Romance Book Reviews
Page One of TwoThe Forbidden Lord by Sabrina Jeffries
Avon, Feb., 1999.Paperback, 374 pages.
ISBN: 0380797488.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
In 1819 England, Emily Fairchild has led a fairly sheltered life
as the daughter of a strict country preacher. When a mix-up
at a local Ball lands her alone in a carriage with the notorious
rake Lord Blackmore, Emily gets a glimpse of a life far
different from her quiet existence with one scandalous kiss.
When Emily's good friend, Lady Sophie blots her copybook
by trying to elope with one of her suitors during her
deb season, Lady Sophie's tyrannical father and her
meddling but kindly aunt force Emily to masquerade as
Lady Emma Campbell during the rest of the Season
to find out who Lady Sophie's unwanted suitor is.
When the spurious Lady Emma meets Lord Blackmore
at a party, sparks fly. And, unfortunately, Lord
Blackmore seems intent on exposing her masquerade, which
would have disastrous consequences for Emily -- the the
secret about which she is being blackmailed by Sophie's father
would be revealed. Her very life may depend on convincing
Lord Blackmore that she is no country miss -- but the daring,
provocative Lady Emma. But a successful masquerade may also
have some dangerous (and scandalous!) repercussions.
Sabrina Jeffries has created a fresh and original storyline with The Forbidden Lord. The charismatic Lord Blackmore is a delight to watch as he fences with the spurious Lady Emma. The passion sizzles and the repartee is witty. This is another winner from Jeffries.
Scandals by Penelope Neri
Leisure Books, Jan., 1999.Paperback, 391 pages.
ISBN: 0843944706.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
One moment unchaperoned in the stables with a
handsome stable boy, and Victoria Hawthorne's reputation
is ruined. Nevertheless, her father packs her off to London
for a Season, hoping that some eligible bachelor will offer
for her. Steede Warring, the eighth earl of Blackstone
has his own scandal in his past; everyone thinks he
murdered his first wife. When Warring sees Victoria,
he immediately decides she is the wife for him, and the
mother for his beautiful little daughter, who hasn't spoken
a word since the death of her mother and baby brother in a
fire. Victoria goes along with the engagement, all the while
planning to elope with her low-born, smooth-talking suitor from
the country. But she doesn't reckon with her new fiancé, and
ends up eloping with him instead. Now she must try to forget her old
love, and make a home with the sad little girl and her handsome,
but somewhat frightening new husband. When someone starts
making attempts on her life, Victoria must find out once and
for all if her new husband is a murderer -- or the love of her life.
Popular author Penelope Neri (See, Stolen) triumphs again with her latest novel. Victoria is a believable character with her youthful crush on a charming con artist. As she matures, her attitude changes as she must face more adult problems, such as being a good mother and learning to make herself vulnerable enough to trust her husband. Neri is a genius at creating characters that readers will love, and for spinning a magical tale that will leave readers longing for more.
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