Tracy Anne Warren, The Wife Trap

The Wife Trap

Tracy Anne Warren

Ivy, May 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 0345483096

In 1817 after the scandal she caused when she switched places with her bookish twin sister Violet (see THE HUSBAND TRAP) who is now happily married Lady Jeanne Rose Brantford is exiled to Initsioge, Ireland. The trek turns from monotonous to the coach stuck in the mud just short of her cousin's abode. A freeman Darragh O'Brien helps her retinue move the carriage starting with carrying Jeannette out of the way though she pesters him.

At Brambleberry Hall, Jeannette cannot believe how early workers are on the job of renovating cousin Wilda Merriweather's home almost burned down by her absent minded scientist spouse. When she learns that Darragh is the architect she tells him to start later, but he refuses. As they become acquainted they fall in love, but she has dreamed of a duke while he is a commoner or is he.

THE WIFE TRAP is a charming sequel to the delightful THE MARRIAGE TRAP starring the sibling who set up the original switch. Though the heroine at first is so spoiled that it is difficult to fathom what Darragh sees in her the portrayal of Jeannette seems realistic especially as she matures into a fine young woman. The gender battle is fun to follow as Darragh ignores Jeannette rants and instead baits and taunts her. Regency fans will appreciate the war between the sexes starring a likable hunk and his beautiful adversary, who is learning about clinches.

Harriet Klausner