"Solid Regency romance"

In 1817, Lord Miles Christian hosts a party to honor war hero Devlin Ryland who saved many lives during the fight against Napoleon. Perhaps the only one unhappy with the gaga events is Miles' sister Amazonian Lady Blythe whose former fiancé Lord Carnover and his wife will attend.

After helping neighbors with building a roof, a disheveled Blythe returns home. At the stable she sees a beautiful horse. The owner is Devlin who informs her that his steed is Flynn before he introduces himself. Devlin and Blythe are attracted to one another and cannot keep their eyes off on another at the evening's soiree. As their attraction grows over the next few days, he struggles with his need for Blythe and a disbelief that love exists. Worse he also concludes the object of his dreams seems to still pine for her former betrothed making anything permanent between this couple appears impossible.

Regency romance readers will enjoy this delightful tale due to strong lead protagonists especially the 6-foot Blythe. The secondary cast provides insight into the personalities of Blythe and Devlin. Though an incident with Carnover seems inappropriate fans will appreciate Kathryn Smith's wonderful historical love story.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 15, 2003

Summary

No love blazes hotter than the one that burns For the First Time Devlin Ryland has returned to London in triumph, acclaimed throughout the city for his courage at Waterloo and selfless rescue of a fellow soldier. But Devlin wants no part of his newfound glory -- until he escapes to the country estate of a friend and encounters the one woman for whom he would gladly play the hero: the statuesque beauty Lady Blythe Christian. Unfortunately, the lady who so stirs his passions wants nothing at all to do with England's heralded champion. The man Devlin saved was Blythe's betrothed...who then heartlessly married another. Now the pain only intensifies when Devlin is near -- though, truth be told, she is not unmoved by the strength of his character and his considerable charms. But with heartbreak so fresh in her memory, how can noble Devlin convince Blythe to trust again... because only then can he show her what it is to be loved for the first time.