"Solid Entry to Ryland Brothers Series"
North Sheffield-Ryland was the illegitimate son of Viscount
Creed. After his mother passed, he was brought to live with
his father's three other legitimate sons, his half-
brothers. Try as he might he was never fully accepted by
society so he diverted his energies into becoming a highly
sought after private investigator. In cleaning up dirty
little secrets of the ton he gained an acceptance and
gratitude that he no longer desired. Based on his reputation, the Earl of Spinton came to him
asking for an investigation into disturbing letters his
fiancé had been receiving. North knew the man's fiancé,
Lady Octavia Vaux-Daventry. Octavia had been his
childhood best friend and love whom he'd been forced to
give up twelve years ago when her wealthy grandfather came
into her life and claimed her as his heir. Convincing North
that 'he wasn't good enough' for the granddaughter of an
earl. Octavia, had resolved herself to keeping the promises made
to her mother and grandfather of becoming a lady and
marrying Earl Spinton a man she didn't love. Thrown
together to smoke out and unmask the author of the letters
the passions of their youth were re-kindled with a
vengeance. As he worked to expose the blackmailer, another
more dangerous enemy emerged. North would be willing to do
what ever he had to in order to keep Octavia safe and back
in his arms again. *** I've been impressed with this authors ability in
crafting well-written, adventuresome and sensual novels
while thoroughly enjoying her Ryland brother series. Smith
excels in creating strong, yet complex characters in her
stories. She puts an edge on North, the dangerous but
somewhat tortured hero, and creates empathy for Octavia who
so wants to make good on her promises, even at the expense
of her own happiness. Her writing is smooth, she
establishes a nice intrigue, and the romance is lovely and
sensual. While not my favorite Ryland book, I can still
RECOMMEND it for those like me that tend to follow a well-
done series!
Reviewed by Marilyn Rondeau
Posted April 5, 2006
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