Review: Fabulous book that you can't put down!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 26, 2014
Raven Wells lost her parents when she was quite young.  After being cared for and loved by a foster family who died, she ended up in an orphanage run by a cruel woman.  One day, the Earl of Trent comes by and sees her being punished by having to stand outside in the rain.  He is impressed not only by her beauty, but by her acceptance and ability to handle this treatment.  Deciding that she is the girl he wants for his "plan," he takes her with him.  She is brought up in his home, taught everything that her brilliant mind can absorb, and dressed in only the best.At the age of 17, she is a beautiful young woman on the verge of her come-out in London.The Earl decides to have a house party with some neighbors, including Phillip Warrick, a friend from his past with whom he has been on the outs.  While Phillip does not care for house parties, he decides to accept the invitation because he wants to mend fences with the Earl.  When Phillip meets Raven, he is immediately smitten with her beauty and her grace.  She, in turn, is smitten by him.As the party proceeds, we get to know the different people attending.  Each of them has their own story which adds so much to the book.  They are taken with Raven's talents as a wonderful hostess and her ability to plan entertainment for everyone to keep them occupied.Even though Phillip has been warned by the Earl to stay away from Raven, the attraction between them is too strong to be denied.  Finally, the Earl agrees for them to marry, but insists that they go to Gretna Green to do so.  But on the way, something happens that blows the whole story to smithereens.  To say anymore would be a total spoiler.This book is wonderful and I cannot wait to read the next books in the trilogy.