"Latest St. John ring tale"

Chase St. John is upset with his so-called best friend Harry Annesley for always borrowing money that he never pays back. Worse Harry holds over his head the accident in which a drunken Chase ran over and killed a woman with his coach. Chase tells Harry no more as he plans to leave for the continent so as to not shame his family. He leaves behind his marker to pay his bar bill, but Harry steals the voucher.

The four Ward females are in financial trouble when their matriarch informs banking assistant Gower that her oldest daughter Harriet has a wealthy fiancé Captain John Frankenham. Soon rumors spread about John. Near the Ward home someone tries to kill Chase, who is rescued by Harriet. The women think he suffers from amnesia, which he does not, so her mother introduces him as Captain John. Chase thrives on the role because he finds himself very attracted to Harriet.

The latest St. John ring tale is a fun story due to the shenanigans of Harriet's mother. The lead couple is a fine duo and the support cast enhances the depth of the tale. Though the villain seems ridiculous with how far he goes to accomplish his personal agenda, fans will appreciate this romance and look forward to the adventures of the next sibling possessing the undesired talisman ring (poor Devon).

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 25, 2003

Summary

Does she dare?

To save her family from ruin, Harriet Ward invented a fiancé—a handsome, wealthy sea captain. But now the bank wants proof of the elusive captain's existence. Just as Harriet despairs, fate drops a mysterious stranger into her arms, a man she believes has no idea of his own identity...Does Harriet dare convince the disturbingly handsome stranger that he is her fiancé? And if she does, what will be the cost?

Will he win?

Chase St. John knows exactly who he is. While quitting London to protect his family from scandal, Chase is waylaid by footpads and left for dead. Awakening in the care of the enchanting Miss Harriet Ward, Chase is astonished when the tempting maid brazenly announces that he is her long-awaited betrothed. Chase, ever a rogue, decides to dally and play the part of adoring lover for a price—heated kisses and more. But the price is rich, indeed, when it might mean losing his own heart.