ASIN: B00BTRDJ5G
ISBN-13: 978-1101609088
Publisher: Penguin Group
Line: Berkley
Release Date: Dec 3, 2013
Pages: 304
Digital Retail: 7.99
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Genre: Historical
Heat Level: Hot
Rating:
From the author of For the Love of a Solder comes a rapturous new novel of unspoken secrets, and true love…
Lady Julia Chandler fears she will be walking down the aisle with a silver-tipped cane if she waits for the Duke of Bedford to seal their engagement. Seeking to quicken his pace, she decides to find her duke, kiss him senseless, and post the wedding banns. It is a good plan, until she mistakes her fiance’s long-absent twin for her duke.
Ten years ago, Lord Daniel Bryant sailed to America to find his fortune and flee his cruel brother who inherited the family title. A cryptic note draws him back to England: Come home and claim your destiny. Before seeking anything, Daniel must first determine who set the fire that nearly took his life and precipitated his flight abroad. Now with the taste of Lady Julia warm on his lips, the stakes are raised higher than before as he seeks to claim both his destiny and the lady of his heart.
Review
Morgan’s sophomore release is a heartfelt tale with some suspense packed in… I loved it.
Reminiscent of Caroline Linden’s style for blending love and suspense, Morgan successfully reeled me in with her plucky, animal-rescuing, courageous heroine Julia. Not to mention a hero who’s identical to his villainous brother. *Evil Laugh* Yes too many opportunities for mayhem and conflict—I couldn’t put it down.
From the character perspective, Daniel and Julia are a delight. Both are driven by their own sense of duty and honor, though Daniel is easily lured away by Julia’s beguiling looks and her kisses. Determined to keep her from making the mistake of a lifetime, Daniel will do about anything to stop Julia’s wedding to his brother. I loved Daniel’s unconventional ways, things he picked up in heathen America no doubt. He’s not afraid to take risks, not afraid to fight, and not afraid to confront his feelings. He and Julia both grow a ton over the course of the story and the relationship seemed natural due to their previous friendship, and the newfound attraction.
As a storyteller Morgan did an amazing job keeping me guessing. I’ll admit I figured out the ending to the plot early on, but there’s a bit of bobbing and weaving that made me wonder if I was wrong. I also started to doubt that the truth would be revealed by the end of the tale. Normally those doubts would’ve made me dislike the story. Much to my surprise I became comfortable with the idea the story wouldn’t end the way I imagined it as long as Daniel and Julia got their HEA.
The brother, Edmund, is a marvelous villain with all the wonderful evil plots, plans, and deeds to make me love to hate him. There’s also a nice set up for some additional books involving Daniel’s friends, Robbie and Brett. I only hope Morgan won’t make me suffer too long.
This is an easy, delightful read that reminded me of how powerful love can be. It can make you forgive, make you forget, and make you realize what’s more important in life.
For readers who enjoy Caroline Linden and Jennifer McQuiston
Reviewed by Landra