"Exhilarating historical romance"

In 1774 Williamsburg, Virginia, attorney Edmund Cantrell handles a special deal between local businessman Devon Rivard and absentee English aristocrat George Seaton- Smythe. Apparently, Edmund's brother borrowed a large sum of money from Seaton-Smythe's American agents to pay off a gambling debt last year in Philadelphia. Since Wyndom failed to remit the cash, the London-based George offers his older brother Devon a chance to either pay the IOU or marry his niece Claire Curran, the bearer of such news.

Unless he chooses to sell the family home Rosewood, Edmund does not have the money so he angrily selects marriage. Claire who was unaware of her uncle's latest perfidy until the attorney told her she has no other option either. Edmund's plan is to wed, send the proof, and annul the marriage. However, he never considered falling in love with his spouse who he now wants to remain at his side forever if he can persuade her that he regrets his initial mistrust and harsh treatment of his beloved.

COME WHAT MAY is an exhilarating historical romance that stars two strong lead characters and support players who provide the depth to a land on the brink of war. The story line is tremendous when Seaton-Smythe stays in the shadows as a brilliant Machiavellian playing with the lives of people. When he turns into flesh and blood, the plot loses some of its edge, as he seems more of a caricature than a sly manipulator. Still, Leslie LaFoy provides readers with a beautiful romance, a wonderful cast, and a fine story that the audience will appreciate.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 4, 2002

Summary

Her life depended on his name. His heart depended on her love. It was a most humiliating situation. Mistress Claire Curran of London arrived at the Virginia office of her uncle's solicitor knowing nothing of the private correspondence she bore. With a simple break of the seal, she was hopelessly trapped in a shameless bargain: her hand given in marriage to a stranger to clear an unpaid debt. Alone and penniless, at first she has no means of escaping her lowly fate. But she pledges to be no man's pawn in such a dishonorable game- -and certainly no man's wife. With a sharp mind and an unbreakable spirit, Claire devises to play the part of Rosewind's mistress...but only until she can find a way out. Devon Rivard finds himself in a maddening dilemma: he can either sell his ancestral home to pay his brother's gambling debts, or marry one Claire Curran, the fiery- tempered messenger who has so innocently tossed the black- hearted ultimatum into his lap. Resigned yet furious, he vows to annul the marriage once the debt is cleared. But as he comes to know the independent yet vulnerable and undeniably lovely Claire, an even more difficult dilemma arises. She wins his heart, a prize he thought forever safely walled away. He knows he can't make her love him, but he can't bear to lose her. Can he convince her to stay by his side as the clouds of war gather, or will circumstances beyond his control take her away from him forever?