Heiress in Love (Christina Brooke)

Title: Heiress in Love
Author: Christina Brooke
Copyright: 2011 (St. Martin’s); 352 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-312-53412-7
Series: Ministry of Marriage #1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance

The Widow: Jane, Lady Roxdale. Her marriage was arrange by her guardian, the Duke of Montford. Now that Frederick has passed, Jane hopes that Montford will not expect her to enter into another one. Frederick has left her financially well-off, but he has left the care of his young ward to that of his disreputable cousin and heir. Jane loves the boy like he was her own. She’d give up the fortune, if that’s what it took, to keep Luke with her. She’d even contemplate marrying the new Lord Roxdale.

The Black Sheep: Constantine Black. The estate, title, and young ward are his, but Frederick left the money to Jane. Without it, Constantine has no hope of maintaining the estate. His personal fortune is not enough and selling his family’s property out from under his younger brother is something he rather not do. He’d been hoping that inheriting Lazenby would be his fresh start. He wants to do right by those who rely on him, but Frederick’s inexplicable decision has set him up for failure before he’s even begun. His only other course of action is to marry an heiress. Like Jane.

Comments: I chose this book because of the mostly positive reviews and I thought I might enjoy it. The idea of a group of wealthy, titled individuals arranging various marriages may seem like a bit of a stretch, but the more I thought about it, the more it sounded plausible. These men and women were doing their best to strengthen their family fortunes and political positions.

I liked Jane. She made the best of her marriage, though deeply hurt knowing it wasn’t the love match she thought it would be when Frederick first started paying his addresses to her. Frederick wasn’t an abusive husband, just a selfish one. I can understand why she’d find it hard to trust Constantine, what with his reputation and the rumors.

Constantine is a man who is still paying for the stupid mistakes of his wild youth and his own pride. I love a tortured hero and Constantine fits the bill. Not too broody. He’s a honorable person, though society doesn’t see that. Jane is the first person who’s opinion of him mattered to him, and she’s also the first woman in a very long time that he’s allowed himself to fall in love with.

I liked the author’s voice. I particularly liked the Ministry’s minutes, at the start of Chapter 14. They me chuckle. I look forward to reading the next book.

Started: 17 August 2011
Finished: 20 August 2011

Rating:

Liked It A Lot!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Lord & the Wayward Lady (Louise Allen)

Title: The Lord and the Wayward Lady
Author: Louise Allen
Copyright: 2010 (Harlequin); 283 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-29596-8
Series: Harlequin Historical #996; Regency Silk & Scandal #1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance

The Lord and the Wayward Lady is the first book in a multi-authored, Regency series from Harlequin. Two of my favorite Harlequin Historical authors, Louise Allen and Christine Merrill, wrote books for this series. The over-arching plot deals with uncovering the truth behind the murder of a nobleman, and whether or not the man hanged for the crime was actually guilty — and who was the true murderer if he was innocent.

The long-buried scandal comes to forefront again when Nell Latham delivers a package meant for the Earl of Narborough. The earl was a friend to both the victim and the man who was accused. Since the murder took place in his garden, and he saw one friend standing over the body of the other, the earl’s testimony helped seal his fate. Even so, he has had to live with the possibility that he may have sent an innocent man to the gallows.

Nell had no idea what was in the package, nor did she know the identity of the earl. More precisely, she didn’t know the family name. Her mother had long taught her to hate the name of Carlow. Marcus Carlow, Viscount Stanegate, blames Nell for his father’s turn of health. He knows she’s hiding something, even if she’s as innocent as she claims to be. Nell can’t tell him the truth because he’ll never believe she was an unwitting pawn in the intrigue.

Comments:
A good start to the series. Ms. Allen sets the stage with Marcus and Nell. Because of the number of players and story lines this series will have, if you plan to it, it would be a good a idea to keep track of who’s who and how they’re related.

Though Ms. Allen is one of my favorite Harlequin Historical authors, I haven’t read one of her books since 2007. I’ve liked her heroines because she usually writes strong, rational females. Nell is no exception. She’s a survivor, in a sense. Both her parents are dead, the family disgraced and what money they had ran out. Nell has no idea what happened to her brother and sister — Nathan disappeared and they lost with Rosalind. Nell has to make her way as best she can. She has no illusions that she’ll have to work for a living for the rest of her life.

