Review: Loved the Hero!  ***4 1/2 Stars***
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 04 24, 2014
I loved this Christmas time regency novella.  It's well written, with an unusual, interesting plot, and wonderful characters.  The most striking thing about it--for me--was the hero, Dominic.  Dominic is unlike any other Duke I've encountered in my reading career.  He's so cheerful, so laidback, so easy going, not at all the usual arrogant ducal type, but that's probably because he grew up as a second son.  Furthermore, as easy-going and laidback as he is, he has an implacable spine of steel that comes into play when necessary.  As for Annabel, she is sweet, sensible, and kind.Annbel finds herself stranded in the middle of nowhere with no money and resources.  Dominic, Duke of Roth, happens along, and seeing her standing outside the inn in the cold, offers his assistance.  Annabel is clearly a gently-reared lady, albeit a destitute one.  Moreover, as far as Dominic is concerned, she is the most desirable woman he has ever encountered.  The sexual tension between the two is scorching!Dominic is en route home for Christmas, where his mother is hosting a house-party.  The duchess is intent on getting Dominic married off to an eligible lady of HER choosing.  Dominic is just as determined to choose his own bride, when he is ready to do so.Aware that his mother has no doubt invited a slew of young ladies to present as potential brides, Dominic comes up with a plan whereby he will arrive at his estate with a fiancée.  This plan he hits upon while trying to decide how to best assist the stranded Annabel.  Presenting her as his fiancée will, he thinks, help him stave off his mother's latest machinations to see him appropriately wed.  He proposes a deal to Annabel, whereby he would get her safely to her destination, if she agrees to pretend to be his fiancée for the period of his mother's house-party.A deal is struck and the two embark on preparations for their ruse.  From there the story quickly progresses to the HEA.  Dominic's mother is the quintessential witch.  The lengths she is willing to go to, in order to force Dominic to choose one of her potential brides, is astounding!The love that blossoms between Annabel and Dominic, occurs super quick...this is practically a case of love at first sight, it was that quick.  Yet, for all that, I found it to be very believable.The story is extremely entertaining; it's sweet, and funny, and makes for light reading.  I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it as a worthwhile read.  There is even an epilogue depicting the couple's life together a year down the road...I LOVE epilogues!  FYI, this is technically not a "clean" romance (not if you are someone who does not like sex of any kind in your romance novels.)  There are a couple of love scenes, which IMO, are not overly descriptive.  Happy reading!