Lawson’s review of Bedding the Baron by Deborah Raleigh
Historical romance released by Zebra 1 Mar 08

This the first in a new trilogy by Raleigh about three friends, nearly brothers, that grew up at the same boarding school. I haven’t read anything by this author before.  It was nice to see this story about these three men who occupy very different places in life, but came from the same place. Self-made heroes are always a great thing to read about.

Fredrick Smith is one of three men who have found out a very interesting secret. Their teacher, mentor and dear friend, a Mr. Dunnington, had blackmailed each of their fathers for a large sum of money and left it to each of the three men upon his death. All three of the men are illegitimate and thus curious about the secret that would induce their fathers to part with a great deal of money.

Fredrick sets out for Wessex to ferret out his father’s secret and stays at the Queen’s Arms Inn. The inn is run by Portia Walker, a managing widow, who Fredrick takes a liking to, even if she is prickly and standoffish to his attempts at charm and flattery. Though he comes on strong, he realizes the way to her affections are to help out her business. Not that Portia appreciates things.

She’s used to taking care of herself and her staff alone and doesn’t appreciate Fredrick’s interference. She gradually warms to Fredrick, but keeps her self separated from things to guard herself from hurt. As Fredrick’s life is thrown into turmoil and he has to reassess who he is, Portia is there for him. It takes her a bit too long, though, to figure out that Fredrick is different than the other men in her life and will be there for her.

One thing that struck me in the middle of the book was the fact that Fredrick is a bastard, but the book is called Bedding the Baron. . .yeah. It kinda gives away a big thing with the title. It did ruin the story for me after I figured out that big part of the story. Portia does have her own secret, which was about what I expected, and it made me happy that it wasn’t the fact she was a virgin widow.

Though there is some decent chemistry, it takes awhile to build due to Portia’s “protest too much” attitude. Fredrick’s father is a sad story, and while it could have happened that way historically, it’s a little over the top, especially how hard it made Fredrick’s life.

In the end though, the HEA hit in the right spots and everything turned out alright. The next book, I’m guessing, follows Ian Breckford who makes an appearance helping Fredrick in is quest for the truth of the blackmail.

Grade: C+

     Blurb:

     In the first in a dazzling new trilogy, Deborah Raleigh introduces three unforgettable heroes united by a friendship closer than brotherhood, a mysterious legacy, and a talent for seduction that no woman can resist…

     He Has The Face Of An Angel

     Only the most damnable curiosity could compel Fredrick Smith to seek the truth about the father who abandoned him. And only a torrential storm could force him to stop at an inn en route. But what a treasure he finds there–a raven-haired beauty whose drab attire can’t disguise her latent sensuality. And soon Fredrick’s most pressing need is to melt Mrs. Portia Walker’s icy reserve, and make her smile, sigh, and cry out with pleasure…

     And A Kiss That Would Tempt The Devil…

     From the moment Fredrick enters Portia’s inn–wet clothes clinging to sleek muscles, angelic features, shimmering gray eyes–she is vibrantly aware of the danger he presents. Portia was almost ruined once, and swore that no man would control her destiny again. But vows are no match for a desire that could be pure folly–or the most exquisite bliss…

     Read an excerpt.