His Housekeeper's Christmas Wish - Louise Allen (HH #1257 - Nov 2015)

Series: Lords of Disgrace (Book 1)

'Tis the season for mischief!

Accidentally colliding with Tess Ellery on the icy streets of Ghent is definitely not how resolute bachelor Alexander Tempest, Viscount Weybourn, intended to start the festive period. He may have mistaken her for a nun, but there's nothing innocent about his reaction to Tess's delicious curves…

When Tess is left stranded, Alex is honor-bound to take her home…as his housekeeper! And despite his long-held rule of spending Christmas alone, Tess's vivacity soon has this brooding lord determined to make all her Christmas wishes come true!

Good book. Tess went to live with her aunt at a convent in Ghent when her parents died. It wasn't a pleasant upbringing, but her needs were met. When her aunt died, it was made clear to her that if she wasn't planning to become a nun herself, it was time to go. She was given the option of returning to England where a job would be found for her. As she was making her way to the docks and the ship that would take her there, she was run into and injured by Alex Tempest.

Alex felt guilty about hurting the lady he first thought was a nun. He took her back to his inn and his friends to take care of her injuries. In his attempts to take care of her, he caused her to miss the boat she was supposed to be on, so he promised to get her where she was supposed to be. Though he's trying to do the right thing, he doesn't think about the consequences of a young woman traveling with a single man. When the convent in London refuses to help her because of it, Alex promises to help her.

I liked Tess a lot. She's a very practical young woman thanks to her time at the convent, but she also looks for the good in people. She accepts Alex's help because she really has no choice, but plans to start looking for a position after the holidays. When she ends up filling in for Alex's ill housekeeper, her strengths really start to show. She is incredibly organized and soon has Alex's household running smoothly. She also has her own agenda, having discovered that Alex is estranged from his family and doesn't celebrate Christmas at all. She is determined to bring him into the Christmas spirit and is relentless in that pursuit. She is also attracted to him, but knows nothing can come of it. Her parents may have been well born, but she is illegitimate and therefore not eligible for a man like Alex. 

Alex is something of a self made man. At the age of seventeen he had a falling out with his father over a buildup of events culminating in the death of a friend. He hasn't been home or spoken to his father since. Instead he has a thriving art dealer business, good friends, and an absolute distant for the fuss of the Christmas holidays. Though he's a bit cynical, at heart he is a good man, and when he collides with Tess he is determined to take care of her. He knows he has to be careful of her reputation, and does everything he can to protect her. He is also attracted to her, but tries to control himself around her.

I loved seeing the relationship grow between Alex and Tess. He is determined to help and protect her, especially from himself. He is known for keeping his cool under all circumstances, but something about Tess really gets under his skin. It was fun seeing him agree to do things with and for her that he never would have done before. In spite of her innocence, Tess has a way of seeing what people really need, and she sees that, contrary to what he says, Alex really misses his family. She's determined to give him a real Christmas because of it. And though she knows nothing can come of it, Alex finds a way into her heart.

Things get really interesting when Alex receives a letter from his mother, begging him to come home. His father is ill and Alex is needed on the estate. He's more nervous about going home than he will admit and asks Tess to go with him. Next thing he knows, the entire household is going, with Tess no longer the housekeeper but a friend he is helping. I loved seeing how they rearranged everyone's roles. Once they arrive at Tempeston, the reader begins to get the background of the issues between Alex and his father. It was fun to see Alex's satisfaction in showing off his success. With a few little prods from Tess, he makes progress in repairing his relationships with his father and brother. 

The attraction between Tess and Alex grows stronger. I loved seeing the way that Tess tries to draw him further into the Christmas preparations. Both are fighting the attraction but it is a losing battle. Tess doesn't want to miss out on the experience she could have with him, so she goes after what she wants. Alex doesn't resist too hard, but there are still some guilty feelings over what he sees as his less than honorable actions. In his attempts to take care of her he makes some rather significant mistakes, causing a rift between them. How he makes up with her is unusual, and almost makes things worse before it gets better.

I liked the realistic view of what kind of life Tess could expect as an illegitimate woman. Life wasn't easy for women such as her. I liked her rescue of Dorcas and Daisy, as her kind heart saw a way to help them at the same time they could help her. I also enjoyed the look "below stairs" during the time Tess was acting as housekeeper. Alex was also honest about what might happen after they marry.

The Daring Exploits of a Runaway Heiress - Victoria Alexander (Zebra - May 2015)

Series: Millworth Manor (Book 5)

To Do:

Swim naked in the moonlight

Play in a high stakes card game

Ride an elephant

Be painted sans clothing.

Take a lover. . .

Lucy Merryweather has inherited a fortune--and her great-aunt's list of unfulfilled wishes. What better way to honor her memory than by accomplishing as many of them as possible? And with Lucy's family an ocean away in New York, nothing stands in her way--if one ignores the private investigator hired to spy on her.

Yet Cameron Effington is infuriatingly difficult to ignore. . .

As a reporter, Cameron is always looking for a good story. An American heiress running rampant between Millworth Manor and Mayfair is the perfect subject. Not to mention captivating. And extremely kissable. And if Lucy believes he's a detective? Well, the truth should never get in the way of a good story--or hinder delicious, impetuous passion. . .

Fun book. Lucy made her first appearance in The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding, as the non-fiancee of the hero Jackson. I really liked her there and looked forward to reading her story. When the book begins, her family has gone back to New York, leaving her in the care of Jackson's mother. What her mother doesn't know is that all the people who are supposedly in charge of Lucy have gone off on their own business, leaving Lucy very happily on her own. Jackson makes a last ditch effort to protect her reputation by insisting she hire a companion before he too goes off on his own adventures.

Lucy has spent her life living up to everyone else's expectations. Now that she has her own money and is away from everyone else, she has plans of her own. She is going through her great-aunt's list of regrets and plans to do them herself, and she doesn't plan to let anyone or anything stop her. I loved her conversation with her newly hired companion and the agreement they came to. I loved Lucy's determination and her confidence that she would succeed. I did think she was a little naive about some of the risks. In spite of that, she was also really intelligent, and I loved some of her methods of accomplishing her goals.

Cameron is the youngest son of the Effington family and has been searching for his own place in the world. He finally found it in working as a reporter for one of the lesser London newspapers. His father isn't too happy with his work and challenges him to take the next step. The scene at the family dinner table is pretty amusing, especially considering the straightlaced marquess is the same man in Let It Be Love, and his own story is anything but proper. Cameron takes his father's challenge, but is at a loss as to how to meet it, until he hears about the American woman and her plans. He figures he will follow he around and use her for inspiration for a series of fictional stories. However, things don't go quite as he planned.

I loved their first meeting, as Lucy spots the strange man who has been following her and calls him out - after he comes to her rescue. She jumps to conclusions about who he is and he doesn't correct her, figuring it doesn't really matter. I loved seeing her talk him into helping her with her quest, and how he agrees for his own purposes. Over the next few weeks they grow closer. Cameron becomes more and more intrigued, fascinated and attracted to the young woman who is so different than anyone else he has ever known. Lucy is equally fascinated and attracted, though she is also somewhat wary. In spite of what she feels, she's certain that he is hiding something from her, and she doesn't want to give her heart where there is a lack of trust.

