Picture of author.

Carole Mortimer

Author of Gypsy

411+ Works 5,244 Members 145 Reviews 4 Favorited

About the Author

Romance author Carole Mortimer was born in a small village in England. She trained as a nurse for one year, but had to stop due to weakness in her back that resulted from a fall. She began writing while she was working in the computer department of a stationary company. Her first book, A Passionate show more Winter, was published in 1978 and she has written over 100 books since then. (Bowker Author Biography) show less

Series

Works by Carole Mortimer

Gypsy (1985) 84 copies, 1 review
The Duke's Cinderella Bride (2009) 54 copies, 1 review
The Rake's Wicked Proposal (2009) 53 copies, 2 reviews
Pregnant with the Billionaire's Baby (2009) 52 copies, 1 review
Lady Arabella's Scandalous Marriage (2010) 46 copies, 3 reviews
The Rogue's Disgraced Lady (2009) 44 copies
The Master's Mistress (2010) 43 copies
Wife by Contract, Mistress by Demand (2007) 42 copies, 1 review
Pregnant by the Millionaire (2006) 41 copies, 2 reviews
Saving Grace (1992) 39 copies
The Lady Forfeits (2011) 38 copies, 2 reviews
Forbidden Surrender (1982) 36 copies, 2 reviews
Tangled Hearts (1987) 36 copies
The Return of the Renegade (2011) 35 copies
A Past Revenge (1984) 35 copies, 2 reviews
The Lady Gambles (2011) 35 copies, 3 reviews
Merlyn's Magic (1986) 34 copies
To Marry McAllister (2002) 34 copies
Romance of a Lifetime (1991) 33 copies
The Lady Confesses (2011) 33 copies, 1 review
Just One Night (1978) 33 copies, 1 review
To Marry McKenzie (2002) 33 copies
To Make a Marriage (2001) 33 copies
An Enigmatic Man (2003) 33 copies
Burning Obsession (1982) 33 copies, 1 review
A Lost Love (1984) 33 copies, 1 review
His Bid for a Bride (2004) 33 copies
The Unwilling Mistress (2004) 32 copies, 1 review
Forgotten Lover (1982) 32 copies, 1 review
A Christmas Affair (1990) 32 copies, 2 reviews
The Infamous Italian's Secret Baby (2009) 31 copies, 3 reviews
The Secret Virgin (2001) 31 copies
Devil Lover (1981) 31 copies, 1 review
Living Together (1980) 30 copies
The Duke's Mistress (2015) 30 copies, 1 review
His Cinderella Mistress (2003) 30 copies
Some Like It Wicked (2012) 30 copies, 1 review
A Yuletide Seduction (2000) 30 copies, 1 review
The Failed Marriage (1983) 29 copies
After the Loving (1987) 29 copies
War of Love (1994) 29 copies, 1 review
One Chance at Love (1988) 29 copies, 1 review
A Puppy for Christmas: Anthology (2012) — Contributor — 29 copies, 3 reviews
The Deserving Mistress (2004) 29 copies
To Marry McCloud (2002) 28 copies
The Wade Dynasty (1986) 28 copies
First Love, Last Love (1981) 28 copies, 2 reviews
Lifelong Affair (1983) 28 copies
To Mend a Marriage (2000) 27 copies
The Sicilian's Ruthless Marriage Revenge (2007) 27 copies, 1 review
Uncertain Destiny (1987) 27 copies, 1 review
The One and Only (1995) 27 copies, 1 review
Christmas Alpha (2014) 27 copies, 2 reviews
Ice in His Veins (1981) 27 copies
The Yuletide Engagement (2003) 27 copies, 1 review
His Christmas Virgin (2010) 27 copies, 2 reviews
His Very Personal Assistant (2005) 27 copies
Red Rose for Love (1982) 27 copies
The Reluctant Duke (2011) 26 copies, 1 review
To Love Again (1988) 26 copies, 1 review
Hidden Love (1982) 26 copies, 1 review
A Bargain With the Enemy (2014) 25 copies
Wicked Torment (2017) 25 copies, 1 review
Savage Interlude (1979) 25 copies
Fated Attraction (1991) 25 copies, 2 reviews
Taming the Last St. Claire (2011) 25 copies
Captive Loving (1983) 25 copies, 1 review
Golden Fever (1982) 25 copies, 1 review
Shadowed Stranger (1982) 25 copies
Their Engagement Is Announced (2000) — Author — 25 copies
Engaged to Jarrod Stone (1980) 25 copies, 1 review
To Become a Bride (2001) 25 copies
An Unwilling Desire (1984) 25 copies
Annie's Secret (2010) 24 copies, 3 reviews
Lovers in the Afternoon (1985) 24 copies, 1 review
The Passionate Lover (1985) 24 copies, 1 review
Tempestuous Affair (1984) 24 copies, 1 review
Bound by Contract (2000) 24 copies
Liam's Secret Son (2001) 24 copies, 1 review
Married by Christmas (1998) 23 copies
Knight's Possession (1985) 23 copies, 1 review
Deceit of a Pagan (1980) 23 copies, 1 review
Secret Passion (1987) 23 copies
The Christmas Night Miracle (2006) 23 copies, 3 reviews
Bride by Blackmail (2003) 23 copies
Cherish Tomorrow (1985) 23 copies
A Touch of Notoriety (2013) 23 copies, 1 review
Love's Duel (1982) 23 copies
Nathaniel (Dragon Hearts 1) (2017) 22 copies, 1 review
Freedom to Love (1981) 22 copies
Glass Slippers and Unicorns (1986) 22 copies
Elusive Obsession (1994) 22 copies
Not Just a Governess (2013) 22 copies, 1 review
Fantasy Girl (1983) 22 copies
Gracious Lady (1993) 22 copies, 1 review
The Venetian's Midnight Mistress (2008) 22 copies, 1 review
Surrender to the Past (2011) 22 copies
His Reputation Precedes Him (2012) 21 copies
Taggart's Woman (1987) 21 copies, 1 review
Fear of Love (1980) 21 copies, 2 reviews
Private Lives (1992) 21 copies
Untamed (1984) 21 copies
The Flame of Desire (1981) 21 copies
Satan's Master (1981) 21 copies, 1 review
Return Engagement (1993) 21 copies
To Have a Husband (2000) 20 copies
Everlasting Love (1984) 20 copies, 1 review
A D'Angelo Like No Other (2014) 20 copies
A Marriage to Remember (1997) 20 copies
Christmas with a Billionaire [Anthology 3-in-1] (2014) — Author — 20 copies, 1 review
Only Lover (1979) 20 copies
Heaven Here on Earth (1983) 19 copies
Subtle Revenge (1983) 19 copies
The Jilted Bridegroom (1992) 19 copies
The Devil's Price (1985) 19 copies
Perfect Partner (1982) 19 copies, 2 reviews
A Prize Beyond Jewels (2014) 19 copies
To Woo a Wife (1998) 19 copies
Marcus Wilding: Duke of Pleasure (2014) 18 copies, 1 review
Undying Love (1983) 18 copies
A Taste of the Forbidden (2013) 18 copies
Passion from the Past (1982) 18 copies
Memories of the Past (1991) 18 copies
Hawk's Prey (1986) 18 copies, 1 review
To Be a Husband (1998) 18 copies
Defying Drakon (2012) 18 copies
Love Unspoken (1983) 17 copies, 1 review
Brand of Possession (1980) 17 copies
The Taming of Xander Sterne (2015) 17 copies, 1 review
Hard to Get (1984) 17 copies
Zachary Black: Duke of Debauchery (2014) 17 copies, 2 reviews
Point of No Return (1981) 17 copies
Elusive Lover (1982) 17 copies
Lady Surrender (1985) 17 copies
Keeping Luke's Secret (2002) 16 copies, 1 review
The Tempestuous Flame (1979) 16 copies
A Man to Marry (1999) 16 copies
Yesterday's Scars (1980) 16 copies, 1 review
Sensual Encounter (1983) 16 copies
The Redemption of Darius Sterne (2015) 16 copies, 1 review
A No Risk Affair (1985) 16 copies
To Be a Bridegroom (1999) 16 copies
Wish for the Moon (1987) 15 copies
Some Like to Shock (2013) 15 copies, 1 review
Love's Only Deception (1983) 15 copies, 1 review
Elusive as the Unicorn (1989) 15 copies
Pagan Enchantment (1983) 15 copies, 1 review
A Rogue and a Pirate (1986) 14 copies
Hunter's Moon (1993) 14 copies
Mother of the Bride (1972) 14 copies
Darkness into Light (1985) 14 copies, 1 review
Not Just a Wallflower (2013) 14 copies, 1 review
Griffin Stone: Duke of Decadence (2015) 14 copies, 2 reviews
One-Man Woman (1996) 14 copies
Wildest Dreams (1997) 14 copies
Two's Company (1995) 14 copies
No Longer a Dream (1986) 13 copies
Mr. Mom (3-in-1) (1997) 13 copies
A Night in the Palace (2012) 13 copies, 1 review
Trust in Summer Madness (1983) 13 copies
The Vengeance Affair (2004) 13 copies
