Review: Light, Fun and Enjoyable
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 29, 2013
4.25 Rating. Sophie is thought of as an ice maiden. The truth is she is a former maid trying to be accepted as a Countess. She has to concentrate on dancing and small talk and staying in control. Sophie, with her young child Timmy, and her sister-in-law, Lady Letitia Carstairs, are protecting their interests and positions as widows.Patrick suspects something isn't quite right with Sophie's behavior.  He is determined to break through her walls to discover her secrets.  Sophie tries to resist Patrick's charms but he upsets her composure and she loses focus every time he's near.  But she brings emotions to him that he has never felt either - warmth, craving.Sophie is threatened by Viscount Myles Dumbly who would have inherited Monmouth if it weren't for Sophie and Timmy.  Now she is receiving blackmail threats that she thinks are from the power hungry and evil man she rejected before she moved to Monmouth.Although Sophie tries to handle the blackmail on her own she has to seek Patrick's help when Timmy is kidnapped.  Patrick, his good friend, Stephen, and Sophie manage to rescue Timmy and his maid. Now Patrick knows her secrets and she knows some of his so they feel safe with each other. But Sophie is still threatened and Patrick has taken on to be her protector and more.This is the sort of historical romance I really enjoy. There is mystery, conflicted attraction, a dangerous threat and ultimately an acknowledged love and safety. Ms. Vella immediately begins to build the physical, sensual interest and the mystery between the primary characters. There is a fun side kick in Stephen who gets his own romance interest in the story too.The writing flows very easily making this a quick read which I practically read in one sitting. There are strong descriptions of setting and attire that create a vividness to the action. The plot moves along well and the romance is warm and sexy without being too much.  If you enjoy historical romance with mystery and a strong, protective hero, you should like this one.I received this ebook for review from Random House through NetGalley.