Marcus was a little frustrating. Wants her to trust him, but wont give her the same courtesy. Plus, he’s a bit of a bully at first– used to getting his own way and refused nothing. He gets along well with his younger siblings, cares deeply for his parents, and has a friendly relationship with his sisters’ companion, Diana Price — his ally when it comes to the management of Lady Honoria and Lady Verity. His declaration of love to Nell is reminiscent of Darcy’s initial confession to Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice — and goes just as badly.

I want to comment on the series North American covers: I love what Harlequin has done with this mini-series. I really like how Nell’s yellow gown stands out against the purple background.

Start: 25 January 2011
Finished: 30 January 2011

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

The Painted Lady (Barbara Metzger)

Title: The Painted Lady
Author: Barbara Metzger
Copyright: 2001 (Signet); 217 pgs.
ISBN: 0-451-20368-2
Series: NA
Sensuality: Kisses
Genre: Historical Romance

Him: Kennard Wyndgate Cartland — K.C, or Kasey, to a select few. He’s a talented painter. Very few people actually know that Kasey paints. He’s the Duke of Caswell, and dukes don’t paint. To avoid becoming the laughingstock of the Beau Monde, Kasey maintains a private residence in Town. For a man of his rank, that’s not an unusual thing. After all, the Duke of Caswell could hardly entertain his mistresses in the family home where his maiden aunts and younger brother live. But the house serves another purpose. Once Kasey sends his latest paramour home for the night — they never stay — he immediately heads for the attic studio to paint her portrait from memory. If it means he’s up all hours until he’s satisfied with his work, then so be it. Painting is his greatest love, and it’s very possible Kasey would have allowed things to continue on as they were, if it weren’t for the fact that his latest project spoke to him. Literally. The woman in the painting tells him that he has no passion outside his art. That he is heartless libertine, willing to take mistress after mistress without actually ever falling in love. That even the woman he’s considering making his duchess, someday or other, won’t hold his interest past the honeymoon. Kasey thinks he’s gone mad, and eventually leaves London, seeking a cure.

Her: Lilyanne Bannister is a gentleman’s daughter. Had she and her younger sister Lisbet not been orphaned, Lilyanne would have been enjoying many of the pursuits of her class: parties, dances, a London season. Instead, she works for her uncle Sir Osgood Bannister, a physician. Sir Osgood, unfortunately, isn’t the type of physician one goes to when one has a cold or needs a broken bone set. He’s more interested in the mind and believes he can cure mental illness by a strict routine of fresh air, healthy diet, and quiet reflection. There is no excitement, color, or liveliness in the house. She hates it, and stays only because Sir Osgood pays for Lisbet’s education, something her sister will need in order to find a suitable position as a governess or lady’s companion. Once Lisabet’s future is secure, Lilyanne has every intention of seeking employment elsewhere. Marriage, she feels, is no longer an option for her.

What I liked: I liked both Kasey and Lilyanne. Kasey doesn’t have a dark past, nor has he been betrayed by a lover who’s action has set him against all other females. His mistresses have been the muses for his painting. He hasn’t found a woman that was both suitable to be his duchess and accepting of his art. Lilyanne sees his work and believes, duke or not, that Kasey ought to put his paintings on display, even if it’s just in a private areas of his home.

What I didn’t like:  The way the talking painting was depicted.  Not that I didn’t like the slight fantastical element to the story — I had no problem with suspending my belief.  She wasn’t depicted like one of the moving pictures from Harry Potter, which helped.  It was the characterization.  She sounded too modern and she used a lot of alliteration — “jug-bitten jackanapes”, “mutton-headed Michelangelo”, etc.  She used it so much, I thought it was jarring.  Fortunately, the scenes aren’t long and there aren’t many.

Final Thoughts: Though this isn’t my favorite Metzger, I still enjoyed the story. It had it’s cute moments and some fun characters. There’s a bit of a mystery, requiring Kasey to deal with a practical Bow Street Runner. I would recommend it to others who enjoy the category historicals and don’t mind a bit of fantasy in them. As they say, your mileage may vary when it comes to the characterization of the painting.

