What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week Part I . . .

Twin Peril by Susannah Carleton -- Regency Romance
This book is a companion to A Rake's Redemption and the final volume in The Six series. Michael Winslow, the Duke of Fairfax is being pressured by his grandmother to choose a Duchess. Michael, a shy, scholarly man, would rather have a wife and companion than choose a bride for her family and wealth. Michael has one lady in mind for his bride, Lady Deborah Woodhurst. Deborah also likes Michael for his own sake rather than his title. He is kind and shares her interest in music, but she isn't sure he can tell her apart from her twin Diana. Diana is counting on the fact that Fairfax can't tell her from her sister because she's out to catch the highest peer with the greatest wealth for her husband and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Deborah wonders how she and her sister can have such different outlooks on life and dreams of finding a man who will love her for herself. Michael must reveal the man behind the ducal mask if he wants to earn the love of Lady Deborah. This is a nice, sweet story that takes place at the same time as A Rake's Redemption. Michael is a too-good-to-be-true hero who is kind and shy but able to stand up for himself. Deborah is an interesting young woman but she doesn't really stand out as being anything exceptional. There are some interesting descriptions of music and musical instruments woven into the plot and I would have liked to have "seen" an actual performance from members of The Six or at least the performance from Deborah and Fairfax. The ending was a bit rushed because it takes place at the same time as A Rake's Redemption. I liked the sweet relationship between Deborah and Michael but was confused by Diana's behavior. When she was first introduced in The Marriage Campaign, she seemed nice enough but then she became rude and mean without any sort of explanation. Though some of the scenes are from her point of view, she doesn't really reveal why she's such a witch. My other complaint is about the series as a whole: the heroes (with the exception of George) always want to protect and cherish the heroines and none of the heroes want to marry Tina, who is a hoyden. Tina is my favorite member of The Six and I hoped she would find someone who would like her for her impulsive behavior. I recommended this series to those who like sweet, quiet Regency romances. 

My Lady Inkeeper by Barbara Metzger -- Regency Romance

Lyndell Markham is bored with society. At the grand old age of 24 she has lost faith in men and decided never to marry, unless she finds a man who can truly capture her heart. A shocking letter from her wastrel stepbrother Jasper Riddley reveals that he has been involved in running a backwater country inn, smuggling, highway robbery and someone has been committing treason at his inn and wants him dead. Jasper has gone into hiding and begs Lyndell to take care of things. Though exasperated by her relative's spinelessness, Lyndell seizes the chance for adventure. She disguises herself as Jasper Riddley's frumpy middle-aged spinster sister turned innkeeper in hopes of catching a spy. Lyndell enlists the aid of trusted servants to help her run the inn. Lyndell didn't expect to encounter a savage dog, a shy stable boy, and a bar maid who serves guests more than just food and drinks. Nor did she count on playing chaperon to a beautiful dimwitted heiress fleeing an arranged marriage to a rakish Marquis and neither lady ever expected the Marquis of Cheyene to show up at the inn! After returning from the wars two months ago, Cheyne has been living life to the fullest: drinking, gambling, consorting with demireps and even dueling with his own cousin! However, Cheyene has one last bit of business that the war office has asked him to take care of. This business takes Cheyne and his cousin Willie to a certain inn where he encounters a stuffy spinster, a beautiful maid and a dazzling damsel who may or may not be the woman for him, depending on what he's interested in. This mad cap adventure brings Lyndell more danger and excitement that she ever bargained for as well as new feelings she's never encountered before. This novel is a hybrid of a traditional Regency and romantic comedy. I love romantic comedies and I enjoyed this one a lot. Metzger's heroines are always independent and appealing to the modern reader, even if they probably aren't very realistic for their time. Lyndell fits the bill for an engaging heroine and even Cheyne is likable and charming for all he's a rake and I couldn't help but root for the unlikely pair. The secondary characters were amusing and good foils for the primary characters, though they were rather stereotypical for the genre. This book is funny and romantic and a little bit sensual without going overboard. It's definitely one to read.

