"fine historical romantic read"

1792 Paris remains an unsafe place for the aristocracy. Lady Alix de la Brou knows she must flee, but first searches for her missing mamam so that they can find sanctuary across the Channel. However, Alix instead finds herself in danger until visiting Englishman Rafe Harcourt rescues her from Madam Guillotine. To keep her reputation intact as they journey to England together, they marry though she is convinced she wed a commoner.

In London, they separate and Alix moves in with her mother, who had previously escaped from France. Rafe missies his French spouse and wants her back, but she refuses to return to him saying he married her under false pretenses by not revealing he was an earl and only wed her to take her to safety in accordance with acceptable convention. Rafe has his work cut out as he courts his wife in an attempt to prove to her he loves her.

Though the heroine is a charmer, her behavior at times seems odd (battle fatigue syndrome perhaps?); yet fans will still enjoy this French Revolution Era romance due to the dysfunctional loving relationship between the lead couple. Rafe is a delightful protagonist while fans will feel empathy towards Alix's plight of loving him, but not able to trust his motives. Fans will enjoy Joanna Nevins swift-paced sensational story that brings the time period alive on both sides of the Channel inside a fine historical romantic read.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 30, 2003

Summary

On the run from the French revolutionaries, Alix de la Brou needs the help of Rafe Harcrest—a man who, however handsome, has far too many opinions on the matter of her future. But when he fetches a marriage license behind her back, it takes every bit of restraint not to throw something at the arrogant rake. She can bear the loss of her titles and fortune, but not the idea that Rafe may not love her as a true bride.

Practically engaged to another, Captain Rafe Harcrest, Earl of Moreham is instantly drawn to the fugitive aristocrat named Alix. But with his reputation for discreet pleasures, he has but one choice if he means to help her flee. They must wed—else her reputation will be ruined. But even as he advocates marriage, he doubts his own motives. For there's no question that the very sight of Alix seems to cloud his typically sound judgement—and has give him disconcerting ideas that perhaps he too is capable of falling in love.