THERE COMES A TIME IN A LADY'S LIFE
Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits.
WHEN SHE MUST DO THE UNTHINKABLE…
The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.
AND FIND EMPLOYMENT.
When Anna becomes the earl's secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his "manly" needs. Well! Anna sees red-and decides to assuage her "womanly" desires…with the earl as her unknowing lover.
Although I have heard a lot about Elizabeth Hoyt last year this is my first book by her. I picked it up because she is the Author of The Month at one of the groups I belong.
Strangely enough, as I prepare to write this review I realized that this story as several elements that would make me put it down or give it a very low grade had the writing not been so compelling that in fact I couldn’t put it down before I finished it.
Anna Wren is a widow in need of funds. Due to chance, she has the possibility of starting to work as the Earl of Swartingham’s secretary. The Earl is an odd man with some facial pox scars and a somewhat bad temper but between him and Anna there’s immediately a strong attraction. I think it a bit annoying that authors like to portray attraction by always describing the heroes as perpetually aroused when they face the heroines but I’ve learned to skim those parts.
The tension develops between them and since Swartingham won’t propose to Anna he decides to go to London and visit a brothel. But Anna is decided to not let him give to another what is meant for her and follows him arranging for them to be together when he visits the brothel Now can you really believe that you wouldn’t recognize someone who you have daily contact with just because she is wearing a mask? Not only that but someone that you are highly attracted to? I find it very hard to believe but it is a compliment to Hoyt’s writing that, despite that I was completely caught up in their story and how they would possibly find their HEA.
There were more things that could have annoyed me and truth be told the whole book has a very modern feel in the behaviours and words but in the end I found it an enjoyable read due to all the intensity and tension she creates between the characters.
Grade: 4/5
I've only read The Serpent Prince from this trilogy and I really loved it. Simon was such a heartbreaking character. I keep meaning to pick up the other two...maybe I'll finally do it.
ReplyDeleteI agree her writing is beautiful.
Hmm I must put that one on top of the pile then ;-)
ReplyDelete