The Agency: A Spy in the House

 What I've Read This Week

The Agency 1: A Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee -- YA Historical Fiction/Mystery

Orphaned at an early age, Mary Lang was left to fend for herself in the streets of Victorian London through thieving. At the age of 12, she was caught and sentenced to hang, until a kind stranger stepped in. Mary is given a lady's education that will prepare her for any of the occupations open to women at that time. Not satisfied with the idea of marriage or in any of the career options open to her, Mary's teachers take her into their confidence to enlist her as the newest member of The Agency, a female spy organization. Mary's quick wits and feistiness make her the perfect candidate for the dangerous job of spy. Under a false name, Mary assumes the roll of demure companion to the spoiled beauty Angelica Thorold, daughter of a wealthy merchant. Mr. Thorold is suspected of shady business dealings and it's up to Mary to listen and learn all she can. Not content to sit idly by, Mary takes it upon herself to get more involved. Soon she's deep into a web of secrets and lies, assisted by a handsome, arrogant young businessman who always seems to bring out the worst in her. Mary is a plucky and intelligent heroine. She's a tomboy, yet she understands the restrictions placed on her and publicly refuses to break the bounds of propriety. I admire the author for creating a heroine who is both likable and realistic. The mysteries are cleverly planned and the clues so subtly planted that even I couldn't figure them out. There's also humor and a hint of romance in addition to the adventure, which make for a great read. My only complaints are that Mary's education and training are rushed right through and I would like to have seen what kind of spy training she was given. The writing is also a little simplistic and lacks the period language of similar books like Mairelon the Magician (by Patricia C. Wrede). I look forward to reading the next in the series when it is released. Fans of the Bloody Jack adventures by L.A. Meyer, Mairelon the Magician, 19th century fanatics and mystery lovers will all enjoy this book!

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

Birds of a Feather by Allison Lane -- Regency Romance

Joanna Patterson, a homely vicar's daughter, has been hired as companion to Miss Harriet Wicksfield to act as chaperon for Harriet's first season, screen Harriet's suitors and keep Lady Wicksfield from over-spending her budget. All this is a tall order for a daydreamer like Joanna, but she prides herself on her intelligence and interest in helping others. Joanna's interests lead her into disaster as she continually crashes into Lord Sedgewick Wylie. Sedge is a dandy and a leader of the ton who prides himself on his perfect public appearance. Whenever he encounters Joanna, he meets with disaster. Joanna becomes tongue-tied around the arrogant lord and he believes her to be a brainless idiot. Joanna strikes up a friendship with Sedge's brother Reggie, Lord Ellisham and work together to find Harriet the perfect husband. Sedge is certain that Joanna is a desperate fortune hunter out to ruin his brother and their family. Sedge is determined to separate them, yet can't help but be attracted to Joanna's womanly figure. A public scandal and unhealthy family relationships create a lot of drama and nearly prevent these birds of a feather from realizing they belong together. The hero and heroine of this novel are truly not birds of a feather. Sedge is a rude, arrogant, selfish, snobby, pig who is nothing but cruel to Joanna. Joanna begins to understand that Sedge has a hidden side to him that's vastly different from his public persona but the story from his point of view does not develop his character sufficiently to really understand him or like him. This book is a sequel to a Bird in Hand, which I did not read. Perhaps if I had, I would understand Sedge's anger better but the story should really be able to stand on its' own. I liked Reggie much better and he would have made a better husband for Joanna. I was more interested in poor Harriet's fate than what happened between Joanna and Sedge. Needless to say, I did not like this book and won't be looking for the prequel.

Bething's Folly by Barbara Metzger -- Regency Romance

Lord Alexander Carleton is a bachelor Corinthian who has no interest in marriage, until a summons from his father, the Duke of Carlyle, reveals the Duke's ill health will prevent him from knowing his son's wife and heirs unless Alex weds soon. Alex promises and his mother sets out looking for a suitable bride for her son. Alex despises all the young debutantes, until a chance encounter in his father's library introduces him to Miss Elizabeth Bething. Elizabeth is outspoken and unaffected; she is also the owner of a racing stable! Alex is captivated by Elizabeth and sets out to woo her with the help of his best friend. Elizabeth prefers horses to men and has even less interest in marriage than Alex does until her guardian withdraws her horse from an upcoming race. The horse is Elizabeth's hope for her stable and for her future happiness. Wanting to help Elizabeth, Alex proposes to Elizabeth so her horse can race until his name and not "disgrace" Elizabeth's uncle. Elizabeth believes the marriage is one of convenience and a misunderstanding on their wedding night drives Alex and Elizabeth apart until those they love face danger. I have mixed feelings about this book. The first 100 pages were funny and sweet. If you took Elizabeth, removed her horses and replaced them with the dog rescue plot of Primrose Lane, add a dash of bluestockingness, then you'd have me as a Regency heroine! Needless to say, I really liked Elizabeth and could relate a lot to her. I did not like Carleton very much. He started off bad, got better while wooing Elizabeth and turned into a colossal jerk on their wedding night. I hate marriage of convenience misunderstanding plots and the last 70 pages of this book were no exception. The book should have continued as a comedy of manners. The author should not have changed direction 3/4 of the way through the story. The misunderstanding plot just didn't make sense given the first part of the story. My advice is read the first 100 pages and then skip ahead to the last page or imagine what you think would happen to Elizabeth and Carleton.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

