Historical Romance published by Kensington Books 29 Jun 21
First of all, let me say that I absolutely love these covers. The stories in both Book 1 and this one absolutely sealed the deal for me and Ms. Spencer has quickly become one of my go-to historical authors. Hats off to Eva for taking matters into her own hands and kidnapping Godric Fleming before he can kidnap her beloved sister-in-law. Between the sparkling, witty conversation and the shenanigans of kidnapper and kidnapped, the story moves along at at great clip.
Godric Fleming has finally come to his senses and decided against his outrageous plan to kidnap the wife of another man when he himself is kidnapped with his hands and feet bound and bundled in a carriage heading out of London. While both parties have vowed for different reasons never to marry, Godric quickly understands that he is alone in a carriage with a young, unmarried woman of quality and only marriage will do. The cut and thrust of the sparkling conversation will keep you enthralled until the very end.
As if they didn’t have enough problems between them, they are held at gunpoint by displaced soldiers turned highwaymen. Turns out some of the men are familiar with Godric and his illustrious career in the army and have their own personal vendetta against him, which makes for some interesting twists and turns in the story. Despite Godric’s involvement, however, the true star of the story is Eva.
Eva, who, despite her worldly appearance and conversation, is actually a true innocent at heart who adores her stepmother and stepbrother, even as she has a difficult adversarial relationship with her father. Yet it is this same father who comes to her rescue when all seems lost and is fully supportive of her unorthodox desire for her future. This relationship dynamic added a nice touch to the overall story.
Definitely need to read Book 1 before reading this one, but both are absolutely delightful. I love meddling families and retainers.
Grade: A
Summary:
When Eva de Courtney kidnaps Godric Fleming, her only plan is to stop the irritating earl from persecuting her beloved brother. But once she has the intriguing rogue in the confines of her carriage, she longs to taste the passion she senses simmering beneath his rugged exterior. Her forbidden plan is foiled, however, when Godric turns the tables, taking her hostage instead—and demanding they marry at once…
The last thing Godric wants to do is make the fiery, impulsive Eva his wife, despite her delectable mouth and alluring innocence. He knows from experience that nothing is forever, not even love. But honor demands he do right by the lady, no matter how stubbornly Eva tries to hold on to her independence. And while the road to the Scottish border is beset with danger, Godric’s greatest challenge is to keep his hands—and his heart—from his captivating bride-to-be…
Other books in this series:
