Concordia Glade, a teacher hired to look after four teenage girls, realizes that someone has very sinister intentions for them. Her path crosses Ambrose Wells, a private inquiry agent who accepts payment only in future favors (like the Godfather). As they investigate, sparks fly—and do not go unnoticed by the young ladies in their care. Though not up to the level of Quick’s earlier work, especially in plotting, it’s entertaining enough and has some sweet moments. ( )

delete_me ( )

Mid-19th century romance featuring a liberated woman, lots of unlikely feelings & events, and a happy ending.

This is an interesting romance set "late in the reign of Queen Victoria" and it throws you into the story from the get-go. You first meet Concordia Glade and her young students as they are running away from the burning castle they've been staying in. This is also the moment that Ambrose Wells enters the story. He's investigating the castle and is a little put out that it's burning down but he offers to help Concordia and her four charges. The whys of their residence at the castle is interesting and the two main characters are quite well suited but their attitudes to sex are quite modern.

I loved the way Ambrose received "payment" for his services. He came across as quite an interesting character with lots of depth. The four girls really didn't come across as deep characters, but there is an opening for them to have further adventures.

For it's type it's quite good, and I did enjoy the story and enjoyed the ride, it's only after I finished reading that I started having some reservations about some aspects of the story. I look forward to more of the Vanzarian stories. ( )

A lot of fun! ( )