Review: Engaging Novella
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 4, 2014
I really enjoyed this novella.  Elizabeth and Derek's families share a sordid history...his brother ruined her sister, but supposedly she was the seducer, and a gold digger to boot.  When they first encounter each other, Elizabeth immediately knows who Derek was.  She has been fascinated with the handsome viscount ever since she first saw him in her family's living room six years earlier (she was only 15 at the time.)In the intervening years, Elizabeth's family's fortunes have changed and she is now having her first season.  Derek is immediately fascinated with the petite beauty, even before they are introduced.  Unfortunately, stolen kiss in the garden during a ball between the two results in a forced courtship.  Derek is furious as he is convinced that Elizabeth set out to trap him.  His belief is only strengthened when he discovers she is the younger sister of the woman who, as far as he is concerned, tried to entrap his brother years earlier.  From there the story quickly plays out to the conclusion.The sexual tension between Derek and Elizabeth is combustible.  Innocent Elizabeth is in way over her head with the delectable, sexually sophisticated Derek.  As experienced as he is; however, Derek finds himself overwhelmed by his feelings for Elizabeth.  She is exactly the type of woman he could see himself married to, and this realization only makes him resent Elizabeth all the more.  By the time Derek finally uncovers the truth, not only about Elizabeth, but also about what really occurred between their siblings years earlier, he has already hurt Elizabeth in a most unforgivable manner.Derek must then gird his loins and man up to his mistakes, in order to win his lady love's forgiveness and acquiescence to his marriage proposal.  Typically, once a hero has behaved like a jerk I like the heroine to make them suffer, at least just a bit.  In this instance, I have to say although Derek behaved despicably he had his reasons, and IMO, Elizabeth was equally to blame...she withheld the truth about who she really is, and she thoroughly participated in her own seduction.All in all, a very entertaining read.  The book is well written, with an engaging plot, and relatable characters.  I would recommend it as a worthwhile read.