Review: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 1, 2014
I absolutely adored this book and could not stop thinking about its wonderful cast of snobby, witty, smart, smarmy, and dangerous characters long after I finished it. The story haunted me for days and I found myself snorting out laughter and smiling at inappropriate times. It became my habit to chirp, “You got to read this book!” in answer to the quizzical looks sent my way. K.J. Charles has once against come up with amazing characterization, a riveting storyline, and a rough start romance that is sure to please many.Archie Curtis accepts an invitation for a stay at the remote country estate, Peakholme, where he and other invitees will be the guests of Lady and Sir Hubert Armstrong. House parties are not really Archie’s thing, but he has accepted the invitation in the hopes of discovering the perpetrator of a hideous crime. Faulty weapons were sold to the military resulting in lives lost and debilitating injuries to others under Archie’s command, himself among them. But all subsequent efforts to find the parties responsible have led to dead ends. Working with a mutilated hand and a barely credible lead, Archie arrives at the estate to play sleuth and finds he is not the only one attending the festivities with a hidden agenda.Daniel da Silva appears to be nothing more than a smart-mouthed, foppish dandy who has been invited to the event to ensure things don’t become boring. The last thing Archie needs is for the man to ferret out his true purpose. Forced to work with dismal man when it seems their agendas meet, Archie discovers he feels something he hasn’t felt since before the horrific accident- excitement. Events unfold rapidly, giving Archie little time to examine his feelings as the two men are forced into a compromising position and become swept up in a devious plot that has them outnumbered and alone with no rescue in sight. Taking on the challenge, they use their wits and cunning and discover a partnership neither knew they were seeking.I loved both of these determined and purposeful leading men.Archie was wonderful as the staid captain who has lost his sense of self through his harsh experiences at war- a sharp contrast to his idyllic childhood. But Archie does not waste time in regret, rather he rises to the challenge his injury brings, ignoring the excess sympathy and help of others. He’s a man, dammit, and he’ll make his way as always. It takes Daniel da Silva who expresses no sympathy for him at all, but rather seems determined to needle him about his manly ways, for Archie to rediscover the peace, tranquility, and openhearted optimism he experienced as a boy.I really got a kick out of the amazing and mysterious character who is Daniel da Silva. He is simply a perfectly divine quick-minded rascal who can talk his way around and out of any situation, save for that of his true self. He too is a lone wolf and uses his clever mind, vicious tongue, and multiple disguises to build a wall around his heart. But for some reason that hasn’t worked with Archie. Archie has taken all he can dish out and still returns for more and Daniel can feel his wall crumbling.Jeepers, I can’t say anything more, this is a great book that just has to be experienced. It’s got sizzle, romance, vulnerability, honor and valor, and a great little mystery to be solved. But on top of all of that it’s got Archie and Daniel, two charismatic leads who made me want to fall in love again.Thank you, K.J. Charles, for making me joyfully “Think of England” over and over again.