Jo Goodman, If His Kiss Is Wicked

If His Kiss Is Wicked

Zebra, Sep 2007, $6.99

ISBN: 9780821777770

In 1822 Emma Hathaway lives in the home of her kind uncle. She has no prospects whatsoever. Her brazen cousin Marisol asks Emma to end her latest affair, which reluctantly she agrees to do.

However, being a Good Samaritan proves dangerous when someone tries to abduct Emma. When she tells her cousin and a few friends, they all think she is a bit crazy as no one gains by kidnapping the penniless Emma. She turns to Restell Gardner, known for helping people in trouble. Restell investigates her contention, but also finds he is attracted to his reticent client. When someone tries to kill her, Restell offers marriage in order to protect her; she is reluctant to accept as she believes he is doing this out of honor. As he unravels the truth, Restell knows he loves Emma and believes she reciprocates, but first and foremost he must keep her safe.

This entertaining Regency romantic suspense is fast-paced as an unknown adversary assaults the heroine, but no one in her inner circle give credence to her claims. Restell is a wonderful hero as he knows the only way to insure he is there at all times to keep his beloved safe is marriage, but she rejects his offer as she wants a husband who cherishes her. Although the ending leaves too many dangling threads as it is rushed, Jo Goodman provides an interesting historic romantic thriller.

Harriet Klausner