Nicole Jordan's book felt rather directionless as I was reading it. The main characters were a previously betrothed couple, Eleanor Pierce and Damon Stafford, Viscount Wrexham, whose break-up two years before had been very traumatic for Eleanor. Damon went overseas directly after their split, caused by him being seen with his mistress, but he has now returned, just as Eleanor is trying to decide whether to respond to the advances of an Italian prince.
Damon finds he can't leave Eleanor alone, the prince isn't good enough for her, particularly when it seems that attempts are being made on the prince's life and Eleanor may be put in harm's way. Damon wants to keep close to Eleanor, little realising that she has a plan to seduce him into genuine love.
There was something rather unsatisfying about this book. It was rather unmemorable - having read it three days ago I struggled to remember the major points of the plot. The pacing was a little awkward in that at times it dragged, at other times events happened rather quickly. There were a number of predictable events and the central romance wasn't particularly engaging. However there were some good aspects to the book too, including an attractively independent heroine. The hero's motives were rather suspect and the historical accuracy suffered in order for the author to have scenes that she wanted, but overall it was an inoffensive if unmemorable read.
Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2009