A Rake's Redemption by Susannah Carleton (Book 4 of "The Six")-- Regency Romance

Theo Middleford, Viscount Dunnley has a reputation as a rake. Sure he has a healthy appreciation for the pleasures that women can provide, but he never dallies with innocents or married women. After an incident with a so-called widow, he decides to give up willing widows which means he needs to find a wife. He wants a wife who is not just a hostess or a "brood-mare," but someone who will be a friend and companion as well as a lover. He doesn't have far to look, being fond of the new wives of his cousin George and George's friend Elston. Theo decides to look more closely at Beth and Karla's friends and decides to pursue Lady Sarah Mallory, the reserved Welsh beauty. He understands that Sarah's musical talent shows that she has a passionate nature underneath her reserve. Already in her second Season, Sarah vows to find a husband before the end of the Season, which is a rather daunting task for someone who is shy. When Dunnley begins to pay attention to her, Sarah feels nervous and quivery and doesn't understand why she feels so disconcerted around him. Sarah also receives attention, of the wrong sort from "Nasty Ned" Simpson, which makes her afraid. Dunnley is all that is kind and considerate, helping rescue Sarah from unwanted attention. Dunnley feels he can better protect Sarah if they are married or at least betrothed, but the problem is breaking down Sarah's reserve and convincing her they belong together. This is a sweet romance story that's a little on the short side. I liked Sarah and could relate to her reserve, but sometimes the author made Sarah a bit too melodramatic with her reactions. I was also confused as to how the cool, reserved Sarah of previous books turned into the shy, nervous Sarah of this book. I wouldn't label Dunnley as a rake. He behaves more like his cousins than a typical Regency rake. He's someone I could see any sensible girl falling in love with. I like the way the relationship between Dunnley and Sarah develops. I think it's very realistic. I loved the family reunion scene though it was kind of long and unnecessary. This is a quick read and the kind of book that makes you feel warm and happy inside. It isn't entirely necessary to have read the previous books in the series, but it would help.

Miranda's Mistake by Jenna Mindel -- Regency Romance

Prequel to Kiss of the Highwayman and Miss Whitlow's Turn Miranda, Lady Crandle, agrees to leave the comfort of London and travel to the country to help her dearest friend Lady Beatrice Rothwell entertain a house party during the Quorn hunt. The real purpose of the house party is to bring eligible gentlemen to the notice of Lady Beatrice's daughter, Artemis, who refuses a London Season. Artemis is a tall, gawky tomboy who prefers horses to men but Miranda sees more to Artemis than meets the eye and is determined to help the young lady gain confidence in herself and find the love match she deserves. Lord Rothwell's first choice of a husband for his daughter is the handsome Evan Langley, Earl of Ashbourne. Evan arrives at the house party eager to find a wife and mother for his future heirs. He does not expect to run into Miranda, the woman who jilted him seven years earlier. Miranda is not prepared for the emotions that seeing Evan again brings out in her. He is bitter and angry at her for choosing to marry a man three times her age just for his wealth and title. Evan knows little about the true reasons for Miranda's decision and the regret she feels. Evan is determined to punish Miranda for breaking his heart while she is determined to win his love once again and prevent young Artemis from making the same mistake she did. This story is the best of the three, but it's not fabulous. Evan is a very bitter and angry man and I couldn't understand why he couldn't just accept Miranda's reason for jilting him and let her go. I also couldn't understand his reasons for not wanting to accept Miranda's love a second time. Miranda is one of those typical widows who was trapped in an unhappy marriage but she doesn't weep or whine about it, for which I admire her. She realizes she made a mistake and recognizes her true feelings for Evan, which is a little unusual for this genre but a nice change. I felt an overwhelming sense of sadness throughout the story and I think it could have worked as a comedy of manners rather than a tragedy of unfulfilled passion.

What I've Read This Week

What I've Read This Week . . .

