Review: Enjoyable Read
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 12, 2012
Evangeline's father and Thomas's uncle hatch a plan of match making for them.  Evangeline is 22 years old and almost considered an old maid, while Thomas has discovered an unsavory stipulation in his father's will that he marry to continue to receive his inheritance.  Both characters are on the opposite sides of the spectrum, or so it appears to the general public.  Thomas is snubbed by Evangeline at a party, which is not something he's used to.  Ususally women are throwing themselves at his feet for his money or his proess in bed.  He finds himself intrigued by her.  Evangeline has had the fact that she is plain and too outspoken drilled into her head by her mother, which leaves her perplexed when Thomas is suddenly attentive to her.Father and Uncle devise a plan to put Evangeline in Thomas's sites.  He is warned away from her beautiful, widowed sister, Melody.  He is told she is prone to fits of drama and basically told that there is no way he would ever catch Evangeline's eye.  She has no wish to marry,  her mother has also pounded in the idea that marriage is a chore that women must undertake and give themselves to their husbands, no matter how distasteful the act is.  This leaves Evangeline wanting as little to do with marriage as possible and thinks she is safe.  Little does she know, that she is slowly stealing Thomas's heart and he has other plans.  What starts out as a practical arrangement for Thomas soon becomes a matter of the heart and he finds himself wanting to posses her mind, body, heart and soul.They are married, due to him carrying Evangeline in the house after she sprains her ankle.  For propriety's sake and her good name she agrees.  However, she is slowly falling under Thomas's spell as much as he is hers.  Which leaves the questions of can Thomas calm away Evangeline's fears and make her realize her worth?  And can Evangeline accept her husbands love and reciprocate?Thomas is so sweet, patient, and kind with Evangeline.  He finds himself leaving behind his "playboy" lifestyle in pursuit of a much purer form of fulfillment.  You find yourself just falling under his spell and want to be in Evangeline's place.  Evangeline is a very sweet character.  Ever worried about family and friends's wellbeing.  At times you feel for her, the lies her mother believes and forces Evangeline to believe.  A pleasent story line with plenty of playful banter and the sweetness of their blossoming love.  I do love good word play, for me it is another form of foreplay, which just adds to the moment.  If you are in the mood for a good romance without heartache around every corner coming between them, then this is the one for you.  I found myself reading this in one day and would recommend it to all historical romance fans.  Having said that, I give this gem...