C2’s review of Guarding a Notorious Lady (Devine Series, Book 2) by Olivia Parker
Historical Romance published by Avon 31 May 11

What happens when a self-proclaimed matchmaker is thrown into close contact with the object of her affection? Especially if that object is her older brother’s best friend and has never shown any interest in her. Lady Rosalind is about to find out.

Lady Rosalind Devine is highly sought after by the gentlemen of the ton. However, year after year she eludes them. Still, just because she hasn’t made a love match for herself doesn’t mean she isn’t interested in helping others find their perfect match. There is little she enjoys more than helping couples find true love and happily ever after.

The gentlemen pursuing her are not so happy. The matter of who will catch the lovely Lady Rosalind and when has become the subject of many bets placed in betting books around London. So much so that her brother Gabriel is concerned that the would-be swains might resort to desperate measures – not that he is unable to control love-sick dandies. But Gabriel is getting ready to take a trip to the Continent – his wedding trip – and he decides reinforcements must be called in to make sure Rosalind is protected while he is away.

Nicholas Kincaid lives near the Devines’ country estate. When he comes to London after inheriting a title from a distant relative (he is now the Marquess of Winterbourne), Gabriel talks him into looking after Rosalind during the Season…and insists she not know he is her guardian. Of course, neither of them knows Rosalind has loved Nicholas from afar for ages.

I’ll admit the beginning of the book was a little silly and I was afraid that Rosalind was going to be one of those annoying, immature heroines. But she ended up having more depth than I originally expected. And Nicholas is a very nice hero – growly, trying his best to do a favor for a friend while fighting a losing battle against his growing attraction to the very person he is supposed to be protecting.

The sub-plot (I use the term loosely) is mostly a waste of time. The relationship between Rosalind and Nicholas is entertaining and doesn’t need the silliness or the distraction. Plus the character that is used is kind of creepy and borders on stalkerish.

So, faithful reader, if you’re in the mood for a light, entertaining read with a fun relationship between the lead couple and don’t mind that there isn’t a lot of unneeded plot to get in the way, check out Guarding a Notorious Lady. I enjoy Ms. Parker’s voice and her heroes and heroines are always entertaining.

Grade: C+

Summary:

Exquisite trouble . . .

A woman of pristine breeding, Lady Rosalind Devine is also an unrepentant meddler and snoop— which is why her brother refuses to leave her to her own devices while on his wedding trip. But Rosalind will not make things easy for any unseen, unwanted “nursemaid”—and vows to use her considerable wiles to expose her mystery guardian.

Nicholas Kincaid, the Marquess of Winterbourne, agreed to secretly guard his friend’s spoiled, stubborn sister, though her infuriating penchant for mischief is causing him to question his decision. Though bound by the rules of society—and friendship— Rosalind’s spirit and sensuality have sparked a fierce desire in Nicholas to play a very different role in her life, one that entails passion, ecstasy . . . and unavoidable scandal.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series: