"fun Regency romance"

In 1813, though he hates sailing Daniel is at sea near the French side of the Channel working as an undercover smuggler when shots are fired. Daniel is hit; on English soil he is sewed up, given whiskey to hide the pain and travels by coach to attend his mother's annual ball. Daniel's aide delivers the information they gathered to his partners the Free Fellows League. At the gala, his wound opens up. He dances a waltz with Miranda, who is extremely tall and strong so is able to help him make it to the coach. To protect her from scandal, the intoxicated Daniel convinces Miranda, who loves him, to marry him. They do via his connections before she takes him to property she owns.

Miranda tends Daniel's wounds but when he recovers he forgot their marriage. They make love before he leaves to meet with his League friends. Miranda is heartbroken, but refuses to mention their marriage. She leaves him with the papers so that he can choose to acknowledge their nuptials or not. Daniel who fears his love for Miranda ponders how brave his beloved giantess is while wondering who in the Home Office betrayed him on his last mission.

Miranda is an intriguing courageous heroine who freshens up the latest Free Fellows League Regency romance as women, not just Miranda, once again prove more than capable doers. The story line is exciting and is character driven, a trademark of this series (see BARELY A BRIDE, MERELY THE GROOM, and HARDLY A HUSBAND). Fans of the series and the sub-genre will appreciate the love story between the magnificent Miranda and the daring (except for his feelings for her) Daniel.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 25, 2005

Nothing will persuade the confirmed bachelors of the Free Fellows League to say "I do." Nothing, that is, except the love of the right woman. Now, another staunchly single man yields to the surprising demands of his unpredictable heart.

Summary

Daniel, ninth Duke of Sussex, is not afraid of responsibility. He's had more than his share of duty and responsibility since he became the ninth duke. He's not afraid of danger. He's faced many dangerous and deadly moments since he became a member of the secret Free Fellows League. But he's terribly afraid of losing his heart... For who can he trust to keep it safe?

The ton's perennial bridesmaid, Miranda, Marchioness St. Germaine, doesn't need a husband in order to gain wealth and a title. Miranda is a peeress in her own right. A peeress wildly in love with the ninth Duke of Sussex and whose fondest dream is to become his wife. When he unexpectedly proposes marriage, how can she refuse?

In one bold, impulsively romantic moment, Miranda weds Daniel and attains her heart's desire... But there is no opportunity to celebrate. The marriage is legal. But it's also a secret. And the next morning, Miranda realizes Daniel has no memory of it...

How do you teach a man wary of a marriage trap to trust? How do you teach him to believe in love? And how do you protect your heart while you're doing it? When he believes he's a bachelor? And you're truly his wife...