A Twist of Fate by Susannah Carleton -- Regency Romance 

David Winterbrook, brother of George from A Scandalous Journey, becomes lost in the middle of a snowstorm in unfamiliar territory. He stops to assist a lady whose cart is stuck in a ditch and is struck by the thunderbolt of love that is a family tradition. The lady, Madeline Graves, is a young widow who lives nearby and offers the comfort of her fire to David while he waits out the storm. The storm turns into a blizzard, leaving David stuck at Lynn's house for weeks. At first Lynn is cautious of David. All of her experiences with men have been negative thus far, especially her marriage to a bully who left her hard of hearing and lacking in desire. David is everything a gentleman should be: he's polite, kind, a good listener and he also experienced a troubled marriage. However, all of David's charms may not be enough to convince Lynn to be his wife. First, she must overcome the memories of her past in order to get what she wants most. This is an unusual plot for a Regency. It's quiet and the dramatic tension is all about Lynn's feelings and overcoming her past. Readers may be put off by the subtle sensuality in this book though. Some of it was sweet and made sense for the plot but some of it was unnecessary. My biggest complaint is that there is too much repetitive dialogue revolving around Lynn's issues. If you liked A Scandalous Journey and want to know what happens to Lord David and little Isabelle, then read this book. If you're looking for something different and haven't read A Scandalous Journey, this book provides enough information that it works as a standalone.

Mad Maria's Daughter by Patricia Rice -- Regency Romance
Daphne Templeton's mother was lovely, charming and quite mad. (Maria Templeton seems to have suffered from what we would call bipolar disorder). Several years ago, Daphne's mother drove a carriage off a cliff in a carefully planned suicide. Unfortunately, there was a witness and now the whole of the ton knows about Mad Maria. Daphne has spent the last four years in London, trying to prove she is not like her mother, being dependent on relatives who don't care for her and hoping to find a husband who will love her for herself. After an incident involving throwing a beverage over the head of her unlucky suitor, Daphne is exile from London. She heads to the country to stay with her eccentric old aunt. Along the way, her carriage is held up by a dashing highwayman who kidnaps her. Daphne loses her temper and assaults the kidnapper with her parasol and her tongue! The highwayman is intrigued by this woman who doesn't swoon or run away from him. He leaves her unharmed, taking only a few coins and a valuable ring and helping her find her way to safety. Soon Daphne hears all about the local Robin Hood highwayman and his band of brigands. She's not sure what to think of it all and is even more confused when she meets the handsome viscount Gordon Griffin, who bears a strong resemblance to her highwayman. Daphne becomes involved in a tangle of events involving her highwayman, whom she can't stop thinking about, the viscount, an army captain and a murderous villain. Throw in some family drama and you have one crazy story. My first impression of the book was not favorable, it sounded so silly and I wasn't sure what was going on, but then I got into it. There are a number of twists and turns that I didn't see coming and some I did and a couple of funny scenes too. In the end, I found myself enjoying the story more than I thought I would. Daphne is an all too human heroine. She has her faults and her vulnerabilities but her true self shines through. The gentlemen were rather stereotypical and one was over-the-top annoyingly kind. This is a very modern story with people not behaving according to the proprieties of the day but I like those kinds of stories. My biggest complaint is that there were too many points of view and I kept having to go back and figure out who was thinking. Also the book is too long. The last chapter isn't really necessary. The ending of the previous chapter was cute and made me laugh. This story involves some slightly more than subtle sensuality (make-out scene) but nothing bad and it can be ignored if you really don't like that kind of thing. This is a fun read and worth the effort to unknot the tangle of story lines.

The Genuine Article by Patricia Rice -- Regency Romance
Lady Marian and her sister Jessica are headed to London for the Season to find rich husbands or else they and their mother will lose their home. Determined to be the one to sacrifice herself on the matrimonial alter so that young Jessica will have more time to chose, Marian intends to hide her sharp tongue and independent mind under a mask of simpering femininity. Her resolve is tested during a top at an inn when a rude gentleman mistakes her for a servant and she rebounds with some harsh words of her own. In London, Marian makes a conquest of the young Lord Darley who is tired of his mother and sisters controlling him and is in search of a biddable wife. Marian likes him well enough but then Darley's misogynistic best friend comes to Town and Marian discovers that he is none other than the rude man from the inn. She must convince Richard Monatgue that she's the right woman for his best friend. He is determined to prove that she's the wrong woman and willing to use any means necessary to prove his point. Richard becomes involved in Marian's personal family problems which become his own when his roguish valet steals something of value that belongs to Marian and the quest to help Marian's family leads to a trip to a crumbling old estate, a phantom Marquess and lots of passion. This book is steamier than the other and the make out scenes can not be ignored because what follows is part of the plot. There is not relation to any of the characters or events in Mad Maria's Daughter so I am unsure as to why the publisher chose to include them both in one volume. None of the characters in The Genuine Article are likable. I agree with Marian's initial assessment of Richard and they really don't get to know each other except for making out a lot. Marian is not a very likable heroine either. I understand why she had to find a rich husband and why she felt the need to act like an idiot to do it but I don't agree with her methods. Jessica and Darley are too meek and mild to even be remotely interesting. I didn't care for this story and I'll recommend it to those who prefer the emphasis on making out than actual interesting characters and plot.