As their adventures went on Cameron became more aware of the fact that the secrets he was keeping were liable to cause trouble once they were revealed. He knew he had to tell her, but he kept putting it off, afraid of her reaction. And the longer he waited, the harder it got, because the deeper he fell. Lucy was falling for him too, but her worries over what he was hiding kept growing. When she found out one part of his deception she was at first angry, then hurt. She kept waiting for him to confess, even as she gave him several golden opportunities. When the final confrontation came, both of them made mistakes that had me wanting to shake them both. Then pride kept them apart when they should have worked harder to listen to each other. I loved Cameron's reappearance and his methods for winning Lucy back. They were unorthodox, but because it was Lucy, they worked. I loved his big moment at the end.

As usual in a Victoria Alexander book, there were quite a few laugh out loud moments. I loved Lucy's various adventures, from riding the elephant to her invasion of the gentleman's club. There were also some great scenes with Cameron and his brothers, and their opinions of what he was doing, not to mention his conversation with Lucy's four brothers at the end. I hope to see books for Cameron's brothers and Lucy's in the future.

Marriage Made in Shame - Sophia James (HH #1248 - Sept 2015)

Series: Penniless Lords (Book 2)

Secrets of the marriage bed…

Heiress Adelaide Ashfield lost her trust in men years ago. She spurns the advances of society's most eligible bachelors, but time is running out. Forced to make her choice, Adelaide accepts the hand of Gabriel Hughes, Earl of Wesley.

Despite his debauched reputation, Gabriel shies away from intimacy. But his marriage to Adelaide awakens a desire he never thought he'd feel again. Maybe his beguiling new bride is the key to shaking off the shame which has haunted him for so long…

Good book, with a tortured hero in need of the right woman to bring him out of the darkness. He is dealing with a problem rarely seen in romance novels. For the last several years, he has been working for the government in an attempt to stop those who would help the French. Rather than send him to work undercover in France or Spain, he was asked to use his skills as a ladies man to woo secrets from the wives of those suspected to be traitors. With the end of the war, his job is done except for one last task of identifying the members of a group of English traitors. But the wooing of one woman goes horrifically wrong and she dies in a fire that also injures him. 

Gabriel is haunted by the idea that he is responsible for her death, even though he has no memories of the fire itself. Because of those guilty feelings he can't bring himself to get close to any woman, and fears that he never will. All he can do is continue his search and hope the satisfaction of revenge will be enough. When he meets Adelaide there's a small flame of hope that all is not lost.

Adelaide has grown up in the country, happy in her study of herbs and healing and treating the people on her uncle's estate. After an attack by a suitor years ago, she no longer trusts the intentions of any man. Forced into a London season by her uncle, she has no interest in finding a husband and does her best to discourage those who pursue her. When it becomes obvious she has no choice, she looks to the one man who seems to like her for who she is.

I really liked Adelaide a lot. She has no interest in the shallow pursuits of the other debutantes and just wants to be left alone to do what makes her happy. Thanks to the training she has received from her aunts, she is an excellent observer of human behavior, and when she meets Gabriel she senses that there is more to him than most people see. There is an immediate connection between them.

I liked the development of the relationship between them. Because of his problem, Gabriel doesn't exhibit the lust that she has experienced from other men. This makes her more comfortable in his presence. Adelaide also has no desire to hide her intelligence, and several conversations with Gabriel show her that he is a man that is easy for her to talk to. At the same time, Gabriel enjoys being able to have an actual conversation with a woman. He doesn't expect to feel a certain amount of possessiveness toward her, and is surprised by how much he dislikes the idea of her marrying any of the men pursuing her. I loved the way that he proposed to her himself, trying to convince himself that he was doing it to keep her from being unhappy with those others.

I loved the fact that he was open with her about his work with the government, even though he couldn't bring himself to explain his problem to her. He was still determined to do his best for her. I also liked her sensitivity to his moods, and how she could lighten his cares, at least for awhile. She slowly worked her way past his defenses until he was able to open up completely to her. I loved the way that she fully accepted him just as he was and made it clear that it changed nothing. 

With the slow return of some of his memories it became clear that one of her rejected suitors was also one of the men he was searching for, Gabriel feared for her safety. Realizing his true feelings for her, he was determined to end the threat before she could be placed in danger. When she was taken in spite of his precautions, all he could think about was saving her. The final confrontation brought the rest of his memories flooding back, and with them the realization that his guilt had been misplaced. The release of those fears also ended the problem that had kept him from fully loving Adelaide. Everything was tied up neatly, and perhaps too easily, but it was still satisfying. I hope to see them again in later books of the series.

I loved the relationship between Gabriel and his friends. It was great to see their concern for him and how they tried to be there for him if he wanted to talk. I loved the dinner party where Daniel and Amethyst invited Adelaide, just because Gabriel asked them to. I especially liked seeing the way his friends and their families took to Adelaide and made her part of their group so quickly. That connection came in quite handy when she ended up delivering Amethyst's baby. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

The Duke's Daring Debutante - Ann Lethbridge (HH #1240 - July 2015)

Disgraced by His Grace!

Frederick, Duke of Falconwood, has vowed never to marry, instead dedicating himself to protecting his country. But when he's caught in a very compromising position with a coquettish debutante, Freddy does the only thing that will salvage her reputation -- he proposes marriage!

Even though Minette Rideau craves the stoic duke's touch, she knows she can't become his wife. For giving in to her desires will reveal a shameful secret, putting much more than her virtue in jeopardy… 

Good mix of romance and mystery. Minette is a young Frenchwoman being launched in society by her sister and her sister's English husband. But it comes to her attention that a man from her past is back in England and has something of hers that could ruin the lives of her family. She know that she can't retrieve it herself without the help of Freddy, Duke of Falconwood. But getting to him in order to ask for that help proves to be difficult.

Freddy is a man with a past that haunts him. He has vowed never to marry and instead uses his time and talents to his intelligence work for the government. There is one French agent that he is determined to catch, one who has proved very elusive. When Minette comes to him for help, telling him that she has information on the whereabouts of the man Moreau, he feels compelled to help. But Minette's price - being involved in the search - may be too high.

I loved these two together. They've known each other for several years, through her sister and brother-in-law, who is Freddy's best friend. There have been sparks between them, being exhibited by their constant sniping at each other. That has been their way of dealing with the attraction, denial by distraction. Minette may be fairly young, but she has been through a lot and has a great deal of independence and strength of will. She is not afraid to go after what she wants, and her way of getting Freddy's attention was pretty creative. Freddy is horrified, and determined to protect her, whether she wants him to or not. Their negotiations for their joint mission are full of tension, but they do reach an agreement. One thing that comes to the forefront is the attraction that burns between them, one that Freddy is determined to resist.

But that resistance is fragile at best when they are alone together, and when they are caught in a compromising situation Freddy proposes marriage. He never wanted to marry, but now that he hasn't got the choice, he finds that he's not as upset as he thought he'd be. However, he is still quite determined to keep control over himself.  Minette, on the other hand, is not happy. She would love to be married to him for real, but there are things in her past that make her completely unsuitable to be a duke's wife. She's determined to set him free as soon as they complete their mission.

Their common goal and public engagement force them to spend a lot of time together. The attraction continues to grow, but so do their feelings. Freddy's reasons for not wanting to marry begin to fade under Minette's determined attentions, but getting her to agree is a challenge. Minette loves Freddy too much to saddle him with a wife who is so unsuitable for the role. I did love Minette's treatment of Freddy's mother, whose attitude toward Freddy could be blamed for most of the way he felt about himself. It will take both of them trusting the other and letting their past mistakes go before they can hope to have a life together. The ending was pretty emotional as both take that chance on each other and risk their hearts. I especially liked Minette's insight that helped Freddy see the truth of what happened.

