"Fine romantic suspense"

Elspeth Quinn prefers not to be the recipient of her Aunt Betina's kindness as she knows that her relative detests her and her mother, the embarrassing poor relations. Still, her widowed mom feels a season would be good for her daughter so the protesting Elspeth travels to Bath to join her dazzling cousin Caroline as the frumpy charity case.

Julian Thorne is considered the prime meat of the season by both the husband seekers and their mamas though he prefers rustication rather than Assembly rooms. The betting line says Caroline is the odds on favorite to reel him in as her spouse. So why does he spend so much time with the poor cousin kissing her and making Elspeth's heart pound? Elspeth cannot believe he desires her above all and her odious Aunt warns her of being an ingrate making Julian's quest that much harder.

Though readers will wonder why the pretty wealthy debutantes set their eyes on Julian, he is a wonderful lead character who knows what he wants and goes about trying to achieve his heart's desire. Elspeth is the mouse that roars so that the audience will adore her. Her relatives are slimy snobs who offer nothing redeeming. Fans of a simplistic but fun Regency romance will appreciate Corey McFadden's tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 25, 2003