The Challenge [Mass Market Paperback]

I won't summarise the plot again because the one thing I would like to focus on for anyone reading this review, is that as always, Layton has given us a truly wonderful hero. Hathaway (what a name!) Lord Wycoff is a damaged hero but his scars are internal and his "disability" is his past and his reputation. He has, however, truly lovely qualitites which came to the fore in The Choice. Wycoff is a husband who suffered a perniciously unfaithful wife but he is a kind, doting and loving father. He has a mother whom one wants to slap but he is a loving and respectful son to both his father and mother. Wycoff's behaviour, ultimately, disgusts him when he holds up a mirror to peer closely at himself. It is, in the end, as always in the best fiction about redemption, the mirror (eg Lucy Stone) that brings him up sharp and gives him the impetus to find his way back to social and, more importantly, self-acceptance.

Well done, Edith Layton - as ever you have given us a well constructed, carefully crafted novel with believeable characters whose actions and thoughts are realistic and moving. A wonderful hero and heroine, some delightful supporting players and a satisfying and thoughtful read. I do recommend this highly.

Lucy Stone had married young and lived to regret it. She is drawn to the English lord from the first, but past experience has taught her to be cautious. Still, when she discovers that Lord Wycoffe had been a notorious womanizer during his marriage, she is heartbroken. Because even though his first wife is deceased, she would never be able to trust him to be a faithful husband. Above all, she has to think of the best interests of her son, Jamie.

So when her brother-in-law, Baron Hunt, invites her and her son to visit them in England, Lucy jumps at the chance to escape from temptation. What a surprise, then, to find Lord Wycoffe on the same freighter!

An older gentleman (40+) and an adulterer, Hathaway Wycoffe is an unusual--but surprisingly worthy--hero for a romance novel. He explains his reasons for his past behavior, but doesn't use them as an excuse to avoid responsibility. He demonstrates a great deal of humility and patience in his attempt to clear his reputation and make himself worthy for his lady love--although he has no guarantee that she will ever learn to trust him.

Ah, Lucy is a very lucky woman indeed!

A sequel to "The Cad," and "The Choice," this book continues the fascinating saga of a delightful group of Regency-era characters. I must admit I can't wait for Rafe's and Drum's books to appear! Be sure I will be first in line!

If you'd like a plot, look further. Personally, I'd suggest re-reading any Georgette Heyer Regency before spending the time to this novel. Or, if you want an intro to Layton, buy the combo "Marquis ... Abandoned Bride" book.