Portia Gadstone is desperate to marry…really almost anyone of rank. As I read The Viscount and the Viscount, my question was why. Your question will be why too. Portia is so desperate in fact, she’s willing to marry an aged marquess, whom most people think is crazy. Which is how she’s introduced to his heir and only child, Killian St. John, Viscount Locksley.

The physical attraction between the two is immediate and visceral. Plans change and the next thing Portia knows, she’s marrying her intended’s heir, and what she learns is that she should always read the fine print in any contract she signs. But there are worst things than being married to a young, handsome heir to a marquessate, especially one who is extremely gifted in the arena of the marital bed. It should work out perfect for her. Neither she nor Killion are looking for love, so this marriage is of mutual convenience (sexual and otherwise) without the baggage of emotional ties. What could be better?

Yes, what could be better? Love of course, but that’s fairly obvious. What I was dying to know was why? Why the rush to marry? We learn that Portia was married before and lost a child in childbirth. That still didn’t explain her need (or desire?) to marry now. While that question gnawed away at me, I thoroughly enjoyed the how their romance unfolded. Can I tell you how much I loved that their first love scene didn’t drag out into infinity? How utterly refreshing. And so hot. Killion is one of those wispy sigh heroes. And the way he makes Portia feel...is the way she doesn’t want to feel about him. Certainly not if she wants to survive their marriage with her emotional faculties intact. Undisturbed. But no worries, it’s a very good fight they both fight to not fall in love.

Since Killion is one of the infamous Hellions of Havisham, we are reacquainted with Edward and Julia of The Earl Takes All, and Ashe and Minerva of Falling Into Bed With a Duke, and their children. Have no fears if you haven’t read the previous books, this book and these charming characters stand on their own. Curiosity and an overwhelming desire to know every twist and turn in their romances will drive your need to read both books.

Now about Portia. I enjoyed her throughout the book but it wasn’t until the latter quarter that I fully understood her. Truly empathized with her and appreciated the kind of heroine she was. Yes, my burning question was finally answered. And it made me love her and Killion all that much more. It was at that point I said, Now this is love.

When you read it, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Sigh.

~ Beverley