"Deliciously Fun!"

Meg Piddington is a member of the "Ladies Amateur Sleuth Society" as well as wanting to prove to her father that she can be responsible and helpful in the family business. Her two goals are about to collide when she spends a few hours locked in the Chocolate factory with handsome but frustrating Gareth Mandeville. This one incident is going to introduce her to the wonders of kissing Gareth as well as prove to be his alibi when he is accused of a crime he did not commit. This is going to give Meg a chance to finally put her sleuthing skills to work since Gareth would rather face jail than the possibility of marriage and if Meg tries to provide him with an alibi a wedding will be the end result of that. He's still not sure why he allowed himself to kiss the madding woman or why he can't keep his hands to himself, or why he keeps thinking about their shared kiss. There is danger out there and someone wants Gareth out of the way. Can these two find a happy ending while trying to stay alive?

This is the second in Ms. DeHart's "Ladies' Amateur Sleuth Society" yet it is a strong stand alone read if you've not read the first in the series. Gareth and Meg are wonderful protagonists and their romance is at turns humorous and romantic. Ms. DeHart is a fresh voice in the historical romance genre and she has effortlessly combined romance, suspense, humor, and history into her story. This is one author and series you won't want to miss.

Reviewed by Kristi Ahlers
Posted February 20, 2007

Summary

When wildly independent Meg Piddington finds herself locked in her father's chocolate factory after hours with a most disarmingly attractive gentleman, she doesn't realize that she is his alibi-proof that Gareth Mandeville did not commit a dastardly crime. But admitting as much would destroy her reputation, which gallant Gareth refuses to do. Besides, he believes even prison would be preferable to marriage, which is what their revelation would certainly demand! At last, here's the perfect opportunity for Meg to don her sleuthing hat to get to the root of the secretive stranger's troubles! Besides, the man sends oh-so-pleasant shivers coursing through her body. And though heaven may well await in Gareth's embrace, danger may dwell there also . . . if the determined lady embarks on a grand mission to win his love.