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57 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Sweetly romantic tale, 14 April 2003
Georgiana Hartley returns to England after the death of her painter father. Arriving to find herself in an unsuitable situation, Goergiana escapes and finds herself asking the advice of her neighbour, Dominic Ridgely. The viscount is more than helpful, sending Georgiana to his sister and brother in law in London. Although no pauper, Georgiana intends to find a position as a governess or companion to support herself. Dominic’s sister Bella instantly perceives that Georgiana’s prospects would be much improved by Dominic’s suggestion of a season in London. Bella is reluctantly in London with husband Arthur due to Arthur’s business connections, not for the delights of the season. Dominic and Arthur, each of whom love Bella and want her happiness, are delighted to sponsor Georgiana, even if they have to hide from Georgiana herself that is what they are doing. But when Dominic arrives in London to visit his sister and truly ‘sees’ Georgiana as a woman for the first time (having previously automatically provided a ‘too young’ filter), he begins to fall for her. And thus begins his plan to seduce her carefully, within the bounds set by society so that no taint or doubt can cast by either Georgiana or the ton.Georgiana is young and innocent, although more assured than most her age due to her exposure to the Italian aristocracy from a young age. She is confused at Dominic’s attentions turn to her, as he displays none of the fire and feeling usual amongst the Italians. She creates various reasons for Dominic’s objective interest in her, objections which Dominic has to overcome only to have another replace it. Dominic and Georgaina are an appealing couple, and the romance that Laurens creates for them is a sweet, slow one. This is not a hot spicy tale, but rather a dreamily romantic one. Bella and Arthur are enjoyable secondary characters, and these four are very distinct people, while undoubtedly being a product of their time and social status. It’s not a book to burn it’s way into your best read list, but it is engaging, well told and one to raise a smile or two as you read.
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by Stephanie Laurens
by Stephanie Laurens
by Stephanie Laurens
by Stephanie Laurens
by Stephanie Laurens
