The Charmer (Get Connected Romances) [Mass Market Paperback]

Adrian Burchard the third, unwanted son of an Earl is sent to Paris on a mission to bring the errant Duchess of Everdon back to England. After the death of her cold, autocratic father Sofia Raughley has been made Duchess in her own right.This means she now holds one of the most powerful titles in the peerage. Adrian's task is to bring Sofia back not because anyone is interested in her personal well being but because she now has the power to sway key votes in the Tories favor to help defeat the Reform Bill. Sofia is under no illusions as to why she is being summoned back with such haste by the King and others. She is to be used again as a pawn by powerful men who will try to marry her off so they can put a man in control of Everdon again. She refuses to accompany Adrian back but he is not a man who can be easily dissuaded from his mission especially by a seemingly decadent, spoiled, petulant woman. The stench of revolution permeates England and his own future hangs in the balance thus in this Adrian cannot fail. So, he does the only thing a man in his position would do he throws her over his shoulder and forcibly hauls her off across the Channel. Before long though Adrian realizes that there's much more to Sofia than the haughty, frivolous demeanor she presents to the world. Little by little and in his own quiet understanding way he begins to peel away Sofia's layers to uncover the tortured,terrified but strong woman that hides beneath.

I loved this book for many reasons but the most important is that this book is about a relationship between a man and a woman. By this I mean that while there's intrigue, a villain and a rich historical backdrop Adrian and Sofia's love story remains firmly in the center. Also,Madeline Hunter's quiet almost lyrical prose makes this book a pleasure to read. Furthermore, the characters are unique, believable and fully fleshed out. Sofia is a strong, intelligent heroine and Adrian is to die for. Something else I loved about this story was that the hero never fought his feelings for Sofia. He was in love and without mincing any words he let her know it. To me, this was a refreshing change because any die hard romance reader knows the hero usually fights his feelings for the heroine almost to the last page. In short, Madeline Hunter has created an unique, moving love story with credible and memorable characters who will stay with you long after you turn the last page. Highly recommended :0)

Sophia Raughley, with the death of her father, was now the Duchess of Everdon. Eight years previously she had fled, from her autocratic father to the continent and had been living outrageously in France. Now, none other than the king of England himself has summoned her home and sent a handsome messenger to complete the task. Charged by Wellington with the task of bringing the duchess home is one of the most divine hero's to hit the pages of this talented wordsmith. Adrian Burchard, third son (though illigetimate) of the Earl of Dincaster. While Adrian's first impression of the new Duchess of Everdon did not display her in the best of circumstances - she really did `display' quite a bit of her charms - her impression of him was of another autocratic and manipulative male. Knowing full well that the summons is only to marry her off in order to put a man in one of the most powerfully political seats, she is resentful at being forced into being manipulated and used once again by the men in her life. Both lead protagonists, were resentful of one another but circumstances compelled them into a close association and as Sophia began to trust Adrian, they both began to recognize a kindred spirit as they peeled back the layers of mistrust, and lack of nurturing they'd both endured during their formative years. Adrian realized that under the frivolous demeanor Sophia showed to the world there existed a terrified and tortured soul that with his quiet strength and understanding helped her to overcome her fears - all the while as they opened their eyes and embraced the passion that soon overcame them both they stole what happiness they could as he tried to protect Sophia from the treachery of those who would use her for their own means.

This was a fabulous read with two very intelligent, complex and wonderfully defined protagonists. The passionate intensity of the story and the steamy love scenes were all the more poignant as through it all, Adrian because of his checkered bloodlines and political affiliations knew that their love had no future. He loved as though each time might be their last and the sensual dialog's were so beautifully composed that they truly did touch my heart. Along with this very moving romance, we are treated to a wonderful cast of secondary characters of which Sophia's two protégés, Attila and Jacques, who were tremendously delightful, especially when Jacques reprimanded Adrian for not being a good lover -- then proceeded to give him tips! On top of all of this, the reader will uncover a very surprising twist at the end that I never saw coming - but you'll have to read the book to discover it! Bottom line -- THIS is romance at it's best and what I've come to expect from Madeline Hunter! --- Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ---