"deep regency romance"

In 1793, single aristocratic men behave badly by forming the Free Fellows League based on two principles of natural order that males should not have to wed until necessary to sire an heir and to never fall in love with your wife. By 1810 Viscount Griffin is a card-carrying member over the ire of his father who demands marriage or else. Griffin needs a spouse quickly while Lady Alyssa Carollton shares his sentiment on marriage, but needs a husband to keep her mother off her back. Griffin and Alyssa wed with each vowing to not love though the honeymoon is bliss.

Griffin goes off to war, but upon his return feels the guilt of a survivor when so many died. He wants to continue his vow to the shattered by the war Free Fellows League, but also needs Alyssa to help him cope with his nightmarish demons. Soon he realizes the foolishness of his pledge as he falls in love with his wife, but she refuses to believe him and hides her own deep feelings.

Though Griffins' obstinacy becomes irritating, readers will appreciate this deep regency romance due to a strong cast (including the lead male). The story line combines sexual tension with deep angst especially with Griffin suffering from post battle syndrome. Alyssa is a delightful courageous person who as the tale's anchor ensures fans receive a superb novel.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 25, 2003

The first delightful book about the staunchly single men of the Free Fellows League

Summary

On this, the seventh day of January in the year of our Lord 1793, we, the sons and heirs to the oldest and most esteemed titles and finest families of England and Scotland, do found and charter our own Free Fellows League. The League is dedicated to the proposition that sons and heirs to great titles and fortunes, who are duty-bound to marry in order to beget the future sons and heirs, should be allowed to avoid the inevitable leg-shackling to a female for as long as possible...