The Diamond Bride (1998) 13 copies
Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire (2014) 12 copies, 2 reviews
The Loving Gift (1988) 12 copies
Joined by Marriage (1998) 12 copies
Christian Seaton: Duke of Danger (2015) 12 copies, 2 reviews
The Passionate Winter (1978) 11 copies
Tempted by Desire (1979) 11 copies, 1 review
The Fiancé Fix (2002) 11 copies
Indecent (Regency Lovers 1) (2018) 11 copies, 1 review
Prince's Passion (2005) 10 copies
At the Duke's Service (2009) 9 copies
In Separate Bedrooms (2003) 9 copies
The Talk of Hollywood (2012) 9 copies
Velvet Promise (1986) 9 copies, 1 review
Prince's Pleasure (2005) 9 copies
Pursued by the Devil (2015) 7 copies, 6 reviews
Wicked Captive (Regency Sinners, #5) (2018) 7 copies, 1 review
The Wicked Lord Montague (2012) 6 copies
Rumours on the Red Carpet (2013) 5 copies
Renegade Alpha (2015) 5 copies
Wicked Surrender (2017) 5 copies, 1 review
His Darling Valentine (2020) 5 copies
Wicked Sinner (Regency Sinners, #7) (2018) 5 copies, 1 review
Hidden Lover (Regency Men in Love 1) (2019) 5 copies, 1 review
The Innocent Virgin (2006) 5 copies
Hidden Star | The Fiancé Fix | The Bridesmaid's Reward (2009) — Contributor — 4 copies
Taken by the Boss (2009) 4 copies
The Prince's Love-Child (2005) 4 copies, 1 review
Wicked Scandal (Regency Sinners, #3) (2017) 4 copies, 1 review
Wicked Deception (Regency Sinners, #4) (2017) 4 copies, 1 review
Claimed by the Marquis (2016) 4 copies, 1 review
Romancing the Holidays Bundle 2009 (Anthology 5-in-1) (2009) — Contributor — 4 copies
Deryk (Dragon Hearts #2) (2017) 4 copies
Bryn (Dragon Hearts #3) (2017) 4 copies
Dylan (Dragon Hearts 4) (2018) 4 copies
In the Boss's Bed (2004) 4 copies
For Christmas, Forever (2009) 4 copies
Shadow Alpha (2015) 4 copies
Not Just a Seduction (2013) 4 copies
Savage Alpha 3 copies
A Heavenly Christmas (2002) 3 copies
Taken by the Earl (2016) 3 copies, 1 review
Julia Collection Band 98 (2016) 3 copies
Hidden Desire (Regency Men in Love 2) (2021) 3 copies, 1 review
Rogue Alpha 3 copies
Warrior Alpha (2015) 3 copies
Wicked Temptation (Regency Sinners, #6) (2018) 3 copies, 1 review
Matteo (2020) 3 copies
Bastian's Surrender (2019) 3 copies
Wicked Christmas (Regency Sinners 8) (2018) 3 copies, 1 review
A Child for Christmas [By Request 3-in-1] (2003) — Contributor — 3 copies
Leon (2020) 2 copies
Wild (Regency Scandal 2) (2021) 2 copies
Heavenly Angels (2018) 2 copies, 1 review
Hidden Passion 2 copies, 1 review
El a kezekkel! (1994) 2 copies
Pursued by the Viscount (2016) 2 copies, 1 review
Julia Extra Band 423 (2016) 2 copies
Dark Nights with a Billionaire Bundle (2009) — Author — 2 copies
Cyganka 1 copy
Julia Gold Band 56 (2014) 1 copy
Julia Saison Band 40 (2017) 1 copy
Kegyetlenül szép (1996) 1 copy
Édes nyuszikám (1997) 1 copy
Ki itt a főnök? (1996) 1 copy
His Defiant Mistress (2013) 1 copy
The Man She'll Marry (2001) 1 copy
Farliga nt̃ter (2013) — Author — 1 copy
A Presents Christmas Bundle (3-in-1) (2007) — Contributor — 1 copy
Juleselskapet (2005) 1 copy
Bedded for Revenge (2010) — Author — 1 copy
The Marriage Bargain Bundle (4-in-1) (2009) — Contributor — 1 copy
A Champagne Christmas [3-in-1] (2013) — Author — 1 copy
Blackmailed Brides (2006) 1 copy
Secret Babies Bundle (3-in-1) (2007) — Author — 1 copy
Arabellas egen hjälte (1998) 1 copy
Drömmen om lyckan (1999) 1 copy
Hög tid för kärlek (2005) 1 copy
Calor Do Desejo — Author — 1 copy
Seduced by a Marquis (2016) 1 copy, 1 review
Captured by a Gentleman (2016) 1 copy, 1 review
A season of secrets (2017) 1 copy
Julia Extra Band 365 (2013) 1 copy
Ty jediný (1997) 1 copy
Julia Extra Band 369 (2013) 1 copy
Desired by a Lord (2016) 1 copy, 1 review

