Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Nov08

Let’s have a show of hands. How many readers absolutely hate the TSTL (too stupid to live) actions by some of the heroines in romance novels? Yeah, me too. Next, how many readers enjoy an entire book built on the issue of a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING? Yep, I’m with y’all on that one too. Now what if the ‘big misunderstanding’ could have been taken care of with just one question or conversation that the author took special pains to make sure DIDN’T happen? Well, that’s enough to make me want to scream out loud. Unfortunately, Sara Bennett’s “Her Secret Lover” did exactly that.

Heiress Antoinette is being held captive by Lord Appleby, an unscrupulous would-be suitor who only wants her for her inheritance. He orchestrated a moment where she was seen in his arms and now that her reputation is tarnished, he’s pressing her to marry him. Just as she receives a letter from her old nanny with information that can ruin Lord Appleby, he sends her off to his country estate until she agrees to marry him. When her carriage is set upon by a highwayman demanding the letter, she’s sure that said highwayman is in league with Appleby. It’s on this ‘mistake’ that the entire plot is built.

Gabriel isn’t really a highwayman. He’s actually the rightful owner of Wexmoor Manor. At least he was, until Appleby used blackmail to force his father to sign it over to him. He’s after the letter his mother wrote to Appleby (thus the blackmail) and he’s sure Appleby’s mistress MUST have it. So he dons a cloak and mask and holds up her carriage enroute to Wexmoor Manor. But as soon as he catches sight of Antoinette, his brown sparrow, he has a hard time remembering the letter. And when he touches her, all he can think of is bedding her.

As you may have guessed, I really didn’t like this book. ONE question or honest conversation at any time could have ended the conflict and resulted in the hero and heroine working together. But no, the author made sure this never happened. She even had the revelations made by a third person, so these two never figured it out. Made my blood boil with their stupidity in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary of their beliefs. And here’s a few more things; Why doesn’t she just say she’s NOT Appleby’s mistress? Well, that would ruin the plot. Why is the ‘big secret’ in the letter never mentioned til late in the book? That would ruin the plot. The hero first touches the heroine in a darkened carriage in the middle of the night and is floored by her. How? He can’t even see! And our heroine…she can’t call out for help at one of the inns on the road? If Appleby wants to marry her, he doesn’t want her injured. DUH! Then she goes to see the local magistrate…and doesn’t tell him about Appleby’s dire plot! Stupid!

I could go on, but I don’t think my blood pressure can handle it. I was so disappointed in Sara Bennett’s latest offering. I have read and enjoyed other books by her, so I know she can produce stories that entertain. I guess I’ll just mark “Her Secret Lover” down as a bad day for the author. Hey, we’re all entitled. Right? ( )