Review: If you like bodice ripper's, then this book is for you!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 11, 2013
Story Rating ~ 4 StarsHero Rating ~ 5 StarsHeroine Rating ~ 5 StarsRomance Rating ~ 4 StarsHeat Level ~ 3 StarsWriting Style ~ 5 StarEnding ~ 4 StarsOverall Rating ~ 4.5 StarsThis is the second book in The Kellington series, and although it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading, Never A Mistress, No Longer a Maid, first.This book reads like the older bodice ripper books from the 80's, that I love so much, and literally had a scene where a bodice was actually ripped!From the first page to the last, I was completely absorbed in this book.  Maureen's writing style has a way of grabbing the reader's attention, and I found myself smiling in pure delight as I turned the pages. The story line was not the best I've ever read, but I REALLY enjoyed it nonetheless. The characters were extremely well done and thought out.Lady Elizabeth Kellington was my favorite character in the book. She was very intelligent, and never backed down when she had her mind set on something. The beginning of this book starts off with Elizabeth writing a treaty that she publicizes and it states; women should be held as equals in a marriage and if they divorce they should have the right to property and money. Of course back in the day it was scandalous for such views to be made public. Due to the fact that Elizabeth's treaties were made public, people of the ton were giving her grief over it. All of her family and the hero, Marcus Redmond, Marquees of Riverton, stood by her side. Marcus is Elizabeth's older brother, William's, best friend. William or Liam as his family and friends call him is also Duke of Kellington. Marcus had secretly been in love with Elizabeth for some time, but never thought he would have a chance to have her as his wife. Due to the scandal Elizabeth has created, her brother is worried that she will not be able make a good match for marriage within their social standing. Every lower Lord of the ton has their sights set on her, and they are starting to come out of the wood work for a chance to marry her and get a hold of her money. This is Marcus' chance to win Elizabeth's hand in marriage and he takes it. He asks Liam if he would be agreeable to the match, and of course Liam says yes, thinking Marcus is doing this for as a favor, to save face for the family. Elizabeth hears this and thinks the same thing, but time passes and Marcus shows her that he has true feelings for her and she accepts his marriage proposal. There are several people that do not want this match to take place, and this is what the story revolves around. There were also some other sub-plots from less than desirable characters, that added another element of interest to the read.As Elizabeth and Marcus get closer to each other, the heat between the two of them escalates. Marcus has some very sensual fantasies of bedding Elizabeth. It was a slow build, after all Elizabeth is a lady and Marcus does not want to endure Liam's wrath. The intimacy between them was very well written and quite enjoyable.There were some excellent secondary characters, which were namely Elizabeth's older brothers. Lord Edward makes an appearance; he was presented in Book 1, Never A Mistress, No Longer a Maid. Also, Arthur's story, Never Wager Against Love, book 3, sets up nicely in this read. As the series moves forward, the remaining brothers, Hal and Liam, are featured in books of their own.  I am invested in this series, and I REALLY look forward to continuing on, reading all about the rest of the brothers, and how they are finally snared by their lady loves.