Love and the Single Heiress [Mass Market Paperback]

Staring across the crowded ballroom, Andrew Stanton recalled how he initially fell in love with the image of Lady Catherine, his best friend's sister; later becoming more enthralled with each and every newsy letter he shared with him. He'd waited years for the day when he could finally begin to court her. At long last, Lady Catherine, now a widow, was out of mourning and Andrew who in the intervening yeas had become a close friend of the family, was ready to pursue the object of his desires. He was fully aware that as a common man, his chances at wooing a lady of the nobility would be difficult, if not fruitless. Knowing that her marriage had been disastrous and that Catherine had vowed to never re-marry, did not deter Andrew from pursing the object of his desire. She now seemed to be a devout advocate and champion of the mysterious author Charles Brightmore, the author of the scandalously popular `Ladies' Guide' that had most men of the ton ready to commit murder should they ever discover his true identity.

Secretly, while rusticating in the country with her son Spencer, Lady Catherine had been only too happy to assist a friend with the publication of A Ladies' Guide. The guide had taken society by storm but not without it's detractors. Having endured the narrow mindedness and hateful comments directed at her son's affliction she'd hope to set nobility on its ear, never dreaming that her involvement would place her life in danger. After narrowly escaping an attempt on her life she was forced to leave the city with Andrew as her able bodied protector, a task he gladly took for the golden opportunity it afforded to begin his campaign of seduction.

This was another winner from the very talented Ms. D'Alessandro who writes lively intelligent and witty dialogs and characters that endure long after you've finished the last pages. While Andrew's wooing of Catherine was utterly romantic, and sweetly sensual, the endearingly honest loving relationship he established with 12-year-old Spencer and help in teaching him to deal with his physical limitations was simply outstanding. D'Alessandro also gives another interesting secondary character in Catherine's friend Genevieve, who as the true author of the `guide' would make a terrific sequel with a story of her own. Bottom Line - While this seemed to have a bit more serious tone than her customary belly laugh humorous romances, her dialogs and finely drawn characterizations along with an inspiring romance and seduction is totally charming and heart warming... definitely recommended! --- Marilyn Rondeau, for www.historicromancewriters.com ---

Catherine Ashfield, Viscountess Bickley, is a widow just out of mourning. When a close friend asked her, Lady Catherine was only too happy to assist with the publication of "A Ladies' Guide". She saw it as a quiet way to get a bit of revenge on a society which had turned its cruel back on her son, Spencer, due to his club foot. It was published under the name Charles Brightmore. Soon it seems as though every female has a copy of the scandalous book and the men are NOT happy at the changes in their women. But Lady Catherine never dreamed her involvement could put her life in jeopardy and force her to flee London in the company of a disarmingly attractive protector.

Andrew Stanton knew Catherine was hiding something from him, but playing the role of protector and friend helps him keep her close by. Andrew has no noble lineage. He is the best friend of Catherine's brother, but wishes only to court Catherine now that she is FINALLY out of mourning. But Catherine's marriage had been far from happy and she is determined never to remarry. Worse yet, she seemed to live by the crazy book that has all of town abuzz. Andrew is determined to subtly court her while playing his guardian role. And not only has Catherine captured his heart, but her twelve-year-old son has too.

***** Chalk up another best seller from renowned author Jacquie D'Alessandro! This author has yet to disappoint me in her enthralling romances! In fact, she seems to get better and better with every title she publishes. Every time I believe she can get no better, she proves me wrong. Highly recommended! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Gentle humor, scintillating romance, an engaging child, an even more engaging hero who befriends and encourages said child, a heroine afraid to risk her heart, and a past that haunts the present and may destroy the future. Mix it all together and you have another great read by D'Alessandro. Superior secondary characters add to the charming lead couple and increase the book's interest. Lovely -- no dictionary needed.