The search for Moreau was well done. I liked the slow revealing of bits of the backstory as their efforts progressed. It was really fun to see the way that Minette refused to be shut out, though there were a couple times she took some pretty big risks. I enjoyed the scene in the tavern, and seeing the back and forth between she and Freddy. Though her refusal to stay where it was safe frustrated him, Freddy ended up respecting her efforts and abilities. Though there was quite a buildup, Moreau's capture was a little bit of an anticlimax for me, as it wasn't as intense as I expected. I had begun to suspect what the big secret was, but the focus of Moreau's plan did surprise me. 

One Night With a Rake - Connie Mason, Mia Marlowe (Sourcebooks Casablanca - June 2013)

Series: Regency Rakes (Book 2)

For King and Country, Three Notorious Rakes Will Put All Their Seductive Skills to Work.

After All, The Fate of England's Monarchy is in Their Hands.

Since the death of his fiancée, Nathaniel Colton's polished boots have rested beneath the beds of countless wayward wives and widows of the ton. He's careful to leave each lady smiling, and equally careful to guard his heart. So seducing Lady Georgette should pose no problem. But the beautiful reformist is no easy conquest, and Nate's considerable charm fails to entice Georgette to his bed. To woo her, Nate will have to make her believe he cares about someone besides himself--and no one is more surprised than Nate when he realizes he actually does.

Good book. Nathaniel is one of three "rakes" who are being blackmailed into doing something very ungentlemanly. In order to keep scandal away from his family, Nathaniel has been tasked with seducing Lady Georgette, one of the women selected to possibly become a royal bride. It's not something he's proud of, but he'll do what he must to protect his family. To complicate matters, Georgette is the younger sister of his deceased fiancee, one who he still mourns.

Since Anne's death, Nate has enjoyed the attentions of many women, but has gotten close to none of them. He doesn't want to suffer that kind of loss again. Because of his mission, he has to get close to Georgette and make her believe that he cares about her. When he sees her again after several years, he's surprised to see that she's no longer the shy and bookish girl he remembers, but a beautiful and spirited woman. Suddenly the seduction doesn't seem like such a chore, but the guilt for doing it is hard to bear.

Georgette feels guilty for being the sister that survived the scarlet fever outbreak. Since then she has been determined to be the type of daughter her sister had been, which means doing what her parents want. Right now that entails being the type of woman that would appeal to a royal duke, even though that is not the life she wants for herself. When she was sick, she had promised herself that she would become the kind of person who would make a difference in the world. To that end, she has begun an effort to help prostitutes leave that life and start new, respectable lives. Nate's appearance in her life throws everything into turmoil.

I liked both Nate and Georgette. In spite of being described as a rake, I thought he was quite honorable and a good man. I loved the way that he came to Georgette's rescue at the beginning, and how that gave him the "in" he needed to spend time with her. I loved his protectiveness and his efforts to keep her safe, even though it sometimes seemed to be a losing battle. He came to know her very quickly and could see what her mission meant to her. It was fun to see him try to help her and protect her at the same time, especially when she fought the protectiveness. He also started to let go of his grief for Anne as he got to know Georgette better and her happiness began to mean more to him than his own goal, 

Georgette has a mind of her own and it creates conflict with her desire to do what her parents want her to do. She isn't particularly thrilled wit the idea of being a princess, but she doesn't have much choice in the matter. Her heart really lies with her mission to improve the lives of prostitutes. She is a mix of naive and worldly and this gets her into frequent trouble. Her first encounter with Nate is when he rescues her from one of her attempts to save one of those unfortunates. She's not happy to be dragged off by him and lets him know it. It gets even worse when her father asks Nate to be her escort around town and therefore keep her out of trouble. It was a lot of fun to see the way that her determination got Nate involved in helping her, and how they turned into a good team.

There were sparks between them from the start. For Nate, it initially meant that seducing her would be a lot easier. But for him, those sparks grow into more, and he's suddenly trying to figure out how to keep her for himself. Georgette doesn't quite know what to make of the feelings Nate rouses in her at the beginning, but soon realizes that he is far more what she wants than the royal duke is. I loved seeing how she responds to Nate's advances, and what it means to her. I loved how Nate knew her well enough that it was important that she come to him when she was ready. Their love scenes together were terrific. Nate's attempts at self control and Georgette's determination that he lose that control were fun to see. As their feelings for each other grew, both had choices to make about their futures if they wanted to have that future together.

I really enjoyed the story of Georgette's reform attempts. What she is doing gets tangled up with a piece of property that Nate won, and the danger to her increases. There was some mystery behind the murders of a couple people, and their efforts to solve it brought them closer together. I enjoyed Georgette's conversations with the various "ladies" and the effect they had on her. I was pretty sure who the bad guy was, and was happy to be proved right. The final confrontation was pretty good, though it did end rather abruptly. I felt like there could have been a bit more to it.

The secondary characters of the footman, Reuben Darling, and Georgette's maid, Mercy, the former prostitute, were great to see. I really enjoyed Mercy's blunt speech and interesting outlook on life. She had a neat way of making Georgette look at things. I was moved by the things she said to Reuben when she thought he was unconscious, and what it showed about the life she had led and the effect it had on her. Reuben was an honorable man himself, and I loved the way he treated Mercy. It was sweet to see what he told her after he regained consciousness. 

How to Seduce a Duke - Kathryn Caskie (Avon - Oct 2006)

Series: Royle Sisters (Book 1)

Who are the Royle sisters? All of London is gossiping about the beautiful triplets who've taken the ton by storm. Their slightly scandalous behavior is the subject of gossip and it's whispered that they may be the "secret" daughters of the highest prince in the land . . . As for the oldest, Mary, she certainly has learned...

HOW TO SEDUCE A DUKE

Why is the notorious Duke of Blackstone ruining Mary's well-laid plans to marry his brother, the handsome Viscount Wetherly? Every time she turns a corner, he is there-tantalizing her, teasing her . . . and the more she tries to ignore him, the more insistent he becomes. Mary knows she must make an advantageous marriage, but surely Blackstone is the wrong man for her. Isn't he?

Blackstone is not about to let his brother become bewitched by some wily blueblood pretender . . . even one as deliciously tempting as Mary. But until she came along, no woman has ever resisted his smooth, well-practiced seductions. Could it be that he's actually fallen in love with this infuriating chit?

This was a fun book to read. Mary and her two sisters have come to London from Cornwall after the death of their father. While going through his papers they discovered that there is a mystery attached to their births. They feel that if they can talk to their father's friends, maybe they can discover the truth. The story that they hear stuns them - that they may be the illegitimate daughters of the Prince of Wales. Their father's friends are determined to help them find the truth, at the same time launching them in society.

Mary is the oldest of the triplets and the most practical. Though they have been left good dowries and enough money to live comfortably, she keeps a tight hold on the pursestrings, worried about what might happen to them in the future. She is determined to find a husband for herself, and seeing the handsome Viscount Wetherly in the park several times, has decided that she is in love with him. She just needs to find a way to meet him.

The book opens with a funny scene of Mary, having convinced her sisters to help her, disguised as a marble statue in the garden next door. The Viscount is a guest at a party there, and Mary wants the chance to learn more about him. Unfortunately, he is there with his rakish brother, Blackstone. An encounter between the statue and Blackstone results in a slapped face for him and a missed opportunity for her. A subsequent, more acceptable meeting, has Blackstone recognizing Mary and believing the worst of her.

