They couldn't be more different—but there's one thing they agree on . . .

In London after a two-year exile, Lord Blakeney plans to cut a swathe through the bedchambers of the demimonde. Marriage is not on his agenda, especially to an annoying chit like Minerva Montrose, with her superior attitude and a tendency to get into trouble. And certainly the last man Minerva wants is Blake, a careless wastrel without a thought in his handsome head.

The lights and din of her debutante ball set Minerva's teeth on edge. Surely a moment's rest could do no harm . . . until Blake mistakes her for another lady, leaving Minerva's guests to catch them in a very compromising position. To her horror, the scandal will force them to do the unthinkable: marry. Their mutual loathing blazes into unexpected passion but Blake remains distant, desperate to hide a shameful secret. Minerva's never been a woman to take things lying down, and she'll let nothing stop her from winning his trust . . . and his heart.

Review

Indeed idiocy reigns when he mistakes Lady Minerva Montrose for a duchess looking for quick tryst behind closed doors. Hands and head in all the wrong places Lord Blakeney finds himself on the quick path to a leg shackle. Blake’s been on his own for so long, hiding his shame and secrets behind bundles of pounds, an inquisitive wife is the last thing he needs. Yet he finds himself stuck with the most annoying blue stocking he’s ever met.

Minerva just wanted to close her eyes and forget Blake’s disastrous entrance to her coming out ball. She’s had big plans—marriage to a barrister or someone involved in government that would allow her to hold influence from behind the scenes. Those dreams come crashing to a halt because of Blake’s drunken fumbling. She’s truly stuck— with a man who cares more for horses then government policies. But the opportunity to be a duchess doesn’t come around twice, and if she can just gain Blake’s confidence… convince him to see their union can hold some physical reward then maybe those dreams won’t go to waste.

Honestly, this is the book I’ve been waiting for! Neville’s Burgundy Club series originally caught my eye with Minerva’s sister Diana and her hero Sebastian. In that tale Lord Blakeney was the man attempting to sway Diana and win her hand. Luckily he was thwarted, but I always wondered if he was really a villain. In Confessions, we find out he really isn’t the big meanie, and suffers from a disability he’s hidden from everyone. Blakeney is the least bit threatening—outside of a bedroom; inside is another story. He’s also under a lot of pressure to stop being a failure and produce an heir, something he’s determined to avoid at all costs.

For those familiar with Minerva, you’ll be happy to know that gawkish, bookworm has indeed blossomed into a fabulous woman. No doubt she’s still a little green when it comes to keeping herself out of trouble, but that’s what a husband is for—rescue, of course! Minerva’s only downfall is her continuous desire to become influential in political circles versus caring about Blake, who suddenly finds himself ensnared by Minerva’s previously hidden beauty. She’s willing to use those feminine wiles to engage her husband, and convince him to allow her to be involved in the details of his life. When opposing sides have opposite goals there’s bound to be a bit of tension.

I was captivated from the first pages and thoroughly enjoyed reading about these two, especially since I was already familiar with both characters. Luckily this book works well as a standalone. So even if you’ve never read one of Neville’s stories you can still get involved. My only caveat is the middle sagged a bit for me, I expected a little more direct confrontation between these two and was surprised by how mellow both characters appeared for a portion of the book.

Overall, this is a wonderful climax to the Burgundy series. I enjoyed the less than perfect hero and his quest to overcome his faults. If you like a book where a man is redeemed through the love of an unconventional woman then this story is for you.

Reviewed by Landra

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