Sandy M’s review of An Unexpected Gentleman by Alissa Johnson
Historical Romance published by Berkley 6 Dec 11
The elements of this book come together quite nicely to give readers what they’ve come to expect from Alissa Johnson. Revenge against a brother, an attraction that begins from afar, jealousy that leads to false accusations, and a love that grows despite everything working against such emotion.
Adelaide is expecting a proposal from Baron Maxwell, but she’s dragging her feet to face him this night. As much as her family needs his money, this is certainly not a love match. But it is up to her to make the sacrifice – her sister needs a Season, her brother’s debts need to paid, and her young nephew needs a stable home life. But before she makes her way to the house party, she is waylaid by a handsome gentleman and then trapped in his company as they wait for the coast to clear so they’re not caught in improper circumstances. Connor Brice is a charming rogue and has a way of seemingly reading her mind about her reluctance to actually make it inside for the party.
Revenge has been on Connor’s mind for years. He and Baron Maxwell have a very contentious history, with luck not being on Connor’s side throughout. Discovering the baron’s interest in Adelaide, his plans now include her. He slowly seduces her, but Adelaide surprises him. She has a good head on her shoulders and looks at all sides of a situation. So he takes matters into his hands to make sure she’s tied to him. But even compromising the lady doesn’t work as neatly as he figured.
With two men’s proposals waiting for an answer from her, Adelaide is determined to make the right choice, though after all the revealing things she learned about the baron tonight, her choice really is clear. But she’s cautious and intelligent and makes doubly sure the men know she’s in charge, especially because they don’t see her as a person or a woman but more of something to fight over. She accepts Connor’s proposal with her eyes wide open. Too bad her heart doesn’t follow suit.
While Connor keeps his eyes on his revenge plans, Adelaide begins to see him in a new light in this new life they share. The sweet way he makes love to her, the way he cares for her nephew, the revelation of his feelings for her before he even knew she was involved with the baron. Even the way he listens to her when she stands up for herself in their marriage.
But when love enters the equation, Adelaide wants more from Connor. His life has and is consumed with revenge, but if they’re going to have a life, a family together, he needs to step back and see what’s more important to him. And Connor does listen to her, but he’s running on a one-track mind. He decision is made swiftly, however, and to me it’s a little too fast. Seems like to me after fifteen years of nothing in his life but his revenge that it should have taken just a bit longer to whittle it down the way he does. Does he give it all up? Well, that’s the question, isn’t it?
I enjoyed these characters immensely. Connor is the one who must truly change, even though Adelaide is taken with his unexpected gentlemanliness as she gets to know him. There’s more to him than meets the eye, and it all comes out through his growing love for her. I like that Adelaide is not a beguiling beauty, but just your everyday girl next door and she doesn’t leave that behind despite what happens in her life. The baron is one piece of work, and I thoroughly reveled in his downfall.
Alissa Johnson always gives readers a lovely romance featuring charming characters, wicked and handsome heroes, along with intelligent and independent heroines. I enjoy her storytelling and look forward to the next book by the time I’ve finished reading the one currently in hand.
Grade: A-
Summary:
Her heart was a target…
Adelaide Ward has but one goal—to obtain an offer of marriage from the respectable, if less-than-appealing Baron Maxwell before her family is ruined. But it’s the devilishly handsome Connor Brice who captures her imagination—and a kiss in broad daylight—in front of a dozen members of the ton. Now Adelaide must decide if the charming scoundrel who stole away her reputation might still be trusted with her heart.
His aim must be true…
Connor Brice seeks a long overdue revenge on the baron. And what better way to launch his campaign than to steal the lovely Miss Ward for his own? A quick “compromising” and an even quicker wedding ought to do. But if Connor wants to establish any sort of domestic tranquility, he’ll have to regain Adelaide’s trust and choose what means more to him—his thirst for vengeance, or his need for Adelaide.
Read an excerpt.
