The Unexpected Marriage of Gabriel Stone - Louise Allen (HH #1288 - July 2016)

Series: Lords of Disgrace (Book 4)

A proposition from a virgin!

Gabriel Stone, Earl of Edenbridge, might have a rakish reputation, but he's also a gentleman -- of sorts. So when respectable Lady Caroline Holt offers her maidenhood in exchange for an estate her father gambled away, his curiosity is roused.

Gabriel is touched when he learns Caroline is helping her brother -- he's protected his brothers all his life…and has the scars to prove it. He's willing to help her, but is shocked when his mission takes him somewhere he never thought he'd end up -- down the aisle!

This was an excellent conclusion to the Lords of Disgrace series. Of the four men who have been friends since their schooldays, Gabriel is the last bachelor. Seeing his friends' happiness may explain his growing feelings of boredom with his life. That boredom takes a hit when, after a successful night of gambling, Gabriel received a clandestine visit from a respectable young woman.

Caroline was horrified when she found out that her father had gambled away the estate meant for her younger brother. Determined to protect her brother's future, she offered Gabriel the only thing of value she possessed - her virginity. Since she's about to be sold off to whichever old man her father picks, she's more than willing to give herself to someone of her choice.

I thoroughly enjoyed this encounter. Caroline was forthright and determined and made it clear that she knew what she was offering. Gabriel was appalled at the circumstances, but couldn't help being intrigued by Caroline herself. Though he accepted her IOU, he had no plans to actually follow through or even to see her again. That is, until she came to him again, with a problem she hadn't foreseen. He was horrified by the idea that the only person she could turn to was a stranger with his reputation. This stirred his protectiveness and concern for her fate, a concern that appeared justified when she abruptly left for the country with her father. Still telling himself that it was just because he wanted the diversion, he concocted a scheme to keep an eye on her and rescue her if need be.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Gabriel and Caroline. The connection was there between them from the start, though Gabriel spent a long time trying to deny it. Caroline, on the other hand, freely admitted her attraction to him and quickly realized that he was a danger to her heart. I liked that she saw past his rakish reputation to the protective and honorable man that he tried to hide. That honor and protectiveness were brought front and center when Gabriel's rescue didn't work out quite as planned, making it necessary for them to marry. I ached for Caroline because by this time she knew she was in love with Gabriel and he had made it clear that love was not an emotion in his makeup. All she could do was hope that she could break through whatever held him back.

Things looked so good for Gabriel and Caroline while they were in Brighton. It was fun to see how much enjoyment he got from showing Caroline around the town, and teasing her about the things they did. Gabriel also began to realize his feelings for her but didn't know what to do about them. He had spent so long holding those he cared about at a distance that he didn't know how to let her in. Then a tragic event from his past was resurrected and sent him in a spiral of despair and protectiveness. I hurt so much for Gabriel and what he believed would happen, just when he thought he had a chance for happiness. I also wanted to shake him for pushing Caroline away. My heart broke for her pain, then cheered for what she did with that pain. I loved her take charge attitude and her certainty of Gabriel's innocence. The scene at the magistrate's house was outstanding. I loved the big moment between Gabriel and Caroline as he was finally able to let it all go. The epilogue was great and made me wish for a "Sons of" series thirty years later.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the depth of the family and friends relationships as well as the romance. It was Caroline's love for her younger brother that started the whole series of events. The scenes with young Anthony showed that those feelings were just as strong on his part. I liked the hints of protectiveness that were there even at his young age. I found Gabriel's relationships with his brothers puzzling at first, but as more came out about their pasts, it was clear that it was his way of protecting them. That he couldn't see how much they cared about him was heartbreaking. I loved how they all flew to his support at the end, and the effect it had on them all. I also loved the relationships of the "Lords of Disgrace" and how they were always there to support each other. Their interactions were occasionally contentious and frequently amusing, but there was no doubt about the depth of their friendships. 

The Many Sins of Cris de Feaux - Louise Allen (HH #1286 - June 2016)

Series: Lords of Disgrace (Book 3)

Secrets, sins and a scandalous affair

Crispin de Feaux, Marquess of Avenmore, has always done his duty and knows the time has come to find a suitable wife. But when the intrepid Tamsyn Perowne saves his life off the Devonshire coast, Cris is unable to tear himself away…

The widow of a notorious smuggler, Tamsyn would never make an appropriate bride. And Cris has secrets that could tear them apart before they've even begun! Yet, for the first time, Cris is tempted to ignore his duty and claim Tamsyn as his own!

Terrific book that snagged my attention from the beginning and didn't let go until I was done. Cris was back in England after completing a diplomatic mission in Denmark. Unfortunately, he lost his heart to a Danish beauty while he was there. Too honorable to cause a scandal with a married woman or create an international incident, he arrived home frustrated, restless, and reckless. A moment of inattention while swimming off the Devonshire coast found Cris fighting for his life before barely making it to shore. There he was rescued by Tamsyn, a smuggler's widow, and taken in by her and her aunts.

I loved that first encounter between Cris and Tamsyn. He saw her as a mermaid coming to his rescue, and she saw him as a sea god. They shared a hot kiss of relief in being alive before Cris slid into unconsciousness. Tamsyn is no pampered society woman, and I loved her take charge attitude. The scene in the bathing room was great - it was fun to see the always-in-control Cris at Tamsyn's mercy. In spite of his discomfort, Cris was quite intrigued by Tamsyn, especially when he overheard her confrontation with the local magistrate. Though he originally intended to leave as soon as possible, when he heard of the troubles they had his protective instincts stirred. I laughed out loud at his scheme to remain there and investigate the troubles. I laughed even harder when Tamsyn called him on his attempt.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Tamsyn and Cris. The banter between them was terrific, as they were well matched in intelligence and humor. I liked their developing friendship. Neither one denied the attraction between them, though each dealt with it differently. Cris initially tried to ignore it, feeling that it was a betrayal of the woman he left in Denmark. Plus, as an honorable man, he did not want to cause a scandal that would affect Tamsyn's reputation. Tamsyn, on the other hand, was determined to take advantage of the sparks that flew between them. Neither one had any illusions of permanence between them. Cris reminded himself often that he has to look for an eligible bride on his return to London, and Tamsyn has her own reasons to believe it impossible. It was also clear that the feelings between them were growing in spite of it. The troubles facing the ladies took a more serious turn, ramping up Cris's protectiveness, and causing him to take a surprising action. The crisis was averted, but reality tore Cris and Tamsyn apart. I admit to wanting to strangle Cris's friend Gabriel for his obnoxious interference in their lives and its effect on them. An unexpected trip to London brought Tamsyn into Cris's world, and also into danger. I loved the encounters between Tamsyn and Cris's friends, and how they all came together to end the threat against her. I loved Cris's realization of his feelings and seeing him open his heart. I ached for both of them as Tamsyn ran from what she wanted most. Help came from an unexpected source and made for a perfect reconciliation between Cris and Tamsyn. There was an unexpected twist in their reunion that I thought was a lovely touch.

I liked the touch of suspense in the book. The accidents were a good reason for Cris to stick around and gave him and Tamsyn the time to get to know each other. The escalation of the attacks made Cris all the more determined to take care of Tamsyn. There was no doubt about who was behind them; it was only a question of figuring out how to stop him. I thoroughly enjoyed the scene at the inquest, especially Cris and Gabe's parts. The final confrontation was well done with some nail-biting moments until it was all over.