Samantha Garver, One Night to be Sinful

One Night to be Sinful

Samantha Garver

Zebra, Sep 2005, $3.99

ISBN: 0821779427

Lord Thomas Wolcott is worried about his sister Abigail living by herself but running an estate quite well. His concern involves large unexplained expenditures and the complaint of their neighbor Viscount Raleigh that she stole his horse. Finally a fire in the stable makes Thomas fear for his sibling. He asks his friend Calvin Garrett to see if she is okay by pretending to be a servant; having been born on the streets Calvin figures that masquerade should be easy but he agrees because Thomas befriended him when no one in the ton acknowledged he had become one of them.

Abigail, who wears a brace, needs a new butler, but none of the applicants seem right until Calvin arrives with a note from Thomas asking her to consider him. She hires Calvin but warns him to stay away from her neighbors, Lord Raleigh and his cousin Katrina. As Calvin and Abigail fall in love, Raleigh harasses her to sell her property to him or else. While Abigail tells Calvin she is his boss; he says he will keep her safe though he wonders who will protect his heart once his beloved learns of his deception.

This is a fine Regency romance starring a strong lead couple with a solid support cast that enhances the tale. Fans will especially appreciate the brave heroine refusing to allow her "handicap" or a nasty neighbor interferes with her life. Though a key scene comes out of nowhere and the climax seems softly pedaled, fans will appreciate this fine suspense headlined by two likable protagonists who deserve the best of love (and readership).

Harriet Klausner