A Reckless Desire: A Breconridge Brothers Novel
Set in England in 1775, this is the third of a historical romance trilogy, in which the highly eligible sons of a duke fall in love with unconventional women. Now it is Rivers’ turn, and his choice is the least socially acceptable: Lucia di Rossi is not just a commoner and foreign born, but a lowly tiring-girl who assists dancers with their costumes. And dancers are, of course, noted for promiscuity. But in an idle moment he made a bet that he could transform this unpromising young woman into a good actress, and she eagerly takes him up on the offer.
This is the Pygmalion story, and despite the odds, it reaches a happy conclusion. Since Lucia has talent and is willing to work hard, her acting success is not unexpected, but acceptance by the ducal family? They are an attractive and complementary pair: he bookish and thoughtless albeit well-intentioned, she spirited yet practical, but the resolution seems implausible. Insights into 18th-century theatre and the early stages of their relationship are involving, but their preoccupation with their feelings for each other grows tedious.
