There is a lot I liked about this book, but it just wasn’t angsty enough for me. While I enjoyed the sexy scenes, I think I they took up more pages than the romantic developments. But what really held me back was two things: one, the suspense plot took up too much space and went on too long (especially given that a member of the nobility having a child on the wrong side of the blanket is hardly a scandal, especially since it was TWO generations ago!) and two, Arabelle has some seriously TSTL moments. Skipping off to a lecture with Renton the day afetr he sexually assaults here?! What an idiot! And for all of her “strong woman” talk, she sure does need Her Man to save her a lot.

Overall, I’ll give the author another shot if she has any more plain/spinster heroines, if they’re actually insecure, but this one just wasn’t quite what I was looking for. (2.5 stars) ( )

Fans of Lucy Monroe will be interested in "Annabelle's Courtship", a historical romantica (really really HOT, but not quite erotica) novel recently released in trade paperback by Samhain.

Ian must marry to inherit the money he needs to help his tenant landholders. He was once betrayed by beauty, so he makes his list of requirements for a wife: Plain, moderately dowered, older, and practical. When he meets Annabelle, he decides she's prefect for him. But when she refuses his proposal, he soon realizes that list or no list, she's the one woman for him. Unfortuantely, she needs wooing and his wooing skills...well, he doesn't seem to have any!

Annabelle is neither honored nor complimented when Ian proposes...after he explains his 'list'. She's downright insulted! She's also confused. She's refused his offer, given him names of other women who meet the requirements of his 'list', and is now discouraging to the point of rudeness. So why does he heart race when he's near and why won't he just leave her alone?

A sweet and very spicy story of two people who are both sure they know what they want...only to grow up and realize they really don't. Humorous and very sexy, with a light mystery/suspense element of a wacko lord determined to have Annabelle for her dowry. Well worth your time and money! ( )

Ms. Monroe keeps the readers hooked with her unique and memorable characters and uncanny twists as the story flows. Annabelle's Courtship will have you crying and screaming at the characters as they pull on your heart strings. Annabelle and Ian's love story is truely remarkable that will have the readers coming back for more. I truely loved Annabelle's spirit, will and patience to deal with her brother and Ian. They are the perfect match and are an explosive couple. I can not wait to see what Ms. Monroe will come up with next. ( )