Curvaceous
and
bespectacled Caroline Torrington has loved the handsome and charismatic
Lord Lucas Foxhaven since childhood. Strong, but low on self-esteem,
she feels dowdy and provincial, not realizing her friend Lucas finds
everything about her wonderful, especially her curves. After her
father's death, Caroline finds herself penniless and working hard
scrubbing dishes in order to provide for her more beautiful and younger
sisters. Caroline realizes her marriage to Lucas has been arranged and
she would rather work than enter an arranged, loveless, marriage.
Society considers her a laughingstock for not only refusing the
marriage to Lord Foxhaven, but for her unacceptable societal
appearance. Lucus, well-known rake, is aware he is adored by society,
especially the ladies, but also realizes his father considers him a
huge disappointment and is not ready for marriage. Lucas has no choice
but to convince Caroline to marry him, otherwise, he will lose all of
his funds.
When Lucas and Caroline finally agree to a marriage of convenience,
they both find themselves angry, disappointed, and confused. Caroline
does not want to relinquish full control, finding herself married to
Lucas and stuck back in the country while Lucas enjoys whatever he
pleases. So when she finally gives in and agrees to the marriage, she
insists on a bit more; a written and signed contract that states she is
allowed the freedom to go to London in order to learn polish and style
so she can create a future in society for her beautiful sisters, and
once this is accomplished, Lucus will agree to a divorce.
But is everything really as it appears; simple, yet complicated? Lucas
fondly remembers growing up with Caroline, and deep inside has always
found her curves and spectacles attractive. Does his father, society,
as well as his dear friend, now wife, Caroline, really know the true
Lucas? As Lucas and Caroline enter the marriage deep in unhappiness,
Lucas has a wife and his father's approval, but finds himself more and
more confused by his attraction to Caroline and his marriage. Instead
of admitting the truth, he pushes Caroline further away from his daily
life. Caroline still carries deep inside her the love she has had for
Lucas for so many years. She soon begins to obtain some London polish,
together with a touch of some happiness and a few friends, while trying
so hard to keep her eyes on her goal of providing for her sister's
future. But Caroline soon realizes she is not only learning about
society and is beginning to fit in, but she is also developing sexual
desire and passion for Lucas. Unable to deal with a life that has
seemed to have always been full of heartache, with more heartache
developing due to her growing desire for Lucus, she flees to Paris
society in order to visit and become acquainted with her newly
discovered mother's side of the family. She also decides this is the
best time to finalize her marriage agreement with Lucus. She leaves
England together with a note for Lucas stating this would be the best
time for them to proceed with the divorce.
Caroline discovers that her happiness in finding her family leads to a
long, complicated series of secrets and betrayals that are not only
dangerous, but involve kidnapping. Who can she really trust and turn to
in this dangerous time? Upon learning that Lucas has lost Caroline and
that she may be in danger, the suspense builds and Lucus realizes he
has loved Caroline forever. Like so many times when they were children,
he came to her rescue. Can he now be the one to save her from this
treachery, when it really counts, while at the same time earn back her
love and respect, hoping for the possibility they can create a future
with true love, passion and happiness?
Michele Ann Young has masterfully written a Regency Romance in a
traditional style reminiscent of Jane Austen. "No Regrets" is a deeply
moving, complicated love story with unforgettable characters. A perfect
Regency Romance for the holiday season of true love and hope!
Publisher: SourceBooks
(October 2007)
Reviewed
by Beverly,
Beverly Romance Books