Blackstone is very protective of his younger brother, especially now that he has a title and wealth of his own, plus the reputation of a war hero. Wetherly has said he is ready to find a wife and has settled on a woman he has seen in the park but not yet met. Blackstone is very cynical about women, thanks to his father marrying a woman who was only after his money and title, His opinion hasn't improved after seeing the way women of the ton pursue men. When he discovers that Wetherly's eye has settled on Mary, and that she's looking right back, he is determined to interfere. He sees Mary as out for what she can get.

There are sparks between Blackstone and Mary from the very beginning. He is determined to keep her away from his brother by whatever means necessary, and Mary is equally determined to have her chance with him. Blackstone indulges in some pretty deceptive ways to ensure that Mary spends time with him, ways that Mary discovers and reacts furiously to. He finds himself thoroughly enjoying flirting with her, making outrageous comments and getting her wound up. He doesn't understand how he can be attracted to the type of woman he thinks she is, but he can't deny that he is. At the same time, Mary discovers that she is spending far more time thinking about Blackstone than his brother. She's getting a lot of enjoyment out of trying to figure out how to wreck his plans and get her way. When a few too many glasses of wine cause her to lose her inhibitions, her actions really give Blackstone the wrong idea. It isn't until it's too late that he realizes just how wrong, and that he needs to do the right thing.

At this point, the attempts that each makes to get the better of the other just add to the confusion between them. Interference from one of her father's friends adds to it. By the time everything is sorted out, Blackstone realizes that not only has he judged Mary unfairly, he has fallen for her. The question becomes one of being able to convince her. Mary realizes that it was Blackstone who had had her heart all along, but can she trust him when he says he cares? I loved all the interactions between them, as they fought their attraction. I occasionally got a bit frustrated with Blackstone's judgmental attitude, but the way it would come back to bite him was always satisfying. 

The story behind the girls' birth was really interesting. There are some things they discover through the book that seem to corroborate what they were told, but they are still looking for definitive proof. I enjoyed their father's friends, the Old Rakes club. Sometimes I wasn't sure whether they were more help or hindrance, but they certainly helped keep things interesting. Lady Upperton was also quite a character. One lead that they found appeared to lead nowhere, until something that happens at the very end of the book. I'll be interested to see how it all works out in the later books.

How to Lose a Duke in Ten Days - Laura Lee Guhrke (Avon - May 2014)

Series: An American Heiress in London (Book 2)

They had a deal . . .

From the moment she met the devil-may-care Duke of Margrave, Edie knew he could change her life. And when he agreed to her outrageous proposal of a marriage of convenience, she was transformed from ruined American heiress to English duchess. Five years later, she's delighted with their arrangement, especially since her husband is living on another continent.

But deals are made to be broken . . .

By marrying an heiress, Stuart was able to pay his family's enormous debts, and Edie's terms that he leave England forever seemed a small price to pay. But when a brush with death impels him home, he decides it's time for a real marriage with his luscious American bride, and he proposes a bold new bargain: ten days to win her willing kiss. But is ten days enough to win her heart?

Very good book. Edie had come to England five years earlier, escaping a bad situation back in New York. Unfortunately, she hadn't found a husband during the season which meant returning to America, something she really didn't want to do. When she discovered that Stuart needed a rich wife, she proposed a marriage of convenience - she would pay the debts, care for his estates, and provide him with the funds he needed to return to Africa, as long as he stayed there. 

Stuart is more than happy to take the deal, as it gets him exactly what he wants. He spends the next five years busily exploring various parts of Africa, leading safaris, and even discovering a new species of butterfly. But when a close encounter with a lioness nearly results in his death, Stuart decides it is time to go home. He's spent a lot of time over the years thinking about Edie, and he's ready to make something different of his life.

Edie is horrified when Stuart shows up, expressing his intention to make their marriage a real one. He makes his case quite eloquently, but Edie is blunt in her statement that she has no desire to live with him or have a family. She likes her independence, her charitable works, and raising her younger sister. The thought of living with him sends her into a panic. Consulting with a lawyer gives her only one option that is acceptable to her -  a legal separation, leaving them married but living apart.

Stuart is surprised by the feelings of desperation he gets from her whenever he tries to talk to her about their marriage. He's certain he can win her over if she will just give him a chance. So he makes a bargain with her that he can get her to willingly give him a kiss within ten days. If he succeeds, she will give up on the idea of a separation. If he loses, he will grant her request. But she has to give  him a fighting chance.

I loved Stuart. He really is a very nice guy, who just wants a chance at the marriage he thinks he can have. He starts out quite gently, wooing her with picnics and conversation, and some mild flirtation. He senses that there is passion under the cold attitude, so he begins a subtle form of seduction. But Edie's resistance is strong, and eventually he figures out why. I loved his reaction and how angry he was on her behalf. He became even more determined to show her that what she experienced isn't the way it should be.

I was a bit frustrated with Edie at the beginning. She was so determined to keep Stuart away from her that she wouldn't listen to what he was asking for. For a woman who had been so independent and good at what she was doing, seeing her run away just didn't seem to fit. But as her fears were revealed, I felt more sympathy for her, and couldn't wait to see how Stuart was going to overcome them.

There were some pretty amusing scenes as Edie used her prescribed time with him. I loved tea with the vicar, and how much amusement Edie got from Stuart's discomfort. Of course, Stuart would get his revenge by using his time to tell her all the things he wants to do to her. I loved seeing the effect it had on her as she slowly began to look forward to their encounters. There is a scene at the end where it looks like it's all going to work, until a flashback ruins it. I loved Stuart's reaction and what he does with his time while he gives her the time she needs. When he returns to her, though the time for their bet is up, I loved seeing how he made his case for their future. He really bares his soul to her, showing her his deepest vulnerabilities. Even more satisfying was Edie's reaction to his return. She was able to speak of her own feelings in ways she never had before. I loved the realistic view of her expectations for the future. The epilogue was fantastic, and a wonderful lead in to the next book.

When the Marquess Met His Match - Laura Lee Guhrke (Avon - Nov 2013)

Series: An American Heiress in London (Book 1)

She's the matchmaker . . .

Lady Belinda Featherstone's job is to guide American heiresses to matrimony, and away from men like Nicholas, Marquess of Trubridge. But the charming, disreputable marquess needs a wealthy bride, and he hires Belinda to help him find one. Her task seems easy: find that scoundrel the sort of wife he so richly deserves. But Nicholas's hot, searing kiss soon proves her task will be anything but easy.

He's the perfect match . . .

Nicholas plans to wed a rich, pretty young darling to restore his fortune, and he's happy to pay a marriage broker to help him. But one taste of Belinda's lips and Nicholas's sensible scheme to marry for money goes awry, and he yearns to show his beautiful matchmaker he's the perfect match . . . for her.

Fun start to the new series. Belinda has gained an excellent reputation as a matchmaker. As a former American heiress she now spends her time helping her countrywomen find suitable husbands and steering them away from disreputable fortune hunters. She's not happy when Nicholas shows up, wanting her help finding a wealthy wife. He is exactly the type of man she doesn't like.

Nicholas is desperate to find a wife with money. His controlling father has cut him off, trying to force him to marry his choice. Nicholas has spent his adult life doing the opposite of anything his father wants, and isn't about to change now. He's certain that Belinda can find him what he needs.

The sparks flew between Belinda and Nicholas from the moment they met. She has absolutely no trouble telling him exactly what she thinks of him. Nicholas reminds her far too much of her late husband, and that isn't a good thing for him. Her determination to stop his plans leads her to pull a pretty underhanded trick, one that comes back to haunt her when he blackmails her into helping him.

