"A steamy hot romance"

In 1819, Lady Kate Beverredge consoles her distraught best friend Phoebe Claringworth over the death of her three-year- old son and unborn daughter. Phoebe is lucky to be alive though she might think otherwise as her husband was DUI causing the coach to crash killing him and their two children. Vowing she will never again be under the thumb of a male, Phoebe cuts off her hair.

Three years later, Mr. Philip "Phizz" Marston is considered the heir apparent to Brummell as the arbiter of style. When aristocratic farmer David Hervey sees Phizz for the first time ever, he wonders about himself, as he cannot keep his eyes off the man. When Mr. Marston leaves, David can't forget him. This somewhat disturbs David because he has always favored women and has a near adult son born out of wedlock. Soon David realizes why he is so attracted to a male, as Mr. Marston is actually a masquerading female. David begins to "court" Phoebe, disguised as Mr. Marston. Soon they fall in love, but he must persuade her that they belong together beyond just the pleasures of the flesh as she knows the tyranny of marriage.

This is an entertaining Regency romance starring a delightful lead protagonist and an intrepid heroine. The reactions of Mr. Marston and Lord David upon first seeing one another is priceless, especially that of the confused earl. Though his learning of a plot to harm her seems stretched, fans will appreciate this charming tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted April 10, 2003