An Unexpected Gentleman
Alissa Johnson


ISBN-10:
0425244911
ISBN-13: 978-0425244913
Publisher: Penguin Group
Line: Berkley
Release Date: Dec 6, 2011
Pages: 336
Retail Price: 7.99




Genre: Historical
Heat Level: Sensual/Hot
Rating:

Her heart was a target…

Adelaide Ward has but one goal—to obtain an offer of marriage from the respectable, if less-than-appealing Baron Maxwell before her family is ruined. But it’s the devilishly handsome Connor Brice who captures her imagination—and a kiss in broad daylight—in front of a dozen members of the ton.  Now Adelaide must decide if the charming scoundrel who stole away her reputation might still be trusted with her heart.

His aim must be true…

Connor Brice seeks a long overdue revenge on the baron. And what better way to launch his campaign than to steal the lovely Miss Ward for his own? A quick “compromising” and an even quicker wedding ought to do. But if Connor wants to establish any sort of domestic tranquility, he’ll have to regain Adelaide’s trust and choose what means more to him—his thirst for vengeance, or his need for Adelaide.

Review

Adelaide Ward has only one reason for marriage and its money.  Adelaide, who comes from a family on the brink of financial ruin, is looking to marry a respectable, well to do gentleman, even if he isn’t appealing.  After coming to terms with her decision to accept an expected marriage proposal from the trying and condescending Sir Robert Maxwell, Adelaide meets Connor Brice, Roberts’s half-brother.  Connor who has been recently released from prison tricks Adelaide into a very public kiss.  While charming and insolent at the same time, Connor becomes a viable option in Adelaide’s search for a husband.  Soon she finds herself forcing both men to fess up, release their secrets and answer her questions regarding their family history in exchange for the possibility of marriage. 

This charming romance is set in Scotland and has an air of wit about it.  The writing flows gracefully, introducing the reader to a sexy, charming hero and a down to earth and fiery heroine who believes in duty and sensibility.  The characters bring out the best in each other.  Both have plenty to offer to the story.  Connor is a hero you won’t want to miss.  The novel has humorous parts scattered throughout that add to its value.  It’s also quite sexy in a variety of ways.

Connor tilted the chair back on two legs, propped his feet on the desk, and stared at the ceiling.

She’d been in the walled garden at Ashbury Hall, if he recalled correctly, wearing her wren’s mask and no a stitch more.  A blanket was spread on the ground, and her lips were parted in a seductive smile.  She was waiting for him. Only him.

Her thick chestnut locks fell loose around her bare shoulders.  He brushed a strand aside and bent to taste the salt of her skin.  The shiver that passed over her tickled his lips.  The soft intake of her breath turned him to stone.  When she lifted a hand to touch, he captured it and held it down.

He wouldn’t let her take, not right away.  He’d keep her still, standing just as she was, as she explored every luscious curve, every soft plane.  When she trembled, when her knees buckled, he would lay her on the blanket and continue the sweet torture.  When she moaned for him, he’d let her touch.  And when she cried out his name, he’d slip between the soft cradle of her thighs and…

The chair slammed to the floor with a crash.

“Bloody, bloody hell.

Sexy and humorous, this book is a pleasure to read.  I enjoyed how the author set the book up.  You’re instantly introduced to the background of the story and then Adelaide’s choice to marry Connor, the charming, good looking and generous hero.  Connor is financially stable and while he is the logical choice in Adelaide’s mind, the rest of the book gives the characters a chance to fall in love and have romance instead of just sensibility.  As the reader, you’re able to cheer them along and enjoy the ride the romance brings.

In a story about regaining trust, falling in love with your spouse and marrying for sensible reasons, Alissa Johnson brings wit, romance, sexy and charming characters and laugh-out loud humor to the reader.  The heroine is sassy and quick in her repartee.  The passion is electric and completely seductive.  These characters steal your heart, leaving you satisfied in the end.  I would highly recommend the read.

Reviewed by Tiffany


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