Tempting A Proper Lady
Debra Mullins
Avon, Jun 8 2010, $7.99
ISBN: 9780061882494

In 1876 in London, Cilla Burke works for wealthy American Dolly Bailey as her personal assistant. She wants to do the best job possible for her employer. When Samuel Breedlove crashes the engagement party of Dolly's daughter Annabelle to the Duke of Raventhorpe, Cilla intervenes; demanding he leave.

Samuel is stunned as the duke left him marooned on an island and now is marrying his beloved. He will do what it takes to destroy the blackguard and get his woman back as Breedlove will not allow Hurricane Cilla from stopping him. As they battle and fuss, the pair falls in love; however what allies them is not the heart, but Cilla now believes Samuel's contention. She unites with her beloved enemy to rescue her employer's daughter from the monster she is to marry.

This is an amusing yet also tense Victorian romance starring a strong cast. The lead characters are a likable pair, but he no longer believes in love and she feels guilt over falling in love with Annabelle's sweetheart. While the vile villain has no redeeming qualities, historical fans will enjoy this jocular suspense thriller while wondering if Samuel will realize he can still love somebody in spite of his ordeal.

Harriet Klausner