The sparks aren't all antagonistic. Nicholas is, after all, young, handsome and charming when he wants to be, and Belinda is horrified to discover that she is attracted to him. For his part, Nicholas is just as attracted and delights in trying to get to Belinda. There is constant back and forth between the two during the first half of the book, as Belinda puts forth the worst possible candidates for Nicholas, and he gets even by being even more outrageous around her. Their confrontations come to a head during a house party, when a young woman accosts Nicholas, who has to deal with the man who is interested in her for himself. Fortunately, Belinda is on hand to protect him from the consequences, but the attraction between them nearly gets out of hand. Belinda is rather blunt when she tells Nicholas exactly what she thinks of his actions, his reasons for them, and her opinion of him. 

Up to this point I had some issues with both of them. I thought that Belinda was a bit too judgmental, especially since she didn't really know him. She was basing her attitude on his perceived similarities to her late husband and her brother-in-law. She took a lot of joy in making things as hard as possible for him. She also gave off a lot of mixed signals, sometimes giving in to his advances and other times pushing him away. Nicholas also came across as rather immature. Yes, his relationship with his father was terrible, thanks mostly to his father's manipulations. But Nicholas didn't help matters by doing the opposite of whatever he knew his father would want. Then Nicholas looks at taking the easy way out of his problems by marrying money. He also makes his advances to Belinda, knowing that nothing can come of it if he's going to marry someone else.

But their confrontation at the house party becomes a turning point for Nicholas. Once he gets past his anger at the things Belinda said to him, he has to admit that she was right about him. He also realizes that she means more to him than just someone he wants to sleep with, and is determined to find a way to earn her respect and her love. I loved the plan he came up with and how he went about implementing it. The difference in him was amazing. I loved the effect it had on Belinda, as she realized that there was more to Nicholas than she had expected. I loved seeing them grow closer through letters as Nicholas worked on his project. Once again, things are going wonderfully for Nicholas until his father finds out what he is doing and once again uses his power for evil. I ached for Nicholas as once again his father tries to destroy his dreams. But this time, dear old dad didn't count on an upstart American and the love she finally admitted she had. I loved seeing what Belinda did and both the Earl's and Nicholas's reactions. It was a fantastic ending.

With This Ring - Celeste Bradley (St Martin's - July 2014)

Series: Worthingtons (Book 3)

THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Elektra Worthington is the lovely middle daughter of the eccentric, impoverished Worthington family. Her beauty means nothing to her except as her currency to return the Worthington name to its former glory. To this end, she will stop at nothing--even if she must kidnap a rich lord in the process. If this lucky gentleman is just returning from a long absence and knows nothing of the Worthington reputation, well, a girl shouldn't look a gift lord in the mouth...right?

THE PRICE OF PASSION

Lord Aaron Arbogast, returning to England after a decade-old scandal--of which he was not truly guilty, but instead took the blame out of loyalty to a good friend--is the last of his line. He will someday become the Earl of Arbodean and inherit the estate...if, that is, he can prove to his ailing grandfather that he is a reformed man. Falling for a woman like Miss Worthington could cost him everything. But his desire for her? Priceless..."　

Good story about two people who want to do what is best for their families. Elektra feels that it is up to her to marry well and help restore her family's fortunes. She has one man in mind, but when she discovers a recently returned to England lord staying at the same inn she is, one who knows nothing about the reputation of her family, she comes up with the idea to kidnap him. But things don't go quite the way she planned.

Aaron has come home after ten years away, ready to make peace with his grandfather. All he has to do is show his grandfather that he's no longer the irresponsible man he used to be. Unfortunately for his plans, his encounter with Elektra has him tempted back to the wild side. 

Aaron can't believe he's been kidnapped and is convinced the young woman is quite mad. He convinces her that he's actually his valet, gaining his release. In spite of his reputation, he really is a gentleman, and can't leave Elektra and her cousin to make their way to London alone, so still posing as a servant, he escorts them on their journey. Being a Worthington, nothing Elektra does could be uneventful, and their trip has its challenges. 

I liked Aaron. Since being banished ten years earlier, he has put aside his wild ways. He's determined to show his grandfather that he has changed and is capable of taking his rightful place. I liked the way that he took care of his valet when he was taken ill, and enjoyed the conversations between them. I also liked the way that he took care of Elektra the night of the kidnapping. I liked how his protectiveness extended to making sure she and her cousin Bliss made it home safely. What he doesn't expect is to be so attracted to her, and that has him very worried, because getting involved with her could ruin everything. On the journey to London, and after their arrival, he begins to realize that she isn't actually mad, she just has a unique way of carrying out her plans. He sees that she is sacrificing so much for her family, and they are blind to it. There's a great scene where he tries to explain things to her brothers, but they are still oblivious. When Aaron realizes that she has found her way into his heart, he knows he should leave her alone, because his scandalous past isn't going to help her cause. The revelation of who he really is creates more drama, and he has to decide if loving Elektra is worth the problems it may cause.

Elektra was quite a character. She had great plans for how she wanted to help her family, but her Worthington impulsiveness had her abandoning those plans to kidnap Aaron. When that didn't turn out the way she wanted, she went back to the original idea, but first she had to get back to London. It was fun to see her work her magic on Aaron to get him to accompany them. There was something about him that made her feel safe. The more time she spends with him, the less she wants to follow through on her original plans. When she realizes that she loves him, she faces the fact that marrying a servant isn't going to help her family, but that they would support her. When the truth of who he is comes out, she feels betrayed, and considers accepting another's proposal.

I loved the final scenes, as Aaron makes his decision on what he wants for his future. What he did then was so "Worthington" that it was obvious he would fit right in. I also liked how the truth of the scandal came out. It was great to see how he tried to keep his word about maintaining the secret, but Elektra's ability to understand the male brain (as she reminds him "I have five brothers") has her figuring out the truth. The icing on the cake was facing his grandfather together and how that worked out.

The secondary characters were also wonderful. I liked the scenes with Elektra's brother Lysander. He is such a complicated man, dealing with the after effects of the war. I ache for him and his unhappiness. It is going to take a special woman to help him through the darkness and I'm really looking forward to his story. The youngest Worthington, Atalanta (Attie) is still the strangest one of the family. She is very intelligent, but doesn't seem to have a moral compass. She doesn't like the idea of her siblings marrying and moving away and has come up with some harebrained ways to stop it from happening. It is going to be very interesting when it comes time for her story. There is also the ever wonderful Mr. Button and his assistant Cabot, and the wonderful gowns they create for the ladies. Their own story is sweet and heartbreaking as they want the same thing, but fears keep them apart. I hope there will be more of them in future books, and that things will eventually work out.

The Masterful Mr. Montague - Stephanie Laurens (Avon - May 2014)

Series: Casebook of Barnaby Adair (Book 2)

Montague has devoted his life to managing the wealth of London’s elite, but at a huge cost: a family of his own. Then the enticing Miss Violet Matcham seeks his help, and in the puzzle she presents him, he finds an intriguing new challenge professionally . . . and personally.

Violet, devoted lady-companion to the aging Lady Halstead, turns to Montague to reassure her ladyship that her affairs are in order. But the famous Montague is not at all what she’d expected -- this man is compelling, decisive, supportive, and strong -- everything Violet needs in a champion, a position to which Montague rapidly lays claim.

But then Lady Halstead is murdered and Violet and Montague, aided by Barnaby Adair, Inspector Stokes, Penelope, and Griselda, race to expose a cunning and cold-blooded killer who stalks closer and closer. Will Montague and Violet learn the shocking truth too late to seize their chance at enduring love?

