Debra Raleigh continues
her "Some Like It..." series in this sexy and fast paced Regency about
a gentleman farmer turned Earl and the beautiful and brazen daughter of
the Duke of Lockharte. Lady Bianca is considered the most beautiful
young lady of The Ton. Strong and willful, she has played with the
affections of many noblemen, earning the name of Ice Princess. When she
discovers that her father refuses the marriage offer of Lord Aldron, a
gentleman considered one of the biggest rogues, but the one man she
feels finally excites her, she is enraged. He threatens her with an
arranged marriage of convenience if she cannot find a more suitable
gentleman. Just when she feels she will forever long for Lord Aldron,
she meets the newly titled Edward Sinclair. Edward has spent his life
as a gentleman farmer. Known as the Peasant Earl, he is shunned by
society, yet ladies of The Ton long to be with the strong, bronze,
handsome Earl. He is uncomfortable with his new title, but embraces it
in order to work for reform in the House of Lords. Bianca immediately
enchants him when he sees her across a crowded ballroom. Upon meeting
her he discovers her inner beauty and strength and quickly falls in
love. His dear friend Lord Badwell is concerned for his friend's heart
and warns him against Bianca. But the more Edward sees and spends time
with Bianca, he is consumed with desire. Lady Bianca is also
immediately drawn to Edward, not only for his looks, but inner
strength. Longing to break free from her father's control, the longer
she spends time with Edward, she begins to see that she can have a much
fuller life than being a simple society lady. Edward and Bianca
continue to lust for each other and soon they meet for a night of
passion. When he proposes marriage, Bianca is concerned about The
Duke's acceptance, especially when he refused Lord Aldron's suit and
now she has really found true love with the Peasant Earl who is shunned
by society. But The Duke surprises her with his acceptance and when she
discovers that he manipulated this very relationship, she is furious.
Lord Aldron, upon hearing about the upcoming marriage, confronts Bianca
about her most recent love for him. Edward overhears this conversation
and is heartbroken, feeling that Lord Bidwell has been correct all
along and that Bianca has played with his feelings. Heartbroken, he
returns to his family estate, trying to forget the beautiful brazen
Bianca. Bianca is determined to not lose Edward. She shows up at his
estate and attempts to convince him that she can fit into his simple
life and that her love is true. She takes over being his housekeeper.
Edward has not stopped loving and longing for Bianca, and upon seeing
her earning the love of his house staff and tenants, he is convinced
more than ever that he cannot live without her.
Some Like It Brazen is a beautiful, sensual Regency Romance. All of the
"Some Like It..." books are a joy to read. The prose flows and the
characters are endearing. The problem is that they all end so abruptly,
making the reader feel there should be so much more. It almost appears
like the publisher has limited this author to 300 pages. Debra Raleigh
has the capability to write as well or better than some of the top
popular romance authors. Although with that criticism, I have enjoyed
every book ever written by this author and look forward to further
"Some Like It..." stories.
Publisher: Zebra
(March 2007)
Reviewed
by Beverly,
Beverly Romance Books