What I Read This Weekend

What I Read This Weekend . . .

The Marriage Campaign by Susannah Carleton -- Regency Romance
This book takes place simultaneously with A Scandalous Journey and contains many of the same passages and spoilers for the plot of the previous book. It is second in a series of 6. Robert Symington, the new Marquess of Elston, friend to Lord Weymouth and Beth Castleton, is dealing with the loss of his father and all that it entails. Robert also has another problem to deal with: a codicil in his father's will which states he must marry a woman of his father's choosing within a year or face unknown consequences. Elston feels that it's important to marry for love, but he is willing to get to know the ladies on his father's list. As he sets out for London, he decides to pay calls on the families of the ladies he doesn't know well. He hopes to become reacquainted with a childhood friend, Karla Lane. Instead of Karla, he's forced to be entertained by her scheming stepmother and silly step-sister. He learns from a neighbor that Karla hasn't been seen in the village for a long time and her friends are worried about her. Elston decides to discover what happened to Karla. During a moonlight smoke, Elston meets Catherine Lundquist, a relative of the first Vicountess who works as an unpaid governess for the younger children. She reveals that Karla's situation is not much different from her own. Elston impresses upon the Vicountess the social consequences of favoring a younger daughter over the elder and forces her to allow Karla a Season. In London, Robert and Karla meet and become friends with a number of musically talented ladies who help Karla face Society though her stepmother insists on belittling Karla. Robert finds himself drawn to Karla but also to Christina and becomes determined to help the young ladies secure their rightful places in Society. Karla worships Elston and worries that he will learn that Catherine is really Karla and fears her deception will ruin their friendship. She also hopes that he will come to her rescue and help her find happiness in a home of her own. The plot of this novel is rather long and drawn out because it also contains bits of the plot for A Scandalous Journey. It also contains too many examples of Rob saving Karla from her wicked stepmother. I didn't like Karla very much, though I felt sorry for her, and I kept hoping she'd stand up for herself and not sit around and wait for Elston to come rescue her. This book introduces the other ladies in "the Six" as Elston searches for a bride and Beth Castleton comes to London. I didn't like this book as much as A Scandalous Journey but it wasn't bad. I really like Elston and wish he had chosen a more interesting bride, especially one who shared his passion for music. If you don't like independent heroines, then this is a nice, sweet romance.

Kiss of the Highwayman by Jenna Mindel -- Regency Romance

This is a sequel to Miranda's Mistake (not yet read) and a prequel to Miss Whitlow's Turn (reviewed previously)

Brian Warren is now Lord Cherrington, the Earl of Cherring after the death of his brother at the hands of highwaymen. Brian is determined to avenge his brother's death even if it means becoming one of the highwaymen himself. Artemis Rothwell, a hoydenish young miss of nineteen, is looking forward to her first Season under the guidance of her stepmother's friend Miranda. She vows to change her behavior and act more feminine, but that vow is tested when she and her mother are stopped by highwaymen on the way to London. Though they have not brought any valuables with them, the highwaymen steal the Rothwell family wedding ring and frighten Artemis's stepmother, so Artemis tries to step in and point a pistol at the villain who is harassing her mother. The plan backfires when the Leader undermines Artie's confidence and a tall, blue-eyed highwayman gently disarms her and leaves her with a kiss. Artie can not think of anything except reclaiming the ring, except for when she's thinking about the highwayman's kiss! Back in London, Brian disguises himself as the foppish Cherry, a fashionable fribble in order to hide his true identity from the highwaymen he is trying to catch. He thinks often of Artemis and the kiss they shared and as soon as she arrives in London, he begins to pay court to her. Artie thinks Cherry is ridiculous but as she comes to know him, she discovers that she has a lot to to learn from him. Finally, there comes a time when Brian must decide whether to sacrifice his relationship with Artie for the sake of catching the highwaymen. It will take all of Artie's confidence and unwomanly skills to catch the villain and earn permission to marry the man she loves. The final confrontation moves pretty quickly, but it is very predictable and nothing really came as a surprise. Artie is a great character. She is full of spunk and stubbornness, but aware of her shortcomings and willing to change. I would like to have Artie as a friend in any century. Brian is a hard character to describe. He is in character for most of the novel and continually leers at Artie. He comes across as kind of gross and annoying though it's hard to tell how much is his real personality and how much is character. We don't really know that much about him, which bothers me. I don't think I like Artie and Brian together, though it would take a very open-minded man to put up with Artie. If I were Artie, Brian would have had a lot of explaining and re-courting to do if he wanted my heart. Despite being silly and predictable, this novel wasn't as bad as I expected it to be and I would recommend it to those who are not too picky.