Good book. This was somewhat different than most of Laurens's previous books. The main characters are those from the working world, not the aristocracy, so there is an entirely different way of looking at things. Montague is a financial adviser, a man who works for a living. Violet is a companion, a woman is well born, but has to make her own way in the world. 

I was happy when this book came out, as I was looking forward to Montague having his own story. He has been an important secondary character in previous stories, and I've grown more interested in him with each appearance. At the beginning of this story, he is shown as a bit of a workaholic, as he has no family of his own. He realizes that he's missing something in his life, but hasn't found what it is. Enter Violet, who has come to request his help on behalf of her employer. There's something about her that makes him want to know more.

Violet is surprised that Montague is younger than she expected. His decisive actions upon learning of her employer's concerns impress her, as does his sensitivity to the old lady's fears. And when Lady Halstead is found murdered one morning, Montague is the first person she calls.

Here is where the book begins to veer more towards mystery than romance. Montague sends for Inspector Stokes, also a well known character from previous books. Stokes arrives, accompanied by Barnaby Adair. All agree that it must have something to do with the problems Lady Halstead noticed, and the goal is to find out who and why. Much time is spent on Montague's efforts to trace the financial irregularities. Suspicion falls on her ladyship's children, but they have to be careful how they go about their investigations.

In previous books, Adair's and Stoke's ladies have been involved in the investigations. Even though both are now married and new mothers, they still wish to be involved. It was very interesting to see the way that each of them made their cases to their husbands, and how those husbands were wise enough to see the truth. As is often the case in a SL book, the women play a very important role, by uncovering information that would have never occurred to the men. I really enjoyed the scene where Penelope and Griselda called on the Cynster ladies. It was great to see the support they received from those women, and the seriousness of how they treated the inquiries. It was very satisfying to have the men admit that the women's information was just as important as that discovered by the men. The example of the Adair and Stokes relationships gave Montague a good idea of how to treat Violet.

I loved seeing the relationship that built between Montague and Violet. Montague was very protective of Violet, especially as the danger intensified. I also liked the solid core of respect they had for each other. I loved seeing that Montague believed in Violet's intelligence and integrity enough to keep her informed from the very beginning, and how that helped to save her life. I also enjoyed seeing the confidence that Violet had in his ability to track down who was responsible for the murders. The attraction between them built throughout the story, and both admitted to feeling it. It was a bit disconcerting to have them decide they weren't going to pursue it until after they solved the mystery, as that put the romance definitely on the back burner. However, there was enough to keep my interest in them through the end of the book. I loved seeing them get together at the end and share their hopes and dreams with each other. For being such a numbers guy, I thought Montague turned out to be a pretty sweet and romantic man. I also liked the fact that Violet was a pretty strong person in her own right. She did an excellent job of making sure her own wants and needs were considered.

The mystery was quite good with plenty to keep my mind engaged. I enjoyed seeing the way that Montague and his people worked to follow the money. The murdered woman's family were quite interesting with their attitudes, and were obviously the best suspects for her murder. There were multiple leads and figuring out who it was did not come easily. There was an interesting twist about two-thirds of the way through the book that added another layer to work through. The ending was pretty intense, as Violet managed to walk right into danger. I loved seeing a different side of Montague as he hurried to save her. I enjoyed the "after action" get together with the three couples, and the deepening of the relationship among them.

Medusa's Sheik - Cindy Dees (SRS #1633 - Nov 2010)

Series: Medusa Project (Book 8)

The danger they can handle. It's the passion that terrifies them both...

Casey Chandler is a Special Forces operative working under cover. Not a harem girl swept off her feet by some prince. But the way her body reacts to Hakim El Aran, it clearly didn't get that memo. To top it off, Medusa's intelligence is certain that El Haran Industries is close to closing a weapons deal, and it's her assignment to stop it. No matter what.

Hakim El Aran lives life in a gilded cage, his family blackmailed by terrorists...until an exotic, mysterious woman saves his life. Cassandra is more than a match for the banker-playboy. Turns out she has to keep him alive only long enough to catch the terrorists. Can he convince her their attraction is worth fighting for?

Very good book with intense action from the beginning and terrific chemistry between Casey and Hake. Casey is a member of the Special Ops group, the Medusas, and is working undercover in London. She is trying to get close to the lawyer for El Haran Industries as she performs as a belly dancer. The company is suspected of supplying weapons to terrorists. On the night she expects to get the information she needs, the lawyer brings Hake to her performance. Hake is suspected of being one of the people who have brokered the deal and she can't pass up the chance to get closer.

Hake has a lot on his mind. Terrorists are blackmailing his family into helping them. He and his father are determined to find a way to stop them that will protect his family. Neither of them trusts any government group to do it safely, so they are trying on their own. Hake has a meeting with his lawyer to discuss options, and also some personal business. He is distracted by the belly dancer with whom he feels and immediate and intense attraction.

Hake is known as quite a playboy. He has never had trouble getting a woman, and he wants Casey. There's something about her that is different than any other woman he has been with. He talks her into dinner with him after the show, with the intent to seduce her, and is flabbergasted when she not only resists, but disappears without a trace after their meal. A week later he's back at the club to see her dance again. While watching her dance he is contacted by one of the terrorists, who doesn't seem happy with the way the deal is progressing.

Casey's team of operatives are also there as back ups for her, and their timing is perfect. Just as she is finishing a dance, the club is bombed and she is there to save Hake from danger. Hake is stunned at the change in her and what is going on around him. 

I loved the relationship that developed between Hake and Casey. He has been anti-commitment for so long that the strength of the feelings he has for Casey freak him out. He tries to keep those feelings to a no strings encounter, but his heart keeps picturing something else. He is fascinated by her strength and her abilities, and surprised that she can't see what a beautiful and amazing woman she is. It was fun to see him try to understand her. I really loved seeing him go to one of her teammates for help. Casey has never felt such an intense attraction to a man before, and it has her very confused. She has never been what she calls a "girly girl" and doesn't know what Hake sees in her other than the smoking sex between them. Having to pose as his girlfriend in order to protect him gets her closer to him than she's sometimes comfortable with. She's been burned in previous relationships with men who couldn't handle the work she does and she's reluctant to risk it again. I loved seeing them both let go of their fears and accept that there is a future that is possible between them. There are some terrific scenes of the struggles between them. I also enjoyed the scene of the dinner at the palace and the parts with Hake's parents and one of his sisters.

The suspense of the story was great. The action was steady throughout, from the bombing in London to the final confrontation. I loved the whole Medusa team and the reactions of Hake and his security team to their presence. The final scenes with the terrorists had me holding my breath to see how it was going to turn out. 

Darius - Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Apr 2013)

Series: Lonely Lords (Book 1)

A story that breaks all the rules...

With his beloved sister tainted by scandal, his widowed brother shattered by grief , and his funds cut off, Darius Lindsey sees no option but to sell himself -- body and soul. Until the day he encounters lovely, beguiling Lady Vivian Longstreet, whose tenderness and understanding wrap his soul in a grace he knows he'll never deserve...

Excellent book with a very different premise. Darius is the second son of an earl, one whose father has cut him off financially. He has a small manor house and some land, and people he cares for and feels responsible for. The only way he can make any money is to make himself available to bored society women.

Vivian is the young second wife to elderly Lord William Longstreet. He married her after the death of his first wife, in order to protect her from her nasty stepfather. William is still in love with his first wife, and realizes that he's nearing the end of his life. If he dies without an heir, his lands and wealth will revert to the Crown, something he cannot accept. So he goes to Darius and offers him a large sum of money to get Vivian pregnant. 

