The Perfect Stranger
There must be an unofficial rule for writing Regency romances: start with a large family. Faith Merridew has already seen two of her sisters married off – to a perfect rake and a perfect waltzer. As the musical sister, Faith eloped with a talented violinist, but everything he told her was a lie. Now ruined, she is on the run… and runs right into the arms of a perfect stranger. Nicholas Blacklock is a Waterloo veteran intent on retracing the steps of his haunting memories. But is it to lay them to rest or something darker? He rescues Faith and offers to marry her, in name only. Romance readers know where their journey will lead; the question is whether it’s worth going along for the ride. Gracie writes compelling stories with sympathetic characters and injects clever humor. The book starts strong. However, an official rule for romances is the requirement for happy-ever-after endings, and Gracie might have written herself into a corner. Can she resolve, in a credible manner, the dilemma she has created for Faith and Nicholas? I’m a Gracie fan, but I reluctantly vote no. The other “Perfect” romances are better.
