Review: Devil In My Arms by Samantha Kane
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 3, 2014
Once again I've tried an author who is new to me and have been thoroughly delighted. DEVIL IN MY ARMS is the third in a series, but is easily a stand-alone novel. I had no trouble enjoying the story without the deeper background of secondary characters that would have come from the earlier books. I will say however, having read DIMA I intend to go back to read the first two. Samantha Kane is a clever writer and I am eager to read more of her work.As the synopsis tells us, Eleanor has run away from her malicious and abusive husband and after a few months he has her declared dead so that he can remarry someone able to give him an heir. Until this point she had stayed hidden in out of the way places, but with the encouragement of her sister and brother-in-law she comes back to their home in London changing her identity. They tell everyone she is Elizabeth, a distant widowed cousin from the country.When in London she meets her brother-in-law's good friend, Sir Hilary St. John. He is a bit different than most men of the ton. St. John is a confirmed bachelor and a bit of a rake, but mostly he is known for his intellect and ability to investigate. He is rumored to have strong connections with Prinny, so even though his background is mysterious he is a constant source of wonder and conjecture. This means whenever he attends a function, which is rare, all eyes are watching to see just what he will do and who he will speak to. When he sets his eye on "Elizabeth" and she responds in kind this presents a problem in her pursuit of being discreet with her interactions while in London so as not to catch the attention of her husband. Despite admonitions there attentions to one another is causing a stir they just can't seem to stay away from each other and begin a passionate affair.St. John and Eleanor were brilliant together. Most women bore him, but he finds she has a wit and intellect that rival his own. He is fascinated when she constantly challenges him on every level and he is completely smitten. She is just as enamored of him and really is a perfect match for him in every way. SK rounds out this story with delightful secondary characters (I especially liked Wiley) and bad guys to garner any readers contempt. The story was well-written and evenly paced, keeping my attention on every page. I rate this story with 4 stars.~Complimentary copy received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.