"her second book proves she is here to stay"

Kristina Cook had a very fine debut book with Unlaced, so I was eager to see her second novel. Some writers have that great book in them, or they have a strong debut promising the growth of a talented writer, but that second book comes along and they just don't come through. Cook showed great flair for writing romance, so would she or wouldn't she was the big question as I awaited Amazon's brown box. I am delighted to say, she does! With style. Cook's second books shows a developing writer coming into her craft and promising to be a talent to watch.

Conflict is always at the core of every romance, but the premise of this book is conflict right off the bat. Set in the early 1800s of England, Miss Jane Rosemoor is determined to remain a spinster. She was beautiful, had countless proposals from the many seasons in London, only each time she turned them down. Secretly, she fears marriage. The women of her line are cursed with postpartum depression of the worst kind!! When they bear children they lapse in dark malaise of depression, then madness, and Jane now fears the same thing can happen to her. She vows never to marriage. So far, she's had an easy time keeping this vow.

However, she travels to stay with her cousin Emily. Emily is nearing the birth of her first child. Jane hopes to learn more about this mysterious curse afflicting the women of her blood. Her grandmother lives close by, and she, too, suffered this same fate.

Jane didn't expect her vow to remain a spinster to be tested. But then she never anticipated to meet the sexy, arrogant Hayden Moreland, Earl of Westfield and Emily's neighbor.

In his own way, Hayden can relate to Jane's vow. He has made one of his own. Never to love. He has lost so many people in his life, he believes he is cursed, and fears if he loves a wife then she, too, would be taken from him. However, being an Earl and needing an heir he knows he will have to marry. Since he now has a ward, his niece, and needs a woman to help raise her, he hits upon the idea of asking the spinster Jane to be his Countess, thinking she'd fall all over herself with gratitude for the marriage offer at her age. Of course, Jane doesn't see it the same way and refuses him.

It's an intriguing tale of two people wanting what they cannot have, but denying themselves because of their own personal demons. Cook's dialogue is sharp. She made me care about Jane and Hayden.

I am so delighted that Cook not only lived up to expectations, but surpassed them with this engaging tale that left me eager for her next book.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted May 23, 2005

Read an Excerpt

Summary

Love can ruin the best-laid plans...

SHE DIDN'T WANT MARRIAGE

A determined spinster, Jane Rosemoor has turned away many a suitor because she is secretly fearful of the mysterious malady that plagues the married women of her family. But when her life collides with that of the sinfully handsome Earl of Westfield, she is rendered delirious by his kiss—and outraged by his proposal. His young ward requires a woman's influence and he needs an heir. Aware her heart is already in jeopardy, she turns his cold bargain down flat.

HE DIDN'T WANT LOVE

Hayden Moreland, the Earl of Westfield, is stunned by Jane's refusal—after all, he's offered to rescue her from spinsterhood and make her a countess. He doesn't want romance: for he has learned that closeness brings tragedy and has vowed never to afflict any woman with the curse of his heart. Yet despite his best efforts, he is falling hopelessly for Jane—which is proving more problematic by the day. Especially after a night of passion seals their fate, demanding they confront their fears if they hope to embrace a love they can no longer deny...