The Bachelor Trap [Mass Market Paperback]

The disappearance of a woman a generation ago is at the heart of this well-written romance and mystery that kept me thoroughly engaged. Brand Hamilton is a respected owner of a string of newspapers and the illegitimate son of a duke. Now thirty-three years old, he is a workaholic who has spent his life proving his worth and has never taken the time for a serious romantic relationship. This changes when Lady Marion Dane arrives in London with her two younger sisters. Marion is the niece of Edwina Gunn, who was a mother figure to Brand in his youth. Brand recently received a letter from Edwina, which arrived shortly after her death, in which she asked Brand to look into the disappearance of her sister twenty years ago. Edwina always thought her sister ran away and eloped, but lately came to believe that she was murdered. Edwina thinks that Marion, who was seven at the time, may have inadvertently seen the murderer. Brand is at first skeptical of the claim, but when Marion is twice attacked and injured, he begins to reconsider the matter and suspects that she may be in danger.

Marion is a private person who, although smart, attractive and the daughter of an earl, discourages suitors and seems inexplicably set on spinsterhood. Brad believes - rightly - that there is something in her past that is preventing her from getting too close to any man and fully realizing her life. With a newsman's dogged determination, and his own personal charms, Brad sets out to break down her defenses. Little does he see that his own emotional defenses are in danger of tumbling, for Marion may be the soul mate whom he never thought he'd find. And Brand may be the knight in shining armor who can finally set her free.

I like the sweet, thoughtful and steadily evolving romance between this most charming couple. Their "pretend" engagement to further their investigation is delightful, for it sets up all sorts of interesting scenarios. And of course Brand and Marion are crazy about each other and welcome any excuse to spend time together. Brand is a particularly admirable and likable hero; Marion is very appealing as well, if occasionally too cautious. The love scenes are fairly tame - their intimacy comes more by way of potent dialogue - but nonetheless pleasing. The secondary characters also are a delight, particularly Marion's sister and Brand's brother, who have a budding friendship all their own. The mystery is a main component of the story and is well done and keeps the reader involved. I think this book is stronger than the previous one in the series. (I only wish this one had been given a more relevant title, as another reviewer mentioned.) The ending is very heart-warming and satisfying, and I will be sure to look for future books by Ms. Thornton.

I must be feeling a little dull as I have yet to make the connection between the title of this delightful book and it's contents -- however, that is indeed a small quibble to make given that I enjoyed Elizabeth Thornton's "The Husband Trap" immensely.

When the immensely rich newspaper owner, Brand Hamilton, suddenly started paying attention to her, Lady Marion Dane told herself that it was because Brand was about to throw his hat into the political arena and that he was courting her because she had the right bloodlines (Brand is the illegitimate son of a duke). What Marion didn't know was that Brand was keeping an eye on her because of something Marion's recently deceased aunt, Edwina Gunn, had imparted to him before her death. Edwina had recently began looking into the 20 year old mystery of her missing younger sister, Hannah; and Edwina believed that Marion might actually have some information about Hannah's disapperance that might shed light on the matter. Brand may have had some doubts about Edwina's beliefs, but he finds himself intrigued in spite of himself. And when one accident after another seems to suddenly dog Marion, Brand is sure that there may be some truth to Edwina's theories. But how to protect the fiercely independent Marion without raising her suspicions? And how is he to keep his distance from the cool beauty who both raises his protective instincts while tempting him as no other woman has done before?

The second installment ins a trilogy featuring three male friends, "The Bachelor Trap" had all the trademarks of a good romance read -- an interesting storyline, well defined characters, and a nicely developed romance subplot that allowed for the budding romance between the hero and heroine to grow and blossom over a decent number of chapters. No sudden falling in lust/love after a few pages that makes you wonder about the maturity about the couple or over the top behaviour that inspires eye rolling! I thought that the exchanges between the characters (esp that between Brand and Marion) was extremely well done and quite funny at times, even if the language was a tad modern; and liked the manner in which the author depicted several relationships -- like the ones between the three Dane sisters, and the close friendship that Brand and his good friend, Ash Denison. Also well done was the mystery subplot involving the 20 year old disappearance of Hannah and Marion's stalker -- Elizabeth Thornton did a good job of making that subplot intriguing, while not allowing for it to kidnap the romance subplot. All in all, this was a very satisfying read, and well deserving of a 4 star rating

The story for me was a little dull and it took me a while to get into the story and the main characters: Brand and Marion. In fact, I was enjoying the secondary characters of Emily and Andrew's interactions together. I wouldn't be surprised if they get a book of their own. I just wasn't convinced of a romantic, loving relationship between Brand and Marion. However, I did get into somewhat ok mystery and I do have to say that the best part of the book is when the mystery was solved and who the person was behind it. Now that was totally unexecpted.

It's an ok book but not as good as some of the author's previous books.