Start: 5 January 2011
Finished: 10 January 2011

Favorite Quote:
“Your Grace, there are dresses in my room.”
“Yes, that’s where they’ll be most convenient. I could have them moved to the butler’s pantry, but I doubt old Henesley will appreciate them.”
— Lilyanne, Kasey

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Duel of Hearts

Title: Duel of Hearts
Author: Diane Farr
Copyright: 2002 (Signet); 342 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-20720-3
Series: N/A
Sensuality: Kisses
Genre: Historical Romance
An only child, Delilah “Lilah” Chadwick is used to getting things her way. She’s stubborn and assertive, but not intentionally cruel or mean. She’s fond of her companion, Miss Pickney, loves her father, and plans to marry her father’s secretary –  a man as mild-mannered and manageable as his employer. Lilah doesn’t understand why her father plans to remarry. She’s convinced that the woman, Eugenia, must be a fortune hunter.  Lilah is determined to stop her father from making — she thinks — the biggest mistake of his life.

Adam Harleston, 9th Earl of Drakesley — known either as Drake or Drakesley — had planned on marrying his cousin Eugenia. Someday. He has no tolerance for managing females or fortune hunters. Eugenia is a quiet, unassuming lady and he is very fond of her. She is just the person he thinks will suit him. Having assumed the title practically from birth, Drake is used to having things his way. Though he clashes continuously with Lilah, he’s normally a polite and kind man, treating Miss Pinkney — a poor gentlewoman — with dignity and respect.  He is convinced that Sir Horace Chadwick is some sort of rascal, who has lured  the otherwise sensible Miss Mayhew astray. Like Lilah, Drake is equally determined to putting a stop to the marriage.

Lilah and Drake find themselves attracted to one another.  However, they are convinced that they wouldn’t be happy together, that the passion would be intense and die out quickly — what burns the brightest, burns the briefest.  Eugenia is the one who, by out-witting them both, makes them realize that they belong together.

It’s been over a year since I read this book.   Lately, I found myself re-reading whole chapters, here and there.  In fact, I read almost enough of the book to qualify as a re-read!  Lilah reminds me a little of Jane Austen’s Emma Woodhouse and Georgette Heyer’s Sophy Stanton-Lacy.  I found that I still liked Drake and Lilah, flaws and all, and I had forgotten how much I loved Drake’s great-aunt and uncle, Nat and Polly Peabody.  I would recommend this to those looking for nothing more than kisses — those looking for a lot of steam in their romances would be disappointed.

Started: 7 September 2009
Finished: 21 September 2009

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

A Wicked Liaison (UK)

Title: A Wicked Liaison
Author: Christine Merrill
UK Copyright: 2007 (Mills & Boon)
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-86237-9
US Copyright: 2009 (Harlequin); pgs. 276
Series: Harlequin Historical #953
US ISBN: 978-0-373-29553-1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance — Regency

Constance Townley, the young Dowager Duchess of Wellford, is in a bind. The small allowance the new duke, Freddy, gives her isn’t enough to maintain her London residence. Freddy would prefer that she retire to the dower house on his estate. Constance, only thirty, hopes to remarry and that requires her to remain in London. Her late husband had the deed to the residence, and all of the furnishings, put in Constance’s name. Unfortunately, Freddy also has the deed and he’s avoiding her. If she could sell her townhouse and find a smaller, more economical residence, Constance could live comfortably until she receives a suitable marriage proposal. Unfortunately, the men who call on her lately are only offering “carte blanche”, to keep her as a mistress. After twelve years of marriage and no children to show for it, it is believed that Constance is barren. Men of the nobility need sons to ensure the family name continues. A woman like Constance is more attractive as a mistress than a wife.

Very few people know how desperate Constance has become.  Unfortunately, one of the few is Lord John “Jack” Barton. He’s unscrupulous and cold. He views Constance as an object, an ornament, to be collected and looked at. He’ll do anything to manipulate her into doing what he wants He’s slowly backing Constance into a corner until she has no other choice than to give into him. Constance has no one to turn to for help. However, unbeknown to her, someone is about to come to her rescue. Someone who’s known and loved her for years.

Anthony de Portnay Smythe is professional thief. In the past, his skills kept his two widowed sisters-in-law, nephews, and niece from the poor house. Thanks to careful investing and the marriage of the ladies, Tony’s talents are no longer required and he’s feeling a little unneeded in that department. However, since making the acquaintance of St John Radwell, Earl of Stanton, Tony’s talents have been called upon for the good of the nation. Stanton has a job for him. A Treasury official has settled a large gaming debt by being blackmailed into handing over engraving plates for the ten-pound note.

