Katherine Bone

So far, this is my least favorite of the Lyon's Den books. My biggest complaint is that Mrs. Dove-Lyons barely makes an appearance, and the description of the Den is far off that of the other books. There was an unexpected revelation regarding her that I didn't see coming.

I also found the romance somewhat lacking. Thenie is unhappy with the suitor she has, and to discourage him, she implies she has kissed someone else. He responds by trashing her reputation. Thenie didn't think ahead to realize that her actions could affect her younger sisters' chances at a good marriage. Enter Spencer, a friend of her cousin Lottie, and her husband Grey.

Spencer is an antiquities hunter in Athens, dealing with the fallout from unscrupulous hunters like Lord Elgin. When his friends Lottie and Grey show up and ask him to return to England with them, he agrees.

Lottie and Grey clearly intend for Spencer to be Thenie's rescuer, but they neglect to fill her in on their plan. Spencer, who has a reputation as a rake, immediately gets on her wrong side with his overly charming ways and flirtatiousness. As a student of antiquities herself, she isn't sure what side of responsible hunting he falls on and doesn't bother to ask.

But Thenie can't avoid Spencer's company, and the more time she spends around him, the more her antagonism turns to attraction. Spencer's method of using a series of "truth or dare" questions is an interesting way of getting to know her. However, Thenie is strangely uncooperative, choosing dares instead of answering simple questions. I liked that Spencer was persistent, as he had already realized that Thenie was the one for him. But it seemed to take forever for her to realize that she loved him.

I liked the epilogue, which shows that they are truly happy and well-suited to each other.… (meer)

REVIEW

From a Scoundrel with Love

Great way to read favorite authors and find new writers that you will want to read again. This anthology of stories containing 1000 pages has only one author that I know well so reading all of the others will add to my author list, I am sure.

THE PIRATE’S DUCHESS by Katherine Bone, first in the book, has a villain to be thwarted and a husband and wife reunited, a happy ending and a hint of a romance that might take place in an upcoming book by Ms. Bone.

THE BRUNETTE WHO STOLE HIS HEART by Tabetha Waite, was the second book I read. A lady’s maid and valet are talked into standing in for their employers. A lovely story and a new author that I will read again.

CHASING THE DUKE by Tracy Sumner, is the story I had to read first as she is one of my favorite writers. This story is about a woman who has promised herself that she will NOT chase her brother’s best friend, the person she had a childhood crush on for so many years, but what happens if he chases her? I knew I would enjoy this story and was so glad that I did.

I look forward to reading and getting to know the other six authors soon.

Thank you to BookSirens and the authors for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars… (meer)