UNEXPECTED PLEASURES by Mary Wine is another wonderful historical romance set in Regency era. English court at it’s worst! Lady Justina Wincott is manipulated by a brutal guardian,Viscount Biddeford into doing his bidding in order to save guard her son.Enter,Sir Synclair,who gained his knighthood through honor,blood and muck,he is not so easily manipulated as Biddeford would like,although,tempted by the beautiful Justina. Follow, Synclair and Justina as they endure court treachery,betrayal,secrets,love,passion,romance,saving a child from a most evil man,and finding their own happiness. A wonderful story full of emotion and treachery. Written with depth and details,with engaging characters who will stal your heart. It gives insight into what women of court had to endure to survive the times rather they wanted to or not. I love this author’s work and “Unexpected Pleasure” did not disappoint. A must read for anyone who enjoys English court goings on,historical and Regency romance. Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at the author’s website,and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews ( )

Lady Justina Wincott has been under the thumb of her guardian, Viscount Biddeford, since she became a widow. She has played his games for way to long and is yearning for her freedom. Unfortunately she has her son to think of and Biddeford has threatened to bring him to court is he doesn’t obey. During a very tumultuous time (King Henry is on his deathbed) greed has become prominent in many men. Justina’s wealth has many men campaigning for her hand. The dashing Synclair only wants Justina, not her wealth. Justina’s guardian wants more land and money and will only let her go to the highest bidder, who at the moment is the conniving de Canis.

Unexpected Pleasures is a standard historical romance. Fast read and filled with the alpha man trying to protect the meek woman but the evil foe stands in the way. I honestly felt that Synclair, who is supposed to be this dashing prince coming to save Justina, could have been in the same league as the brutal guardian Biddeford. He forced Justina to do a lot of things too and wouldn’t take no for an answer (because, obviously, a woman really doesn’t know what she wants.) This was not my cup of tea in the aspect that I just need more from my characters. I didn’t enjoy how they interacted with each other and I couldn’t fully connect with any of them.

(Book was received from publisher for an honest review) ( )