Stanton needs Tony to steal them back, if at all possible, before the counterfeiter has the chance put the money in circulation. It has to be done discreetly, too, so as to not destabilize the markets and cause panic. He advise Tony to also search the house of the man’s supposed mistress, just to be sure he hasn’t hidden them there. The would-be counterfeiter: Lord Barton; his supposed mistress: Constance Townley

Comments: I really loved this book. Ms. Merrill, as I’ve said before, is one of my favorite Harlequin Historical authors (I think she might even be the favorite).

My favorite character was Patrick, Tony’s valet. Patrick was a thief once, and he is the person who taught Tony. He’s also Tony’s confidant, knows all about his unrequited love for the duchess, and the one who tells Tony when he’s making a mistake by not revealing his true identity to Connie sooner rather than later. I enjoyed reading their scenes together because they’re usually where Tony is explaining why he hasn’t said anything to Connie and Patrick pointing out the flaws to his reasoning. There is even a face-palm moment for Patrick during one such conversation.

Though he’s a thief, Tony is otherwise a true gentleman — he is the third son of an earl. He’s caring, polite, well-mannered. He’s also funny, witty, and confident when it comes to his “profession”. When it comes to Connie, he’s afraid to tell her the truth of his identity, that he’s someone she’s known since they were children, because he’s afraid of the rejection. I liked him a lot, and I could understand why it was important for him that Connie recognize him without being told. And I love how she figures it out.

I liked Connie very much. I thought she was true to her time. Raised to make the best marriage possible — she did that. When her older husband died, she expected to be provided for (and she really was, if Freddy hadn’t been an idiot) so she wouldn’t have to worry about where her next meal came from. She wanted to remarry, so she played by the rules, remained respectable and keep an eye out for the best possible offer — just like she’d be raised. It’s not her fault that the men only see her as a potential mistress. She does the best she can and she does make mistakes. I like that she tries to stand up to Barton — usually only to fail, but she does try — and that she eventually gets the better of him.

Favorite Quote:
“Did you find the deed?”
“What? No ‘Hello, Tony. So good to see you. Lovely dancing this evening. . .’ No preamble. Small talk? Chit-chat?”
– Constance, Tony

Started: 21 April 2010
Finished: 3 May 2010

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride

Title: Templar Knight, Forbidden Bride
Author: Lynna Banning
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); 271 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-29514-2
Series: Harlequin Historical #914
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Historical Romance — Medieval

The Lady: Leonor de Balenguer y Hassam of Granada. The 27 year-old daughter of the vizier has dreams of becoming a female troubadour, traveling France, singing, and playing her harp. Though well-educated, Leonor knows nothing of the world outside the emir’s court and her father’s house. She has managed to remain unmarried this long because she refuses to marry a man she cannot love.

The Knight: Reynaud. The Templar knight is all too familiar with the realities of the world. A bastard, he was raised by Hassam’s brother in Granada, making him the best candidate to carry a secret message from the Templar Grand Master to the emir’s adviser. Hassam will deliver his message to the emir, if Reynaud promises to escort Leonor to family in Moyanne.

Their history: Leonor hasn’t seen Reynaud in twenty years, since he left to seek his way in the world. She is surprised to see him, having feared that he had died in the Holy Land. Leonor has adored Reynaud since they were children, but the man she sees now is almost a stranger to her: stern and joyless. For his part, Reynaud remembers the clever, impossible girl — but it’s the woman that will haunt him the rest of his life.

Unrequited: Reynaud is a Templar, a warrior monk. He’s made a vow of celibacy. The knighthood is the only thing he knows, and being a bastard means he has nothing to offer Leonor anyway. And if that wasn’t enough, he is still on a dangerous mission for his Grand Master, and he may die. As for Leonor, she is confused at first by his standoffish and stern behavior. She thinks that he does not like her very much, but it doesn’t take long for her to learn the truth of his feelings. Though it breaks her heart, she acknowledges the fact she loves a man who can never return that love.

What I liked about it: I liked that, though Reynaud falls in love at first sight, it takes Leonor a little longer to realize her true feelings. And once they are known, both exercise restraint. Both accept the fact that they can never be together unless Reynaud is willing to break his vows or leave the Order forever. Though Leonor is naive in some ways, she’s not stupid and doesn’t blunder foolishly about. Reynaud does walk away from the Templars only after he is ordered to do something that he cannot do in good conscience — and getting to marry Leonor is just an added bonus. The author has notes, both in the beginning and at the end of the book, about the warrior monks and troubadours that were interesting.

