Saturday, February 13, 2010

Provocative in Pearls-Madeline Hunter

Provocative in Pearls
Madeline Hunter
Jove, Feb 23 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780515147629

Two years ago they married, but failed to consummate the act before she vanished. Verity Thompson, daughter of a late inventive and successful iron making firm, was assumed to have died, but legally since no body existed seven years must pass before she is declared dead. Her husband, frustrated Lord Grayson Bridlington, failed to get one pence that he needs to help his tenants.

Now, the Earl with his recently married friend Summerhays (see Ravishing in Red) finds Verity alive and well living on a country estate. He insists they are married while she insists they annul the marriage as she was coerced by her odious guardian her cousin Bertram who extorted her cooperation by threatening a mother and son she loves. As the couple becomes acquainted they begin to fall in love, but the specter of her missing Michael stands in their way.

This is a super Regency romantic mystery starring two likable individuals who come from different walks of life with plenty of issues between them. The story line is fast-paced as Madeline Hunter proivdes another strong historical focusing on an independent woman and the earl with a temper who is unsure whether to strangle her or kiss her. Fans will enjoy this fine tale as well as its predecors knowing two Rarest Bloom ladies to go (and hopefully the fascinating Castleford too).

Harriet Klausner

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