Sandy M’s review of McAlistair’s Fortune (Providence Series, Book 3) by Alissa Johnson
Historical Romance released by Leisure 26 May 09

I don’t think I will ever tire of this series by Ms. Johnson. Of course, it won’t go on forever; I believe only one more book is forthcoming. But I’ve so loved all the characters I’ve met so far. They’re all engaging and charming and they now feel like family. If you’re a lover of historical romance — even if you aren’t — and you haven’t read Ms. Johnson’s books yet, you should remedy that immediately. She has a lovely voice that fits perfectly with Regency England, and she’s created a family of characters that treat one another as such, even though they’re not all related by blood. They’re beautiful books, each and every one.

This is the first book in which the story doesn’t take place at Haldon Hall, the home where all the promised, secretive matchmaking which is the backbone of this series takes place. We start out there, but then circumstances warrant a change of venue to keep our heroine, Evie Cole, safe from a threat received by letter. Evie goes along with the preparations to remove her to a hunting cottage along the coast, but it’s all pretend for her. She has a habit of eavesdropping, you see, and that’s how she knows all the current running about is pretense. Family friend William Fletcher promised the late Duke of Rockforte on his deathbed that he would see the Duke’s children — even the children of his heart — wed, settled, and happy. So Evie keeps quiet to see how far everyone will take this charade.

Upon leaving Haldon Hall, Evie’s entourage suffers a carriage mishap and she finds herself on horseback racing through the wilds with the Hermit of Haldon Hall, James McAlistair. She’s had a fascination and even shared a kiss with this secretive man who roams the estate woods. Showing up today to help keep Evie safe, he has cleaned up rather well in his gentlemanly duds. She’s looking forward to spending several days alone with McAlistair to learn more about him and about her fascination with the man.

The man himself has loved Evie for the last eight years. All it took was to hear her laugh and his heart was lost. Knowing, however, that she’s not for him because of his past, he’ll do what it takes to keep her from harm. Of course, that is all easier said than done when they’re in such close proximity to one another and when Evie begins to develop more than fascination for McAlistair. They face a bit of danger on their journey, as well as a spot fun and laughter and even a couple of sensuous moments. McAlistair does his best to keep his distance, keep his gruff exterior to the fore, but even that is no match for the woman he wants but can’t have.

Ms. Johnson does a terrific job of balancing the elements needed during the middle of the book when it’s just McAlistair and Evie on their trek, only a character here and there to interact with them. This portion of the book could have become boring or uninteresting with only two characters to work with, but I’m happy to say this portion is done quite well and I was never wanting to skip ahead at any time. McAlistair’s character has some wonderful growth through the story. He goes from a man who longs for and loves his solitude, hates the noise people make even around their home, and he becomes a man who paces when his chatterbox of an independent, strong woman may be out of his life forever. I liked that he’s the one to make the first move.

I also enjoyed the appearance of other characters from the previous books, especially near the end when the danger is over and they come galloping in too late to save the day. Those are very fun scenes. I look forward to Kate’s book next. I have a feeling it’s going to be quite fun in itself due to Kate’s clumsiness, which has given readers some merriment so far.

This is a wonderfully written book, and I invite you to sit down with it, or even the previous books, and become a member of the family.

Grade: A+

Summary:
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To Miss Evie Cole, ignorance was never bliss. That principle had driven her to become quite adept at a most unladylike pursuit—eavesdropping. And it was while honing this skill that she heard her guardians’ elaborate scheme to find her a husband. Too bad she’d vowed never to marry. At least she knew the peril they were planning to help entrap her was only pretend.
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What she didn’t hear would change everything. James McAlistair wasn’t supposed to be part of the bargain. Not only was the retired assassin dark, silent and intimidating, but Evie also happened to know from an accidental encounter on a warm, moon-drenched night that the man was an exceptional kisser. Now the danger was real. Because now Evie might fall in love.
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