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After having been betrayed, Ian MacKay, Laird of Graenfrae, vows never to love again. Only fate steps in when his stepfather’s will stipulates that in order for Ian to inherit the funds needed to bring Graenfrae back to it’s former glory, Ian must marry within a year …AND his bride must be an Englishwoman! With an agenda in mind and making a list of HIS requirements, Ian made his way to London to find, almost immediately the perfect candidate for wife. Lady Annabelle, had five seasons under her belt. In her first season she was labeled The Ordinary. What she longed for was nothing less than a love match like her parents. Meeting Ian for the first time Annabelle’s heart swelled, only to burst soon afterwards when Ian arrogantly told her she met all “his requirements”; requirements that had her fuming and refusing his presumptuous proposal! As Ian confidently informed her she would marry him by the end of season, the battle of wills began. *** This was such a fun read and was filled with great three dimensional characterizations, nice sensuality and a wonderful romance; exactly the kind I’ve come to expect from the author Lucy Monroe! Monroe interpreted Annabelle as showing that while others may have thought her ordinary, she was anything but! A bluestocking – yes, as well as being very dedicated to her causes. Annabelle had grown up with the ideal of having parents and a brother who’d found love in their marriages. So much so that the consuming passion she felt for Ian was simply not enough, if she could not have his love. Monroe’s interpretation of Ian’s arrogance was priceless. In spite of his high handed attitude, in assuring himself that Annabelle would agree to marry him, he was not stuck up so to speak. He simply stated the truth as he saw it, including how well Annabelle met all his requirements, it was just that he could have put a bit more ‘finesse’ in his list rather than making them sound like insults. Adding to the courtship theme of Ian trying to convince Annabelle to accept him, Monroe added a spark of danger and a bit of adventure in the form of a scheming and unscrupulous suitor who had uncovered the well-kept secret of Annabelle’s sizeable dowry. Monroe is a masterful story teller who has the knack of weaving in delicious details to her stories. Whether contemporary, historical, or sizzling erotica Monroe consistently hits the right note. Historical romance fans will be delighted with this offering. Marilyn Rondeau – Reviewers International Organization (RIO) |
Annabelle's Courtship
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