Genre:

Millicent understands the terms of her arranged marriage all too well. She gets to be a Countess by marrying an impoverished Earl. And in return, the Earl Fitzhugh receives the benefit of her vast wealth, saving his family from bankruptcy. Because of her youth, they have agreed to wait eight years before consummating the marriage--and then, only to beget an heir. After which, they will lead separate lives.

It is a most sensible arrangement. Except for one little thing. Somehow Millie has fallen head over heels in love with her husband. Her husband, who has become her very best friend, but nothing more...Her husband, who plans to reunite with his childhood sweetheart, the beautiful and newly widowed Isabella, as soon as he has honored the pact with his wife...

As the hour they truly become husband-and-wife draws near, both Millie and Fitzhugh must face the truth in their hearts. Has their pact bred only a great friendship--or has it, without either of them quite noticing, given rise to a great love?

Review

Thomas’ at her best and with her best—a married couple in need of some saving…

Millicent Fitzhugh is married and a virgin. A 25 year-old virgin, who has done her best to never place requests or designs on her husband, but Millie’s willing to in the deepest, darkest places of her heart. Lord Fitzhugh has the news he’s been waiting for, his true love, Isabelle, is a free woman. All he has to do is claim her and speak to his wife. For Fitz life is about duty, and his care of Millie is more than duty after 8 years of marriage. So before he pursues the love of his life he’ll bed his wife, even if the act may reveal emotions he didn’t know existed.

The second book in The Fitzhugh Trilogy had me unable to put it down! I read the first book in the trilogy, being a faithful Thomas reader, and was a bit disappointed with the ending. This second installment has reclaimed my love, completely! Books about married couples are indeed a Thomas tradition, with two other books in her backlist of the same trope. This one definitely falls in line as one of my favorite by Thomas thus far.

Against the backdrop of an arranged marriage sits the classically, and artfully trained Millie. Her parents poked, prodded, and raised the epitome of a girl bred for a marriage in the upper classes. Indeed, if not for the family financial background and a certain fascination with a female Fitzhugh, Millie would have been the perfect duchess for the Duke of Lexington; at least on the surface. She’s a strong character, infinitely strong, for being in love with a husband she believes doesn’t want her. There’s also Millie’s dry humor and ability to take charge in situations when most ladies would cower. If the world was tumbling and I didn’t know what to do I would want Millie with me.

At first glance Fitzhugh pissed me off! He’s so eager to just leave Millie for this once woman in his life. I honestly thought he would be a cad, but he’s so nice and polite. As the story drove on I found deeper depths to his character and the relationship between husband and wife. There is a lot of story behind their story, and a ton of tension. When I finally got to the sheets being torn down around their emotions, let’s just say I felt a bit naked. Also, I prayed for some miracle that Fitz would see more than just a base emotion or desire.

Best Line of this book:  Look, there goes a woman laid something proper.

Secondary characters again delight and tantalize, with each one having a unique way of conversing with others that shows in the dialogue. Thomas as a way with character voice, and every word uttered within quotes appears strategically mastered. You won’t finish this book without a verbal exclamation or sound of some sort.

Overall, if you spend your money on one book in the month of July Ravishing the Heiress is where I’d suggest putting your money.  For fans of Carolyn Jewel, Quinn, and Kleypas.

Reviewed by Landra

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