Jude Knight

Terrific book. I liked both Laurel and Angel. The story opens as Laurel overhears her fiancé of five years telling her brother he wants to postpone their wedding for the sixth time. He admits he doesn't want to marry her but needs her dowry. Furious, Laurel dumps him on the spot. She also discovers that if she isn't married by her twenty-fifth birthday (in three months), she will have no dowry at all. Rather than start the husband hunt all over, Laurel goes to Mrs. Dove-Lyon for help making a suitable match. She collides with a man on the way to the office but doesn't recognize him at first.

Angelico Warrington first met Laurel eight years earlier when a ship they were on foundered off the coast of Portugal. Angel saved Laurel, her father, and many others. From there, he joined the army. Angel's backstory is heartbreaking, but he doesn't let it hold him down. He has never forgotten Laurel and recognizes her right away. When he learns of her reason for being there, he becomes one of the contestants for her hand.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Angel and Laurel. As they renew their acquaintance, Laurel realizes that Angel is the man she wants. He is brave and honorable and wants her for herself, not her dowry. The twists and turns of this story were entertaining and kept me turning the pages. I loved Laurel's independence and strength of will, as well as Angel's determination. Each had obstacles to overcome, but their feelings never wavered. The ending was fantastic, with intense suspense as Angel competed for the hand of the woman he loved.

The secondary characters were great. The rejected suitors were appropriately detestable and added obstacles to our couple's hope of a future together. There were appearances by other couples brought together by Mrs. Dove-Lyon, giving Laurel support in her quest. I liked Angel's newly discovered cousin, Bertram, and the unexpected part he plays in Angel's life. I loved Laurel's brother Benjamin. His support of Laurel was unexpected, and I enjoyed seeing him back her up. I look forward to his story and wish I didn't have to wait until October to read it!

#netgalley… (altro)

Lord Lancelot Versey has led a charmed life. He is from a strong, loving, successful, well-placed family, he has all the money he needs, and everyone in society is charmed by him as the ‘ultimate’ gentleman. What could go wrong? Truthfully, nothing. Not even the minor inconvenience of owing a favor to Mrs. Dove-Lyon of the Lyons Den.

Seraphina, Lady Frogmore, was married to a worm of a man who married her for her fortune and then left her buried in the country to be forgotten. During her married years he spread lies about her being vulgar, loose, etc. When her husband suddenly died, his brother marched into her home, turned her out with only the clothes on her back, and took custody of her children. Everyone in the ton believes the lies and her brother-in-law spreads more. How will she ever see her children again – much less get custody back? Perhaps the Black Widow of Whitehall – Mrs. Dove-Lyon – can help.

Lance was to introduce Seraphina into society and therefore disprove all of the lies that had been spread. It was such fun to see Lance and his entire family pitch in so enthusiastically! I loved the way Lance was always one step ahead and how to outsmarted Seraphina’s brother-in-law. Another thing I loved was Seraphina’s children who were lovely and such caring little ones.

This was a fun, entertaining read with a delightfully happy ending. If you are looking for a short read that will put a smile on your face, this is the one.… (altro)