Love Is a Rogue: Wallflowers Vs. Rogues
Lady Beatrice Bentley is trying to work on her etymological dictionary, but finds herself distracted by the sounds of renovations to her brother’s Cornish mansion. And the sight of the virile carpenter, which makes her glasses fog up. Which is highly inappropriate since she is not only the sister of a duke, but a wallflower devoted to scholarly pursuits. Not fleshly ones. Stamford (Ford) Wright is a ship’s carpenter in the Royal Navy, helping his father while he awaits the arrival of his next ship. Though he shares their attraction, both are keenly aware of the social barriers to any relationship.
When Beatrice inherits her aunt’s bookshop, however, and hires Ford to do the repairs, the action rapidly heats up. Despite the support of similarly independent-minded friends, the opposition of her controlling mother and a blackmailing property developer threatens to crush their hopes for happiness together. Can kindness and forgiveness win the day?
Though they melt away rather too conveniently, the formidable obstacles facing those who challenge the power structure, whether within the family or the world of business, are convincingly demonstrated in this entertaining Regency. As are steamy passages (remember the fogged-up glasses?).
