Genre:

Anne Wynter might not be who she says she is . . .

But she's managing quite well as a governess to three highborn young ladies. Her job can be a challenge—in a single week she finds herself hiding in a closet full of tubas, playing an evil queen in a play that might be a tragedy (or might be a comedy—no one is sure), and tending to the wounds of the oh-so-dashing Earl of Winstead. After years of dodging unwanted advances, he's the first man who has truly tempted her, and it's getting harder and harder to remind herself that a governess has no business flirting with a nobleman.

Daniel Smythe-Smith Might be in mortal danger . . .

But that's not going to stop the young earl from falling in love. And when he spies a mysterious woman at his family's annual musicale, he vows to pursue her, even if that means spending his days with a ten-year-old who thinks she's a unicorn. But Daniel has an enemy, one who has vowed to see him dead. And when Anne is thrown into peril, he will stop at nothing to ensure their happy ending . . .

Series: Smythe-Smith Quartet (Book 2)

Review

The second entry into the Smythe-Smith Quartet is a wonderfully romantic story featuring the one male Smythe-Smith, Daniel, and a governess who might not be who she says she is.

Daniel Smythe-Smith has been in Italy for three years following a duel that went horribly wrong. Finally he is told it is safe for him to return to England and he happily does so. His return coincides with the annual Smythe-Smith musical and after being away for so long Daniel is even happy to hear the “music” performed by his sister and cousins. However, he is surprised to see an unknown face at the piano and as soon as their eyes meet something magical happens. He feels something for the stranger that he has never felt before.

Anne Wynter hates being part of the musical evening, but as governess to the Smythe-Smith cousins she really had no choice when the eldest cousin came down with an illness. Although she doesn’t really believe the girl is sick, Anne takes her place at the piano. All is going as well as it could be when she feels someone watching her. After the music ends she is surprised to find herself face to face with the most handsome man she has ever seen. She is pulled to him by some invisible cord and knows that after meeting Daniel nothing will ever be exactly the same – no matter how much she hopes it will.

I loved both Daniel and Anne. They are both strong characters who know what they want and how to get it. Even though they have both had bad things happen in the past, they haven’t let those things overshadow who they really are deep down.

I adored the banter between the two. There is a scene where Daniel, Anne, and his cousins are putting on a play written by one of the girls. They joke back and forth with comments that at times go over the children’s heads and at times include them in the joke. The dialogue is witty and entertaining.

There are two words I would use to describe A Night Like This – Fun and Romantic. The characters have fun, the reader is entertained through the whole story, and the romance between Daniel and Anne is beautifully written. From the very beginning there is something special about them together.

The question of who is in danger – Daniel or Anne – drives the plot and keeps the reader guessing for about half the book. It isn’t a huge mystery once the reader learns more about Anne’s past, but enough action to drive the story and to keep the “how” of their happily ever after in question till the end.

I can’t wait to read the next entry into this quartet. A Night Like This will definitely have a place on my keeper shelf!

Reviewed by Carrie

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