Review: wonderful characters with a solid sense of heroines that are far from simpering or cowering:
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 21, 2013
The fourth in this series focuses on the youngest son of the Kellington family: Henry or Hal as he is known.  It's been harder to get a grasp on him throughout the series, although everyone's story has at least one of the family member's remarking on his "casual faade" and that he was the most effected of all of the siblings by their parent's untimely deaths, Hal has rather floated through life using his looks and name to advantage.  Not that he was particularly deviant or outrageous: but he was aimless.Melanie Sutton is an orphaned American, recently relocated to London in the care of an uncle. While not titled, Melanie is possessed of a healthy trust and a passion for social activism.  From using the temperance movement as part cover, and part introduction to those who could help the poor improve their plight, she is also busily recruiting prostitutes to help them relocate to America for opportunities to change their lives.  When the two meet, there is an instant connection, even if they both are unable or unwilling to recognize that it is the first twinges of love.In this story, there are several scenes that are far more sexual and steamy than one would expect from the earlier books in the series, so it is steamier Regency than most others.  Additionally, there are such wonderful characters with a solid sense of heroines that are far from simpering or cowering: they are matches in brains and strength for the men, and not always behind closed doors. The constraints of societal expectations, and the men's reactions to those very proper maids is funny, yet they often seem at a loss when confronted with the women who pose them a challenge, even as they are often admiring if not agreeing with the opinions expressed.I love the mix in these stories - the love and the clueless, the humor and the heart. With just enough of a hint to lead to the next matching, Liam's story is next and I can't wait to finish it.  Another advantage of waiting until the series is completed is not waiting....I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.