funneling arms and money to France. They succeeded in stopping the gang's operations, but have yet to capture the ringleader, known only as "The Boss." Intelligence has narrowed it down to two people, one of whom is Viscount Gislingham. Gray and Lord Fennimore were sent to Suffolk to infiltrate Gislingham's social circle and find out if he is, in fact, their quarry. The investigation gets off to a rocky start when Gislingham's niece, Thea, happens on Gray swimming naked in a stream while playing with his dog, and the dog knocks her into the stream as well.

I really liked both Gray and Thea. Gray made appearances in the two previous books where he played significant roles. Now he is up for a significant promotion if he handles himself well during this operation. Gray is a charming and flirtatious, but also level-headed and compassionate. After a romantic disappointment and irresponsible reaction left him financially ruined a decade earlier, he spent the intervening years traveling the world on merchant ships. Older and wiser, he wishes he'd done things differently in the past but believes he's changed for the better. Brooding over the past and things that can't be changed isn't his style. Thea is red-haired and feisty, but she tries to keep that side of herself locked up tight. She blames "Impetuous Thea" for some bad decisions in her past, ones that have left her feeling guilty. She is very cautious around men, thanks to those who have been more interested in her inheritance than in her.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gray and Thea. The sparks flew from the moment they met, but both had reasons to resist. Thea, because of her distrust of charming scoundrels, and Gray, because of his reasons for being in Suffolk in the first place. He isn't very happy about having to play up his disreputable reputation as he is quite smitten by Thea and that reputation works against him. Admitting to themselves and each other that romantic involvement is not a good idea, they commit to friendship instead. I loved seeing them get to know each other, sharing the disappointments of their pasts and inevitably growing closer. This is especially a problem for Gray, who finds Thea invading his mind at inopportune moments, making him question his worth as a spy. He also suspects that his deception will not go over well when the truth is revealed. Thea finds it increasingly difficult to keep "Impetuous Thea" locked up as she gets to know Gray, especially when he is so understanding of her past. I liked how Gray encouraged her to embrace her true self and how Thea helped Gray open his heart again. There are the expected complications when the truth comes out, but some timely advice helps cut through the problems to the heart of the matter. The ending was terrific and perfectly "Impetuous Thea" and "disgraceful" Lord Gray.

The continuation of the search for "The Boss" was a page-turner. Both Gray and Lord Fennimore are prepared to do whatever necessary to advance their investigation, and Gray's time with Thea gives him the entry into the Viscount's world that he needs. As their efforts bring them closer to the truth, Gray finds himself questioning some of the things he discovers. There are some surprising twists leading up to the unmasking of "The Boss," one of which was a complete surprise and one I had begun to suspect. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with the hero of the day turning out to be Trefor, the dog.

 The secondary characters are terrific, especially Lady Harriet and Lord Cedric Fennimore. Harriet is a widow who is determined to live life to the fullest. She is incorrigible in her actions and delights in encouraging Thea to loosen up. in previous books, Lord Fennimore has been shown as a gruff, mission-oriented man who doesn't put up with any shenanigans. It was fun to see Gray play up to their supposed "cousins" relationship whenever possible. It was especially enjoyable to see Cedric get caught in Harriet's wiles, exposing a very different side to him.

 

The Uncompromising Lord Flint - Virginia Heath (HH #1407 - Jan 2019)

Series: King's Elite (Book 2)

Imprisoned by her past

Set free by her enemy!

Charged with high treason, Lady Jessamine Fane's under the watchful eye of icily calm Lord Peter Flint. A task this spy won't be swayed from, no matter how alluring his prisoner! Only, it's not long before Flint realizes tenacious Jess hides a lifetime of pain. With so much at stake, can he afford to take a chance on their powerful attraction?

This was an excellent enemies-to-lovers story. It is the second book in the King's Elite series, where the members of the Crown's spy agency have been trying to shut down a French spy/smuggling ring that has members in the highest echelons of British society. Though each book can be read as a standalone, they are better read in order as each one builds on the previous ones.

