Margaret Moore, Kiss Me Again

Kiss Me Again

Margaret Moore

Avon, Feb 2004, $5.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0060526211

In 1819 Brixton Smythe-Medway informs his friends that he will not marry until he is fifty and never wed Fanny Epping, who is an "annoying shadow". To his chagrin Fanny overhears that the men placed a bet on her and that her beloved Brixton thinks she is too bland. Irate, Fanny confronts Brixton calling him a coward and bets him that she will break his heart in six weeks. Instead of the customary handshake that sanctions a wager, Fanny passionately kisses a stunned Brixton.

Over the next few weeks Fanny mounts a campaign to win her bet though deep in her heart she really wants Brixton's love. Brixton soon finds he misses Fanny when she fails to shadow him and wants her when she assaults his senses. Near the end of the six weeks, Brixton flees London as he now fears Fanny is winning, but will he come to his senses and realize that he has loved her since he kissed her in his mom's garden when they were twelve or will he remain in denial.

Regency romance readers will appreciate the wager between the lead duet though why Brixton shows no remorse for hurting Fanny will disturb readers. His behavior results in fans and even Brixton's friends wanting Fanny to kick his butt and win the bet. Booklovers will enjoy this tale of a woman scorned and look forward to other novels starring Brixton's betting alumni especially one individual who realizes how beautiful and fine a person Fanny truly is.

Harriet Klausner