Review: I Thought it was Pretty Good  **3 1/2 Stars**
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 19, 2014
Wow!  I read reviews where so many people hated this little novella, while I thought it was pretty good.  Amazing how different people's perspectives can be.  Anyhow, the story is by no means an earth-shattering read, and it definitely would have benefitted from being a bit longer.  Moreover, the characters could have done with some more developing--but that is often the case with novellas.  Nevertheless, what's there is thoroughly entertaining, and kept me engaged from start to finish.The story starts out like gangbusters, with Bella climbing through Gabe's window.  When she tries to awaken him, she finds herself sprawled out on his bed with him on top of her, being thoroughly kissed.  LOL  Of course Gabe is appalled when he fully awakens to find that the tasty bit o'muslin in his bed is NOT!  Bella and Gabe are neighbors and have known each other since childhood.  They haven't seen each of for a few years, ever since Gabe left to fight in the Napoleonic war.Bella is in desperate need of help.  Her despicable relatives, who are her guardians, are trying to force her to marry their equally despicable son--Bella's cousin--so that they can gain permanent control of her inheritance.  Gabe needs money.  His estates are badly in need of repairs.  When Bella discovers that Gabe has returned home, she approaches him with a bargain--hence the middle of the night visit to his bedchamber.  LOL  Bella's bargain--they get married; she is saved from marrying her despicable cousin, Gabe gets Bella's money.  Bella has to apply herself to the task of convincing Gabe of the soundness of her plan, but once he agrees they set their plans in motion.Of course, before they can get away, Bella has a TSTL moment which results in her escape getting foiled.  The rest of the story pretty much consists of Gabe chasing after Bella, trying to catch her before she is forced before a preacher.  Nothing earth-shattering, but more than passably entertaining.  Happy reading!