Though not entirely comfortable with the idea, Darius is desperate to escape the clutches of the two women he is currently employed by. Vivian is also uncomfortable, but she cares for William and understands what he is trying to do. The initial meeting between Darius and Vivian is awkward, but they agree to terms and make their arrangements.

I really liked Darius. He hates what he does, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for his family. When Vivian arrives at his home in Kent, he is quite sensitive to her fears and discomfort. I loved seeing the way he worked to show her that it could be a pleasurable interlude for both of them. Normally he is able to keep his emotions out of his encounters, but with Vivian he isn't able to do that. I loved the way that he was determined that she feel all the pleasure that is possible, and also to show her that she is an intelligent and capable woman who can do anything. He can see that she will need the skills to stand up for herself and protect her child once her husband is gone. He doesn't expect to fall for her, and the thought of having to give her up at the end of the month is tearing him up.

I also liked Vivian. She starts out as very shy and self-effacing. She is wary of the things that Darius makes her feel. They spend the first few days just getting to know each other, and she discovers that there is much more to Darius than she expected. Seeing the way he cares for the people who inhabit his home makes her realize that he is a man she can trust. That trust makes it a little easier for her to accept what they must do, and she soon learns much about her own feelings and responses. The "baby-making" scenes are both incredibly sexy and really sweet. I loved the way that she saw the good in Darius and tried to show him that he is better than what he has been forced to do. Leaving him at the end of the month is hard, and the reality of not seeing him anymore is hard for her to take.

Once they are back in London, they are not supposed to see each other again. Vivian doesn't want to accept that and manages to find ways to encounter Darius. But seeing him return to the two society women hurts terribly, and she is torn about how to handle it. Darius wants to escape them, but their threats against his family have his hands tied for awhile. I loved seeing him finally muster up the determination to escape, and how he did it was extremely satisfying. Though they do have several meetings, both Darius and Vivian are honorable people, and they are very careful to stick to friendship. 

I loved Lord William. He has never loved anyone but his first wife and misses her desperately. What he has with Vivian is actually a beautiful friendship, but he knows without an heir she will be in dire straits when he dies. Even though what he was doing was basically dishonest, his reasons were good. I really liked his treatment of Darius, and as the book went on it became obvious that he also had a secondary motive for his actions. I loved the way that he mentored Darius through some financial waters, and how he made sure to keep Darius involved in Vivian's life. It became obvious that he had a secondary motive to his actions, and one that he had great confidence in.

Darius's protective nature comes fully to the surface once Vivian has the baby. I loved seeing him with the child and the obvious adoration he has for it. It only serves to make Vivian love him more. And when William dies, it is up to Darius to keep Vivian and the baby safe. I loved seeing how he did it, and the confrontation with Vivian's nasty stepfather was so very satisfying.

The Trouble with Princesses - Tracy Anne Warren (Signet - Nov 2013)

Series: Princess Brides (TAW)(Book 3)

On the threshold of receiving her royal inheritance and tired of the London Marriage Mart, Ariadne has decided to defy convention and declare her independence. She will not seek a husband -- she will take a lover instead, no matter how notorious she may become.

The prince of a small European kingdom, renowned bachelor Rupert Whyte, is in London to enjoy a last bit of freedom before choosing a wife. When he learns about Ariadne’s scheme to take a lover, he decides he must prevent her from embarking on such a ruinous course.

What begins as a well-deserved reprimand quickly spins out of control when Rupert agrees to give Ariadne a few lessons in lust. But just how far will their passion go? And will their forbidden liaison lead them too far astray to turn back?

Fun book. Ariadne would like to have a husband and family, but she won't settle for just anyone. She wants a man she can love, just like her two best friends have found. Since she hasn't been lucky enough to find him, she decides it's time to do her own pursuing. But instead of a husband, she's going to look for a lover, and not worry about her reputation. The only thing stopping her is the interference she's getting from her best friend's brother, Prince Rupert.

Rupert is prince of a small kingdom and he's getting pressure to marry someone appropriate. He's come to London to visit his sister Emma (The Princess and the Peer), and enjoy some freedom before he chooses a wife. He's always considered Ariadne to be the wild one of his sister and friends and he's horrified by the scandal that would ruin her, and could also affect his sister. He's determined to stop her from doing such a reckless thing.

There have been sparks between Rupert and Ariadne since the first book, though they have been expressed in antagonism up until now. Ariadne is headstrong and independent and determined to follow the course she has set. She is also a bit naive, and believes that she can handle whatever her actions throw her way. When Rupert comes across her kissing a man, he breaks them up and lectures Ariadne about what could happen. When she refuses to listen, he demonstrates by capturing her and then kissing her senseless. He doesn't expect the kiss to affect him, but it does. Still thinking about the kiss a few days later, he offers to teach Ariadne what she wants to know, keeping things discrete between them and thereby protecting her reputation. He intends to show her the passion she wants, but retaining enough control to keep it from going too far.

I really liked the interactions between Ariadne and Rupert. He is a bit on the stuffy side and is uncomfortable with his sister's public affection for her husband. It was fun to see Ariadne tease him about that. He's also very conscious of duty and honor, so Ariadne's plans are especially bothersome to him. His sudden attraction to her is a surprise, but he feels he can use it to help her while at the same time protecting her. Ariadne is focused on her goal and doesn't see the trouble she could get into. She's been testing out possibilities by kissing various men, but hasn't been impressed by any of them. Rupert's kiss stuns her with the way it makes her feel. She's surprised by his offer to teach her what she wants to know, but can't resist him. Each "lesson" leaves her wanting more and she teases him trying to get him to give in. Rupert discovers that the control he's always had around other women isn't there when he's with Ariadne, and trying to keep to his plan is getting harder. 

Their plans for a discrete liaison go out the window when Ariadne is kidnapped by a desperate suitor and Rupert rides to the rescue. Ariadne has confidence that Rupert will save her, but that doesn't stop her from making her own attempts. This puts them in the position of having to marry because of their being alone together. Ariadne is determined that she will not force him into marrying her, or be forced into a loveless marriage herself, but Rupert is adamant. 

An emergency at home and pressure from outside drives a wedge between them, sending Ariadne running to their other friend. She believes it is best for him, even though it breaks her heart. Rupert has to look inside himself and his own feelings before he realizes that he can't live without her. I loved the ending and seeing them finally admit their love. The only thing that would have made it better would be an epilogue. I really would have liked to see how they are doing a year or so down the road.

The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding - Victoria Alexander (Zebra - Nov 2014)

Series: Millworth Manor (Book 4)

The bride and groom cordially request your presence for a wedding at Millworth Manor. . .

Guests will include Jackson Quincy Graham Channing, New York City banker, and Lady Theodosia "Teddy" Winslow, wedding planner to the finest families in England.

Introductions shall be followed by light conversation, dancing, flirtation, arguing, reconciliation, and an impulsive kiss that both parties are quite certain they will never repeat.

Until they do.

A mutually beneficial fake engagement will be accompanied by all manner of very real complications, scandalous revelations, nefarious schemes, and one inescapable conclusion:

That true love--unlike the perfect wedding--is impossible to plan. . .

As is usually the case with a Victoria Alexander book, this was a fun story. Jackson and Teddy are very different people, but those differences balance each other well, if they will just allow it to happen.

