Review: A wonderful ending to a wonderful series!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 27, 2013
I looked forward to this story as much as I dreaded it; it was finally time for our Stapleton, the infamous Bow Street Runner to have his HEA, but it is also to be a last Kellington book; not what I was looking forward to.I can tell you I loved each story that has been written so far, and even though our Joseph is only an `honorary' brother to the Kellington brood, his story is as well told as all the others.The plot was well-developed and executed with clues to the villain well hidden; every character that has been introduced to us, helped the main characters come more to life; pace of the story had a steady flow and never lagged; the intimate scenes were spontaneous and sensual and bringing all the Kellington's in to help this romantic couple out, was a stroke of genius.But what I loved most of all was the dialogue; no matter if it was spoken or thought by our couple, Kellington's, Evelyn's suitors or secondary characters, I merrily chuckled from page to page.Here is Evelyn's thought about one of her suitors:"One well-meaning gentleman had even told her she would be better served if she appeared to be less smart and more agreeable. She had responded by telling him he would be better served with more time spent in a library and less time dispensing asinine advice."In a Mrs. Trowbridge's store [who has two daughters she'd gladly throw into Joseph's direction], while perusing the merchandise, she spots the coin purse."Evelyn wagged the hideous thing about as if it were the crown jewels. "This is a fine piece of artistry. Did Anna or Marida paint the cow?""That, Lady Evelyn, is not a cow. It is my mother."Evelyn telling Joseph about the men she meets and how they would all like her to hand over her life to them, with her finances."I'm a lady, not an idiot."Here's Lizzie talking to all the Killington's:"When do men ever do the right thing when it comes to romance?" asked Lizzie."What about when I offered to marry you?""You are only proving my point, albeit wholly unintentionally. That was the most bloodless proposal I have ever heard. You offered to take Liam's damaged sister off his hands, as if offering to take in a troublesome cur.""There were similarities," said Ned."And you, nodcock, were unable to find the woman you loved for seven long years. And you, Arthur, almost lost Vanessa because you were afraid of a Romany prophesy.""What about me?" asked Hal."If I were to list your mistakes, we would be here all day. The point is we must find a way to bring Evelyn and Joseph together and, if you insist, I suppose we can leave poison and drugging out of it."Between the servants of all these households, and the Kellington's, our couple had no chance in hell of staying apart.Bottom line, this was a wonderful ending to a wonderful series. I loved every moment spent with all the characters, from little Vi and her parents, Ned and Jane; Marcus and Lizzie; Arthur and Vanessa; Hal and Melanie; Liam and Rosalind, and now Joseph and his Evelyn, and I'll be sure to visit with them often in the years to come.Melanie for b2b*Complimentary copy from the author.