What I didn’t like: Medievals aren’t my preferred era, but nothing stood out as a turn-off.

Recommended to: Fans of medieval romances, looking for a short read.

Started: 27 January 2010
Finished: 24 February 2010
(I was house hunting in February — some days, only could squeeze in half a page.)

Rating:

Enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

__________________________________________________________________

Recently, I was perusing my category tags, both on-line and off.  Since I label even contemporary-set paranormals and urban fantasy as “contemporary”, it looks like I’ve read more contemporary books than historical.

My original thought behind labeling them as such was to distinguish them from historical-set fantasy and paranormal, on the off chance I read one — Mary Jo Putney’s “The Marriage Spell” — and futuristics — most of  Colby Hodge’s “Twist” is set in the future.

I’m beginning to think that this is misleading.   Readers looking for straight contemporaries might be unhappy to learn that the main female character in “Ace is Wild” is a psychic — though nowhere near the level of Feehan’s GhostWalkers or Singh’s Psy.  Fans of those series might take exception to “Ace is Wild” being labeled as paranormal.

So my question is, is it misleading?

On a slightly related note. . .

In Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (urban fantasy set in an alternate-reality Atlanta), we learn one of the characters is a big fan of paranormal romances (not Kate — her favorite book is “The Princess Bride”).  Later, we learn that several books (or all of them) by the character’s favorite author features. . .pirates.

This got me thinking.  In Kate’s world there are shape-shifters, vampires, magic.  What would these characters consider “paranormal”?  Your average Harlequin Superromance? Chick-lit? Ye Olde  Bodice-rippers of the 80′s?

And would a comtemporary be a story about a hunk of a werehyhena romantically pursuing a heavily armed Knight of the Order?

Anyone else pondered this?

There’s a poll in my sidebar regarding the labeling .  Please take a moment to vote.  Thanks.

An Unladylike Offer

Author: Christine Merrill
Copyright: 2007 (Harlequin); 290 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-29462-6
Series: Harlequin Historical # 862 (Regency)
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Esme Canville and St John Radwell
Where & When: England

An Unladylike Offer can be read as a stand-alone, but to get a better understanding of St John’s past, particularly in regards to his brother Marcus, Duke of Haughleigh, I would recommend reading The Inconvenient Duchess first.

After five years of fighting in the wars, St John is back in England. He misses his childhood home and he even misses is brother. Once, when they were children, they had been partners in mischief and ready for adventure, but their parents — in a bitter and loveless marriage — pitted them against each other. He made a vow that, if he survived, he would make peace with Marcus.

Toward that goal, St John is trying to reform his character by avoiding new scandal. The Prince Regent, wishing to reward him for his honorable service, has promised him an earldom — provided he behaves himself while waiting for the current, heir-less, holder of that title to pass on. St John doesn’t know how long the old earl will live, but whatever the length of time, he believes it to be worth it if it secures him an income and help him show Marcus he’s a changed man. If he can approach his brother as a peer — a man with honor and responsibilities, and maybe even a wife — his claims of being reformed will carry more weight. However, his good intentions get derailed when Esme Canville shows up, offering to be his mistress.

Esme’s father — a cruel and abusive man — has arranged a marriage for her to the Earl of Halverston, an older man who will no doubt be as horrible as her father (as far as she can tell from her one brief glimpse of him). She is desperate to avoid the marriage and escape her father. If she is ruined, her father will have no choice but to call off the betrothal. St John tries to talk her out of her plans, but she determined to go through with it — with him or with someone else. Fortunately for them both, she snatches his laudanum-laced brandy from his hand and downs it (knowing full well what the glass contained). She passes out, making it easier for St John to take her to the one person he can rely on to protect Esme from herself and others: Marcus.

Though the duke believes he is up to no good, St John is able to convince the duchess to take Esme under her wing and learn the truth of the situation before sending her back to her father. Miranda does exactly that. She comes up with a barely plausible plan, she admits, that will allow Esme time to find a man she prefers and marry him. Marcus grudgingly allows Miranda to include St John in her plans, neither man realizing that Miranda’s plan involves St. John marrying Esme.

Esme is a heroine in pursuit. Though she goes along with Miranda’s plans by considering the other eligible men introduced to her, Esme’s fallen for St John and nothing he does seems to frighten her off. She knows he’s not the cad he once was because he didn’t take advantage of her when he had the chance. Yet, no matter how much he seems to enjoy her company — or how much it seems as if he wants her — St John refuses to offer for her. It’s maddening, and she’s running out of time.

