Veena’s review of Moonlight on My Mind (Second Sons, Book 3) by Jennifer McQuiston
Historical Romance published by Avon 25 Mar 14
I was disappointed in the first book I read by Ms. McQuiston, so I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I requested this one to review. But I definitely wanted to give an author I had heard such good things about another try. I am glad I did, since this book brought back many fond memories of romances that I’ve enjoyed through the years in its mix of mystery, suspense, and young innocent romance. The author definitely knows how to keep a secret. I was as caught by surprise as the protagonists at the identity of the villain when it was revealed. Patrick is a second son not expected to inherit the earldom. His brother is dead, a victim in a tragic shooting accident feared to be deliberate, based on the testimony of a young lady, Julianne Baxter, who claims to be a witness to murder. Then Patrick’s father, the only person who believes in his innocence, is dead, and Julianne has found her way to the remote corner of Scotland where he’s in hiding. He’ll just have to bite the bullet and make her his wife to neutralize her testimony, so he can take up the mantle of the earldom and keep his neck out of the hangman’s noose.
Julianne is an experienced debutante. She’s spent three seasons in the ballrooms of the ton and knows what’s expected of her. She’s always been attracted to Patrick, so she’s not averse to being herded into the marriage of convenience he proposes. She knows how ton marriages work, but she’s pleasantly surprised by Patrick’s version of “licking” um bedding. By now she’s doubting what she saw and heard and is starting to believe that he might be innocent after all. So perhaps they can put all this trouble behind them and build on their marriage and live their lives happily ever after. It’s too early in the story for the path of true love to run smoothly, so there’s more villainy before it all comes together.
They came together to save her reputation and his life, but romance flowers despite their uncertain beginnings. Now they’re partners with shared goals, but a villain has them both in his sights. Can they stay one step ahead and win the day?
I will definitely read more books by the author if given the chance.
Grade: B
Summary:
To ruin a man’s life once takes a regrettable mistake. To do so twice takes a woman like Julianne Baxter.
Eleven months ago, Julianne’s statement to the authorities wrongly implicated Patrick, the new Earl of Haversham, in his older brother’s death. The chit is as much trouble as her red hair suggests, and just as captivating. Now she has impetuously tracked him to the wilds of Scotland, insisting that he return home to face a murder charge and save his family from ruin. A clandestine wedding may be the only way to save her reputation—and his neck from the hangman’s noose.
Julianne has no objection to the match. More and more she’s convinced of Patrick’s innocence, though when it comes to igniting her passions, the man is all too guilty. And if they can only clear his name, a marriage made in haste could bring about the most extraordinary pleasure .
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
