The Trouble With Charlotte by Victoria Alexander: 91 pages. Charlotte has been widowed for 7 years and is about to become engaged to a safe and steady man who is a sharp contrast to the rogue she impetuously married when she was only 18 years old. Imagine her surprise when Hugh returns! He wasn't dead, but merely suffering from amnesia caused by war injuries. He claims to have changed, and so has she. Can they recapture their love, or is it time for them to move on? This is a sweet story, but not very believeable or convincing. Charlotte's two widowed friends are introduced, and it would have been nice to learn what happens to them too.
Much Ado About Twelfth Night by Liz Carlyle: 92 pages. It took me so long to prod through this short story because I had trouble connecting with it and following along with the plot. Although I forced myself to finish it, I can't even summarize the story. It was that confusing and totally boring.
A Fool Again by Eloisa James: 87 pages. My favorite story in the book. At seventeen, Genevieve was on her way to Gretna Green to elope with the wild and passionate Tobias when her father caught up with them, dragged her back home and forced her to marry the much older Erasmus to save her reputation. When shrewd and ruthless Erasmus died seven years later, he stipulated in his will that Genevieve must marry one of his business partners after a two year mourning period in order to inherit his estate. Upon hearing that Genevieve was now a widow, Tobias returned from India, where he had retreated to soothe his wounds and make his fortune after being jilted. Genevieve had her sights set on marrying the snake-like Felton to fulfill her husband's will, however how could she resist the charm and passion of her first and only true lover?
Nightingale by Cathy Maxwell: 73 pages. A cute sexy story. Jemma had always lived her life to please her family, giving up her true love Dane to marry a titled man. Now she was widowed and destitue, and her family was once again dependent upon her to save them. In a drunken stupor, her brother Cris challenges Dane to a duel. After not seeing each other for many years, Jemma approaches Dane, asking him to call off the duel and spare her brother's life. He is agreeable, only if she submits to a night of passionate lovemaking with him. The two fall in love again, and Jemma is torn between following her heart or following the demands of her family obligations.
