Cathy Maxwell, The Price of Indiscretion

The Price of Indiscretion

Cathy Maxwell

Avon, Aug 2005, $6.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0060740574

In 1805 New York, Miranda Cameron consults with her two younger sisters about her going to England to marry a wealthy aristocrat. Having fallen in love with a mixed race Pawnee-Englishman, Miranda has doubts, but feels her indiscretion with Alex ten years ago hurt her siblings. So with no prospects and little money, she agrees to go with Lady Overstreet, who will arrange a match for a fee.

In the Azores, Captain Alex Haddon of the Warrior is shocked to see Miranda is here. He never forgot or forgave her for what happened between them ten years ago. At a party in her honor, he is nasty to her, but also insists they are married even if it is Pawnee style and they never consummated their vows. A drunken Alex abducts Miranda. As they sail to London they argue until they make love for the first time.

In London, Miranda resides in the home of Alex's business partner while he refuses to see her. Instead he tells the wife of his partner to find her an aristocrat husband. Miranda cries as he has left her again, but vows to marry well for her sisters' sakes.

The strong lead couple with a solid support cast enhancing the plot turns THE PRICE OF INDISCRETION into a fine historical romance. Fans will appreciate the dilemma facing the likable heroine as she must choose between responsibility and loyalty to her beloved sisters vs. her beloved. Although at times Alex's behavior seems confusing, readers will appreciate this fine early nineteenth century tale and look forward to the sisters starring in future novels.

Harriet Klausner