"fine Victorian romance"

Five years ago Jason Sherbrooke left England after being betrayed by his lover (see THE SHERBROOKE TWINS). He vowed never again to give his heart to any woman. However, after a five year self imposed exile living in Baltimore he deices it is time to return home where he plans to buy LYON'S GATE so he can breed racing horses there.

Raised in America, Englishwoman Hallie Carrick (see NIGHT STORM) plans to buy Lyon's Gate. When she meets Jason, an attraction is instant that neither wants because he loathes females and she is betrothed to Elgin Sloane; they hide their feelings behind caustic comments. Worse they soon learn they are co-owners of the horse breeding farm with the stipulation that they must live at Lyon's Gate or forfeit their half of the estate. As they argue, they fall in love, but Jason still distrusts any female with his heart; Hallie in turn offers hers without a stipulation.

This is a terrific Sherbrooke tale that brings in a secondary player from the author's "Night" novels of the early 1990s. The story line is terrific due to the lead couple especially Jason who burned once by love refuses to allow his feelings towards Hallie to interfere with his belief she will betray him. Hallie is perfect for the damaged Jason as she tries to heal him with love. Catherine Coulter is in top form with this fine Victorian romance.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 26, 2005

Summary

Catherine Coulter brings readers the eighth book in the bestselling Sherbrooke Bride historical romance series. In the New York Times bestseller Sherbrooke Twins, Catherine Coulter introduced us to twins James and Jason Sherbrooke, two of the handsomest, most charming young men ever to grace the Sherbrooke family.

James, the elder twin, is devoted to his family's land, and is now settled and married to the girl next door. Jason, however, can't forgive himself for his role in the events of five years ago, when his own willful blindness endangered the lives of his father and twin. He fled England, unable to face his family's love and acceptance, and has spent five long years in exile, trying to learn how to live again. Now Jason has returned, and his family will do anything to keep him in England. When he shows interest in purchasing Lyon's Gate, a stud farm near Northcliffe, they are overjoyed—but there is a complication, in the lovely form of Miss Hallie Carrick, an impetuous, outspoken young lady who may have just what it takes to fire the spark of life in Jason again.