"A Case of Mistaken Identity Leads to a Delightful Regency"

Leah Brodie is a strong-willed young lady. In her coming- out season she harmed her standing in society by her unseemly anger at a suitor who had proposed marriage, and was then seen kissing another girl. While she is visiting her cousin in northern England, she is a victim of mistaken identity and is kidnapped by Morgan Gage -- "the Wicked Earl of Waring". Morgan has been accused of murdering his father by a corrupt cousin. The cousin has since married Morgan's young stepmother, and refuses to let Morgan see her. So he has resorted to kidnapping her during her morning ride. Instead his henchmen have accidentally caught Leah. But Morgan is intrigued by Leah, especially her spirited responses to him, consisting of a string of curses she doesn't understand. He returns her to her family after one kiss that touches both of their souls.

Leah next sees Morgan at a ball, but she has been unable to forget him or his kiss. He takes her aside and proposes a business arrangement that will solve both of their problems. She needs to show up in society with a suitor, and he needs entry into the "ton's" social engagements, to meet with his stepmother and clear his name. Leah agrees, and both plan to make sure their relationship stays strictly business even though they are so drawn to one another.

THE BLISS is an extremely enjoyable Regency. Leah's spirited nature has everyone around her wondering what will come next. She is strong, smart and brave, and often speaks before thinking. Morgan is a brooding, bitter- edged hero with the heart of a true gentleman. THE BLISS combines a fast-paced, humorous love story with a good murder mystery. I have already started looking for Ms. Navin's backlist.

Reviewed by Cynthia Meidinger
Posted January 6, 2003