The situation is no better for St John. He’s taking laudanum to avoid the nightmares of what happened in Portugal. He’s trying to prove to his brother that he’s changed, while following Marcus’s orders to discourage Esme by acting like a rake. Talk about cross-purposes. Marcus isn’t convinced of his sincerity, at first, and is still disappointed in him. St John finds himself falling in love with Esme, but can’t — in good conscience — make an offer for her when he has no means of support. Plus, he hasn’t banished the nightmares of Portugal, which includes another heartbreak.

My favorite aspect of the story was the brothers and St John’s struggles to convince Marcus that he was truly sorry for the past and that he was mending his ways. It really touched me, more so than the romance. Probably because I have two brothers who are close. Of course, they are nothing like Marcus and St John. I loved Marcus for going along with St John’s schemes to rescue Esme from her father — gate crashing the betrothal party, consorting with prostitutes and a thief — without so much as blinking an eye. It shows how far he’s come in trusting St John’s judgment.

As to the romance, I liked that Esme calls St John out for being “oh, no, something bad will happened to you” if he admits that he loves her. Esme tells him his more afraid of getting his heart broken again than her well-being. He really needed to hear that it wasn’t his fault that the women he loved died, and it shows that she knows and understands him more than he realizes. But Esme doesn’t know as much as she thinks, as she learns shortly after. Esme is finally successful in her quest to seduce St John, and comes to realize that she’s been acting selfishly. St John’s sense of honor will require him to marry her, and cost him his hard won efforts to reconcile with Marcus and repair his reputation.

Christine Merrill is currently my favorite Harlequin Historical author. Most of her books were/are published first in the UK before they are published in North America. I’ve decided not to wait for Miss Winthorpe’s Elopement to make it across the pond. A Wicked Liaison — which features a character from An Unladylike Offer — will be published this summer in North America (realized this after I ordered it from the UK — I didn’t look closely enough). Looking forward to them both.

Favorite quotes:
“All right. I frighten Lord Canville into giving us his only child, or bludgeon him into cooperation with my title. What are we to do with Esme Canville and her imaginary fever?”
– Marcus, Duke of Haughleigh

“But we do not need your best behavior, St John. We need for you to be a fate worse than death.”
– Miranda lays out her plan

“Finally, the duel I knew must come, that would settle things between us, once and for all. And in the middle of it, you fell asleep. My pride may never recover.”
– Marcus

Started: 7 February 2009
Finished: 9 February 2009

Rating:
TBA

Cousin Kate

Author: Georgette Heyer
Copyright: 1968 (original)’ 2000 (Harlequin); 396 pgs.
ISBN: 0-373-83446-2
Series: NA
Sensuality: Kisses

Who: Kate Melvern and Philip Broome
Where & When: England, 1817/1818

As author Teresa Medeiros states in the Forward, this book is a departure — more Gothic suspense than high comedy — yet it is not as dark as other Gothics, because it still contains Heyer’s trademark secondary characters and humor.

The lovely orphaned and penniless Kate Melvern is at the end of her rope, so to speak. Released from her governess position for being too young, too pretty, and not accomplished enough, Kate has returned to her own nurse, Sarah Nidd and is seriously considering hiring herself out as a lady’s maid or seamstress. Sarah won’t hear of it and she writes to Lady Broome, half-sister of Kate’s father. Estranged, Kate has never met her Aunt Minerva and only knows what her father has told her of her ambitious relative. Kate has serious doubts that Lady Broome will help to her, so she is doubly shocked when her aunt comes in person to invite her to Staplewood.

Staplewood is the ancestral home of the Broome’s. The current baronet, Sir Timothy, is many years older than Aunt Minerva — who is his second wife — and his health is in decline. Their only child, Torquil, is a bit of an oddity. He has never been sent away to school and he has no friends. Prone to mood swings and severe headaches, his health is considered delicate and the young man is hardly ever out of the sight of his doctor or some member of the household.

Though Lady Broome is very kind and generous, Kate begins to feel crushed by such generosity and wonders how she will be able to ever repay her aunt. Though Kate has begged her aunt to allow her to be useful, Lady Broome has reassured her that Kate spending time with Torquil is ample repayment. Kate is bored with the idle lifestyle. There are no balls or other house parties — except the one dinner party attended by only Sir Timothy’s friends — to break up the monotony, and Torquil’s behavior makes him a poor companion.