In this book, Lord Peter Flint is tasked with escorting Lady Jessamine back to England to stand trial for treason. He is well-known for his cool, calm devotion to duty, and he is determined to deliver her safely to London. However, Jess does not make it easy for him. She is feisty, brave, and determined to escape from his custody. The opening salvos in their battle are impressive and set the stage for an interesting battle of wills.

I loved both Peter and Jess. There is more to each of them than the other realizes, and their voyage of discovery was a delight to read. Peter's devotion to duty runs bone-deep as he follows in his father's footsteps as a member of the King's Elite. As a young agent, he made a mistake with a female prisoner that had a lasting effect on him; he will not trust anything that Jess says to him. He is also a gentleman who has five older sisters, and his protectiveness for the female of the species cannot be denied. Jess is an amazing young woman. Torn from her home in England when her French mother ran away with her lover, Saint-Aubin, Jess was subjected to unthinkable neglect and cruel abuse. After her mother's death, Jess was forced to help him with his smuggling/espionage ring. More clever than Saint-Aubin realized, Jess found a way to betray him. She is determined to free herself from both the English and Saint-Aubin and live life on her own terms.

The relationship between Jess and Peter was confrontational at the beginning. I had to laugh at the sight of her pelting him with bread as she screamed French insults at him. In spite of that, Peter defends her right to be treated humanely, something that ends up biting him in the butt when it gives her the chance to escape - twice. Though frustrated by her actions, he can't help but be impressed by her cunning and determination. By the time he catches up with her the second time, he has to redo his entire plan for getting her to London while using her as bait to draw out both the French and the English traitors who want her back in their hands or dead. It isn't too long before the sparks of confrontation turn into the sparks of attraction, but both are reluctant to lower their guards. I liked seeing the trust slowly grow between them as they try to keep Jess safe from Saint-Aubin. As their trust grew, so did their love for each other. But until Jess is proved innocent of the charges against her, there is no way that they can be together.

The suspense of the story was fantastic. I was glued to the pages from start to finish. With all evidence pointing toward Jess's guilt, Peter was determined to get her to London to stand trial while at the same time laying a trap to catch those in charge of the operation. Jess's attitude did nothing to change his mind. But as more of Jess's past was revealed, it became clear that there was more to the story than he knew. Peter is wary of trusting what Jess says, and Jess is unwilling to share everything in an attempt to protect herself. It isn't until she spots Saint-Aubin himself that she confesses all to Peter. As the depth of her knowledge becomes clear, the need to protect her intensifies. As all the players converged on Peter's home in Cornwall, the tension was palpable. There was a terrific scene with Peter, Jess, and Lord Hadleigh as Peter finally convinced Hadleigh of Jess's innocence. The final confrontation was a nail-biter as treachery nearly won the day, though of course, the good guys prevailed.

The secondary characters were terrific also. Lord Gray has some great moments as he provides backup for Peter. He is also outspoken in his dismay over some of his friends' romances. This makes me especially eager to read his story and see how Cupid's arrow brings him down. Peter's mother was one of my favorites. Her outspoken attitude regarding any hint of "tomfoolery" made me laugh, even as it frustrated and embarrassed Peter. I also loved her pragmatic attitude toward what was happening, having had years of experience with Peter's father and his activities. I especially loved her acceptance of Jess and the way she pulled Jess into the family circle. Though he was only doing his job, there were moments when I detested Lord Hadleigh's attitude toward Jess. I loved seeing his eyes get opened to the truth and the effect it had on him.

My only problem with this book, as with the first one, is one of the author's writing quirks. I'm told it is a British thing, though I haven't come across it in any other British author I've read. Phrases such as "she was stood" or "Jess found herself sat" instead of "she stood" or "she found herself sitting" tended to pull me out of the story because they sound wrong to this American reader. I expect I will get used to them the more I read from this author, but it's hard going right now.