Sandy M’s review of Tempting Fate by Alissa Johnson
Historical Romance released by Leisure 27 Jan 09

Another new author for me and she had me hooked from the beginning.  Her voice is just terrific and she made the friends-turn-lovers story work for me.  I’ve never really been a fan of having friends become lovers, but Ms. Johnson puts a nice spin on it that makes it fun.

Whit and Mirabelle grew up together, sparring with each every step of the way.  Even years later when Whit is now the Earl of Thurston, the insults and invectives are still being thrown at every opportunity.  That is, until his mother steps in and demands a truce between them.  Little do they know she has her own agenda where they’re concerned. These two characters are so enjoyable when they’re trading barbs that fly as fast as you can turn the page. They’ve become so comfortable over the years of calling each other imp and cretin that when said truce comes along, they have no idea what to say to the other.

But even that portion of the story is fun. It’s almost like having them meet for the first time, getting to know one another, feeling awkward in each other’s presence until the relationship smooths out and begins to work in a whole new way for them.  Then it’s a different kind of fun to read about for a while as they start to look at each almost incredulously, wondering where these tender and desirous feelings are coming from.  Of course, there is a mystery involved, danger that finds its way into their lives, leading them to the fact they’ve always loved one another, even though their name calling and continuous arguing.

Both Whit and Mirabella are delightful characters.  Mirabella is the niece of a baron, not so highly born, but because of her relationship with Whit over the years, she stands up to him even when they’re not playing at their usual games.  She’s intelligent and keeps her head when things get ugly. Whit is a nobleman who’s brought honor back to his family name, he takes his duties quite seriously, but he knows how to have fun.  The secondary characters are very well written.

I know I have a copy of As Luck Would Have It, the story of Whit’s best friend Alex and his wife Sophie, so now I just have to find it! I’m looking forward to Kate’s story, McAlistair’s Fortune, out in June.  We do get a little taste of her and her hero in this book and it’s quite intriguing.

I will be following Ms. Johnson from now on.  She’s instantly become a favorite of mine.

Grade: A+

Summary:

The feud between them has scandalized the ton for years.

Whittaker Cole, Earl of Thurston, is every debutante’s dream come true. Handsome, rich, and a prime catch on the Marriage Mart, Whit is also reputed to be one of the most unflappable gentlemen in all England. Nothing ever puts him in a temper. Until…

He comes within twenty feet of Miss Mirabelle Browning and loses all control. The women in his household believe divine providence sent Mira to live on the estate adjoining theirs. After the hellion breaks his nose, Whit decides that the divine has nothing to do with it. Until…

He kisses her. After all, it was either that, or wring her neck. But when sparks fly, he’s forced to admit that there might be something to this destiny thing after all. If he can just convince Mirabelle to give fate—and love—a chance.

Read an excerpt. (scroll down the page)

Other books in this series:

and McAlistair’s Fortune, Book 3 – coming Jun 2009