"fine Regency"

In 1814, Colonel Sir Russell Althorne asks his officer Lieutenant Colonel Lord Heath Boscastle to keep his fiancée Julia safe while he is in France searching for crazy French espionage agent Armand Auclair. Heath has survived war, imprisonment, torture, and family; he would do any of those over again rather then spend time with the widow Julia Hepworth, but he owes Russell for saving his life so he reluctantly agrees. Six years ago, Heath met Julia when she shot him and he followed up by kissing her. He never forgot her, but she rejected his advances and married someone else who since died in India.

Julia also never forgot the kiss that in spite of a husband and a fiancé has been the sexual highlight of her life. She became engaged to Russell when he helped her after her husband and dad died close to one another, but no longer grieving she has doubts about marrying Russell.

Heath's brother Grayson tells him Russell has impregnated his mistress and suggests he seduce his beloved Julia as Russell no longer deserves loyalty. As Heath and Julia fall in love, they first must deal with Auclair, who is in England not France, and then Russell.

From the moment the lead couple re-meets for the first time in six years, the heated romance between them makes the tale although the suspense is strong as the audience anticipates showdowns with her fiancé and the crazed clever killer. The return of characters from the first Boscastle novel SEDUCTION OF AN ENGLISH SCOUNDREL adds strength to a fine story line although the finish is real but anticlimactic.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted May 16, 2005

Summary

Award-winning author Jillian Hunter weaves another enthralling tale in which the path down the aisle is paved with startling twists of fate . . . and temptation.

Lord Heath Boscastle's attraction for Julia Hepworth begins with a bang. She shoots him at a hunting party—accidentally, of course. Though the shot grazes his shoulder, her beauty pierces his heart. Sparks fly soon after when they find themselves dangerously close to a compromising position. Too inexperienced to understand such overwhelming emotions, Heath and Julia part ways.

Now, years later, Heath is a high-ranking intelligence officer, asked to protect his commander's fiancée, Julia, while he chases down an elusive spy. Heath quickly regrets his promise when he meets Julia again—and their mutual desire still burns hotter than ever. Of course he will protect her. There is danger in the air. And Heath would never think of betraying his friend, until he learns that Julia herself has been betrayed. Suddenly seduction Boscastle style is the name of the game. Yet Julia has a trick or two up her own sleeve—and is determined to be a player, and not a mere pawn, in his wicked game.