"A Rgency novel that is creative"

Even winning an estate at cards from Lord Barrett turns into another losing chapter in his life for Gabriel Sinclair. He left England in disgrace and just recently returned to win the estate only to have Barrett send thugs after him because dead men not only don't tell tales, they also fail to collect debts. The timely appearance of a coach near the theater alley where he had been accosted saves his life.

Psyche Hill thinks Gabriel is an actor that she has hired to masquerade as her fiancÈ. Though an heiress, her uncle holds her purse strings unless she marries. However, Uncle Wilfred has always managed to drive away her suitors because he plans to have his niece marry his son. The dynamics of relationships change when Psyche introduces Gabriel to Wilfred as her intended. Intrigued by her and needing a haven, Gabriel plays the part of someone in love, which he soon realizes is not a role anymore.

Placing aside the name of the lead female character, DEAR IMPOSTOR is a puissant Regency romance that employs action and humor to add depth to an alluring story line. The plot works because the reader can see the transition of Gabriel from bumbling ham into ardent lover at the same time Psyche changes too. The support cast adds intrigue and danger to a fine tuned mix that will send sub-genre fans soaring with Nicole Byrd's engaging historical romance.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 16, 2001