What I Read This Weekend

What I Read This Weekend . . .

The Sable Quean (Redwall) by Brian Jacques -- Middle Grades Fantasy

The latest threat to the peaceful woodlanders of Mossflower comes from Vilaya, the dangerous Sable Quean who commands hordes of vermin called ravagers. Vilaya and the dangerous sable Zwilt the Shade are out to conquer Redwall Abbey. Vilaya has devised a plan to kidnap the Dibbuns and other woodland babes in order to blackmail her way into the Abbey. Meanwhile, Buckler Kordyne, the rebellious, restless young blademaster at Salamandatron, is advised by the great badger Lord Brang to go on an adventure to visit Redwall Abbey and Buck's brother and sister-in-law who live near Redwall. Buck brings along his pal, the always hungry, Subaltern Meliton Gubthorpe Digglethwaite. When Buck and Diggs set out on their journey, they have no idea of the adventure and experience that awaits them. Assisted by a crew of shrews, a traveling troupe of hedgehog actors and warriors of Redwall, Buck and Diggs vow to return the missing children and destroy the vermin. The vermin soon learn what it means to mess with Redwallers and their friends. The adventures continue in this latest tale from Redwall. The plot of this new story does not exactly follow the usual formula, so it kept me intrigued far into the night! I like the departure because I felt that the books were getting too formulaic and predictable. The story revisits Mossflower history and faithful fans will delight in figuring out the mystery ahead of the Redwallers and new fans will enjoy learning about the history of Mossflower for the first time. Jacques always excels at creating colorful characters that live on in the reader's memory even after the last page is finished. Though you know the Redwallers always win in the end, getting there is the fun part and this book is no exception. Another great yarn from Mr. Jacques!

A Scandalous Journey by Susannah Carleton -- Regency Romance

George Winterbrook, Lord Weymouth, wakes up to find himself in an unfamiliar place with his hands and feet bound. He doesn't know where he is or how he came to be there. He soon learns that he has been abducted by his friend's former wife, who wishes to coerce Weymouth into marrying her. George refuses to marry without love, but Lady Arabella is persistent and threatens George's young niece Isabelle if he doesn't comply. Beth Castleton also awakens in an unfamiliar location with a throbbing headache. Her maid, though kind, does not know how Beth came to be in Scotland nor for what purpose. Beth is led to the book room where she will be able to speak with her hostess and get some answers. There George encounters Beth reciting square roots to calm her nerves. He hopes she will help rescue him, but doubts she will because she was rather frosty towards him when last they met at his cousin's house party. Beth agrees to help rescue young Isabelle and if possible, George too. Plans go awry and the journey back to London is difficult and dangerous but George is determined to protect both his niece and the intrepid young lady who did not hesitate to help him. Once safely back in London, Beth dreads the coming Season. She feels like a curiosity because she is American and doesn't fit in because she prefers mathematics to gossip. Weymouth introduces Beth to his family and friends to help calm her nerves. The one thing that can mar Beth's happiness, is the knowledge that she traveled unescorted with Weymouth. Though she enjoys his company, Beth refuses to force George to marry her unless he loves her. They may not have a choice if Lady Arabella has her way. This is a rather unusual story. There is no exposition, the hero and heroine have already been introduced, and the plot picks up right away. Yet, I still felt the story was rather slow and I didn't really care what happened once the scandalous journey was over. The hero is a paragon. He's the exact opposite of a rake. He's a little too good to be true. I really liked Beth for being an intelligent and intrepid heroine but a little too prone to turn into a watering pot for lame reasons. If you're looking for something different and don't like rakish heroes, then try this one. It seems to be part of a series but background information is revealed throughout the story so those who have not read the previous books (like me) can enjoy this as a stand alone.