Jackson has grown up in New York City with his mother and grandfather. He has become vice president of the family bank and is set to announce his engagement to the young lady who he has grown up with. He is content with his life. All that changes when his father shows up at his family home. Jack always thought his father was dead. His mother certainly hadn't told him otherwise. Not only is he alive, Jack's father hadn't known that Jack existed. Jack is equally stunned to discover that on his father's side of the family, he is the heir to a title and estate in England. Now he feels that his entire life has been a lie and he isn't sure who he is anymore. He does know that he wants to get to know his father, so he leaves his New York life behind and heads to England. He and Lucy have decided that their potential engagement will not occur as they are better friends than potential mates.

Teddy and her mother are good friends to the Channing family. Since the death of Teddy's father, they have made their way as the Victorian version of event planners. Teddy is running the wedding of Camille Channing when she meets a handsome and mysterious guest at the reception. Though they haven't been introduced, he asks her to dance. There is some heavy duty flirting going on between them, ending with a kiss that curls her toes, and still no idea who he is.

Finding out who he is pushes some buttons of Teddy's, who feels as though he lied to her by omission. She had been engaged to a man who through his lies had ended up being the ruin of her family, before he died. She knows she's overreacting, but can't seem to help it. Meanwhile, Jack felt like he and Teddy had made a real connection and he wants to pursue it.

I loved seeing Jack change from the sober banker in New York to the man who is pursuing the things he wants instead of what is expected of him. Being exposed to the somewhat zany Channing family gives him the motivation to transform who he is. It turns out that he has quite a sense of humor and no problem using it with Teddy. He also discovers that he has a bit of a protective streak when it comes to her, and steps in to rescue her from an unwanted proposal by claiming her for himself.

Teddy is very independent, and for the last several years has been using their event planning to pay off her father's debts. She has decided that marriage isn't for her, though she has yet to get that point across to her mother. She intends to take their "hobby" of event planning and turn it into an actual business. She feels a need to prove to herself that she can stand on her own feet and not depend on a man to take care of her.

The "engagement" between Jack and Teddy starts out as something that will give her time to get her plans in order, and give Jack time to make up his mind what he wants to do with his future. By spending time together, Teddy helps Jack get acclimated to English society. He discovers that the dreams he had when he was younger are still alive, and that now he has the opportunity to make them happen. He also wants Teddy to be part of that future, but he has to convince her. 

Teddy is one very stubborn woman. She has her goal in her sights and nothing is going to distract her from it. The time she spends with Jack makes her realize that what she had felt for her former fiance was not truly love. But she's afraid that giving in to her feelings for Jack will cause her to lose the person she is finally becoming, so she continues to push him away. Walking away from everything he offers her tears her apart, but she feels it is necessary. I wanted to shake her for hurting Jack like that, but she does come through in the end, and both are stronger for the separation. I enjoyed seeing her chase him down and then have to do a bit of grovelling.

There is a bit of intrigue/conflict when part of Teddy's past rears its ugly head. Once again, her stubborn independence has her trying to deal with it on her own, but fortunately her friend Dee steps in a rats her out to Jack. Once again he gets to play the part of hero, but also shows his banker's abilities while doing it. I loved seeing Teddy's fascination with this side of Jack. Naturally, all ends up as it should.

As always in one of Victoria Alexander's books, the interactions among characters are fun. I loved Lucy, Jack's non-fiancee. Her snarky little comments during Jack's father's reappearance were really funny and to the point. She seems to have a much clearer picture of their relationship than Jack does, at least until he gets some distance between them. Her appearance again later in the book is just as much fun. I'm really looking forward to her story. I really enjoyed seeing the various members of the Channing family again. Their immediate acceptance of Jack was great, and their comments on how his appearance is just typical for their family made him feel a little better. His cousins' husbands have a great scene where they try to explain women, especially their women, to Jack. Of course, some of the best ones occur between Jack and Teddy. I loved seeing him call her on her attitude toward him, especially at the beginning. He loves her spirit and isn't shy about telling her so. I also liked seeing Teddy give Jack the occasional kick when he lets his insecurities get the better of him. I especially liked her bit when she saw him at the Explorer's Club. She does occasionally get wound up, and Jack has a unique way of calming her down.

A Debt Paid in Marriage - Georgie Lee (HH #1226 - Mar 2015)

"What am I to him? A contract? A convenient solution?"

Laura Townsend's plan to reclaim her family's merchandise backfires when she creeps into moneylender Philip Rathbone's house and threatens him with a pistol, only to find him reclining naked in his bath!

The last thing she expects is to see this guarded widower on her doorstep a couple of days later armed with a very surprising proposal. A marriage of convenience may be Laura's chance to reclaim her future, but she won't settle for anything less than true passion. Can she hope to find it in Philip's arms?

A very good story. It was terrific to read a Regency story without the usual lords and ladies. In this case we have Laura Townsend, whose unscrupulous uncle has lost the family business to a local moneylender. Desperate, Laura sneaks into Philip's home, hoping to force him to return the store merchandise so she can restore the business. However, it doesn't quite work out that way.

Philip is relaxing in the bath when Laura appears before him, pistol in hand. He's amazingly unfazed, rising naked from the water and retrieving the paperwork showing his right to the business. Realizing it's a lost cause, Laura flees into the night, not knowing what will become of her and her mother. Two days later, Philips hasn't been able to forget the lovely Laura. He is a widower with a one year old son and a thirteen year old sister and he is in need of some help. He offers Laura a marriage of convenience. He will take care of her and her mother if she will marry him and help him with his family and his business.

I really liked both Laura and Philip. Each of them has known tragedy and loss, which leave them vulnerable, The death of Laura's father left her and her mother at the mercy of her uncle. Because he lost the business through his dealings with the moneylender, Laura has a rather jaded view of Philip. She first sees him as cold and unfeeling, but feels marriage to him is her only choice. As she gets to know him, she realizes that he isn't cold at all, only very guarded in his feelings. The obvious love he has for his son and sister give her hope for their future. 

Philip is drawn to Laura from the time he first met her. He's impressed by her courage in confronting him, and by the intelligence he sees when he explains things to her. His decision to offer her marriage is a practical one for him. He had loved his wife and still grieves over her death. He considers himself responsible, as she had been somewhat fragile in health and died in childbirth. He is attracted to Laura, but refuses to allow himself to open his heart to her, not wanting to risk the pain of another loss like that.

I loved the relationship that grows between them. Philip is protective of Laura and finds himself wanting to do things that make her happy. I also enjoyed seeing the way that he brings her into his business, respecting her intelligence and ability to understand people. He resists the idea that he is beginning to care for her, but everyone around him can see it. Laura starts out wary of Philip, but soon understands that his aloofness hides his fear of getting involved. I liked her gentle way of getting close to him. However, she does still have insecurities of her own, and occasionally they cause her to misjudge him. Fortunately, when she realizes she's in the wrong, she has no trouble owning up to it and apologizing. 

Things are going quite well for them and their future looks promising when her uncle reappears and causes trouble. Philip's fears are brought crashing back to haunt him, and Laura has to decide if it's worth it to fight for his love. I loved seeing her determination overcome his fears. The epilogue was a perfect wrap up.

The secondary characters were also well done. I especially liked Philip's sister Jane and the way she would challenge him before Laura and her mother came to stay. I also liked Philip's friend Justin and would love to see him get a story of his own. I also loved the backdrop of Philip's business. In most stories of that period, moneylenders are the sleazy bad guys, but this gives the viewpoint of an honest businessman. I really loved seeing Philip show Laura the ins and outs of the business, both the good side and the bad.