The arrival of Mr. Philip Broome, Sir Timothy’s beloved nephew, adds some excitement and change to the household. Philip and Lady Broome do not like each other. She resents the influence Philip has with Sir Timothy and the high regard Sir Timothy has for Philip. Torquil is alternately happy to see him and convinced that Philip is out to get him. For his part, Philip is leery of Kate and believes her to be a fortune hunter with an eye on Torquil. After a couple of uninterrupted conversations with her, he soon realizes that he’s mistaken in regards to her character, and that she is unaware of the real situation at Staplewood.

I really enjoyed this book. Kate is one of the more level-headed, practical, Heyer heroines. Philip is strong, but not unduly arrogant and can admit that he may be wrong about what’s going on at Staplewood. Of course, they are perfectly suited for each other and the scene in which Philip proposes to Kate is the highlight of the book.

And one final note: Torquil? Seriously??

Started: 25 January 2009
Finished: 2 February 2009

Rating:
TBA

Innocence Unveiled

Author: Blythe Gifford
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); 276 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-373-29502-2
Series: Harlequin Historical # 902 (Medieval)
Sensuality: Warm

Who: Katrine de Gravere and Renard
Where & When: Flanders,1337

Katrine de Gravere of Ghent is disparate for wool. With her father languishing in a English prison and an embargo on English wool, Katrine has little choice but to listen to the mysterious stranger’s offer if she wants to keep the business running. He’s no doubt a smuggler if he claims he can get good English wool during the embargo, but she doesn’t care, as long as she gets her wool. She is an unmarried woman, alone, allowed to run her father’s business because it was only supposed to be temporary while he was in London. And when her uncle refuses to help her, Katrine puts her trust in a total stranger.

Renard can get his hands on all the English wool Katrine could ever want because he is in the service of the king of England. His true mission is to find out which of the city’s leaders can be persuaded to support Edward’s claim on the French throne, defying their count and the French king. Since English wool is far superior to both French and Flemish, there are many who would rather side with Edward if it would mean continued access to the wool. Renard needs a safe haven in the city while he scopes out the likeliest candidates that also have the loyalty of the workers. Katrine’s all-but-empty shop is the perfect place.

Katrine has other problems besides no wool for her loom. Her uncle, the Baron de Gravere, is loyal to the count of Flanders, and he tries to force Katrine to leave Ghent with him and her aunt. Katrine is able to avoid making the trip and has temporary respite from him. The baron is a vile man who constantly tells Katrine that she is sinful, wanton, and no decent man would want to marry her (Katrine believes him and she is distressed by her growing attraction to Renard). When the baron returns to Ghent, he has Katrine attacked to prove his point that she isn’t safe in the city alone. And when he inadvertently learns that Katrine has been harboring a man — an English one, no less — he tries to bully her into betraying Renard.

For his part, Renard has done his best to avoid temptation. Born an unacknowledged royal bastard, he must rely on the king’s favor for any advancement and he has no desire to subject a child to the same fate. He has nothing — land, title, or riches — to offer to any gentlewoman, so marriage was never an option for him. Since Edward has promised him a bishopric if his campaign is successful, marriage is now entirely out of the question. Being a bishop means he will no longer be subjected to the king’s whims or rely on him for favors, and he will be answerable only to God and the pope. But Renard finds himself attracted to Katrine and it becomes a real test to his resolve to be around her. Katrine teaches him how to weave, and he is surprised by his feeling of accomplishment when he sees his handiwork. It’s tangible evidence of his efforts, something he doesn’t always have serving the king. And for the first time since Edward made the offer, Renard isn’t looking forward to being a bishop.

I really liked this story. It’s set in a time and place I rarely read about. I was really interested in the characters and what became of them. Both Katrine and Renard had to overcome their beliefs about desire. Katrine has always been told it was sinful, and Renard’s belief is shaped by the nature of his birth. It’s Katrine who has an epiphany first and realizes that desiring the man she fell in love with is a natural thing. It takes Renard a little longer to resolve his issues regarding his parentage and allow himself to love Katrine.

Readers more familiar with the history of the time need to be aware that the author took some liberties with history. She points out, in her afterword, what she changed.

Started: 2 January 2009
Finished: 6 January 2009

Rating:

Liked A Lot