Review: characters that are intriguing, funny and clever and will bring a giggle frequently.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 17, 2014
Take a girl in trousers, a keep in the Scottish moors, throw in a case of mistaken identity, add a dash of kidnapping and you just start to scratch the surface of this delightful story from Collette Cameron.Adaira (Addy) is a clever, determined, tomboyish young woman who has decided that she will never marry, and she vows to protect her brother’s new wife from those who wish to harm her.  When she meets Roark, the Earl of Clarendon in the little town, his less than forthcoming revelation of his real name and title lead to his imprisonment. For his younger brother is a villainous cur, and a danger to Addy’s sister in law.Addy is hard not to like: so bold and brave in most areas, she is brought to her virtual knees by spiders and the thoughts of bats “hanging by their horrid little curled toes”. Yet her determination to save Yvette and hold the captive until her brother Ewan returns, show a clever turn of thought if not necessarily cognizant of the larger consequences.  She isn’t aware that Roark, a peer, is there to check on Yvette and see that she is indeed safe and happy: not to kidnap or harm her in any way. Addy’s sheer determination and boldness in following what she sees as her only option, despite the very real possibility that her punishment would be worse than the sideways looks her mother sends her frequently.Roark, for his part, is a bit of a stuffed shirt with a huge attitude toward attractive women. With a first marriage to an unfaithful woman, he is hurt, angry and completely convinced that all pretty women are out to manipulate him.  Trying to repair the damage done by a faithless and grasping brother, Roark also needs to find a wife and have an heir, or the inheritance and control of lands and funds will all be given to his brother. A kick from beyond the grave from his father: no love lost there, Roark’s early years were characterized by abuse and manipulations, with his only ally being his mother.Clever and unique scenario to introduce the future couple, Addy’s plan leads her into the arms of the earl, despite her determination to avoid it, and him.  When her family, to protect her from prosecution, agree to let Roark choose his own boon, these two are pushed together.  Roark will brush the rough edges off Addy with a month long house party, where dresses and fine manners are de rigueur.  Roark soon finds that the Addy that is real and honest (and usually furious) is the one he truly enjoys, and while the polished version is both attractive and desirable, the hoydenish free-wheeling, stubborn, intelligent, determined and caring Addy is his preference.Their friendship and regard for one another develops slowly, but is solidified with several encounters with characters that range from dangerous to simply seedy.  As they get to know one another, the feelings deepen to attraction and love, and both characters grow and change, supported by the honest regard and affection of their partner. This is a story that will lighten a dark day and improve a mood with characters that are intriguing, funny and clever and will bring a giggle frequently.I received an eBook copy of the title for purpose of honest review with Tasty Book Tours. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.