Associated Works

Home for Christmas [2008, Anthology] (2008) — Contributor — 7 copies
To Marry McAllister (2010) — Original Text — 6 copies
Keeping Luke's Secret [Manga] (2010) — Original Text — 4 copies
To Woo a Wife (2006) — Original Text — 4 copies
Best of Virgins Bundle (10-in-1) (2008) — Author — 4 copies
Pregnant by the Millionaire (2011) — Original Text — 3 copies
Wife by Contract, Mistress by Demand (2012) — Original Text — 3 copies
His Christmas Eve Proposal (2019) — Original Text — 2 copies
The Master's Mistress (2014) — Original Text — 2 copies
The Venetian's Midnight Mistress (2010) — Original Text — 2 copies
Claiming His Christmas Bride (2014) — Original Text — 2 copies
To Be a Husband (2006) — Original Text — 2 copies
The Redemption of Darius Sterne (2018) — Original Text — 2 copies, 1 review
The Taming of Xander Sterne (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
Captive Loving (Harlequin Comics) (2011) — Original text — 1 copy
Darian Hunter: Duke of Desire (2019) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Yuletide Engagement (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
Her Christmas Romeo (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
His Christmas Virgin (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Master's Mistress (2016) — Original Text — 1 copy
Rumours on the Red Carpet (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
Return Engagement (2019) — Original Text — 1 copy
A D'Angelo Like No Other (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
Griffin Stone: Duke of Decadence (2019) — Original Text — 1 copy
Zachary Black: Duke of Debauchery (2019) — Original Text — 1 copy
Prince's Passion (2019) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Innocent Virgin (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
A Man to Marry (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Billionaire's Marriage Bargain (2020) — Original Text — 1 copy
Glass Slippers and Unicorns (2021) — Original Text — 1 copy
12 random books (1990) — Author — 1 copy
Bedded for the Spaniard's Pleasure [Manga] (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
A Bargain with the Enemy (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
A Prize Beyond Jewels (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Sicilian's Innocent Mistress — Original Text — 1 copy
To Be a Bridegroom (2006) — Original Text — 1 copy
The One and Only (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
Zoe's Lesson [and] Annie's Secret — Author, some editions — 1 copy
A Past Revenge [Manga] (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
Married by Christmas [Manga] (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Diamond Bride (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
At the Sicilian Count's Command (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
His Darling Valentine (2017) — Original Text — 1 copy
His Very Personal Assistant (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Billionaire's Christmas Gift (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Sicilian's Ruthless Marriage Revenge (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
Some Like It Wicked, Vol. 2 (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
Taming the Last St. Claire (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
To Marry McKenzie (2013) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Engagement is Announced [Manga] (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
To Marry McCloud (2013) — Original Text — 1 copy
Pregnant with the Billionaire's Baby (2014) — Original Text — 1 copy
Bound by Contract [Manga] (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
Defying Drakon (2017) — Original Text — 1 copy
His Reputation Precedes Him (2017) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Virgin Secretary's Impossible Boss (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
The Christmas Night Miracle (2015) — Original Text — 1 copy
Some Like It Wicked, Vol. 1 (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy
A Lost Love: Harlequin comics (2018) — Original Text — 1 copy, 1 review

Tagged

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Common Knowledge

Canonical name
Mortimer, Carole
Other names
MORTIMER, C. A.
MORTIMER, Carole
Birthdate
1960
Gender
female
Short biography
Carole Mortimer was born on 1960 in a village in England that she claims was so small that "if you blinked as you drove through it you could miss seeing it completely!" She adds that her parents still live in the house where she first came into the world, and her two brothers live very close by. 

Carole's early ambition to become a nurse came to an abrupt end after only one year of training due to a weakness in her back, suffered in the aftermath of a fall. Instead, she went on to work in the computer department of a well-known stationery company. During her time there, Carole made her first attempt at writing a novel for Mills and Boon. "The manuscript was far too short and the plotline not up to standard, so I naturally received a rejection slip," she says. "Not taking rejection well, I went off in a sulk for two years before deciding to 'have another go.'" Her second manuscript was accepted, beginning a long and fruitful career. Her strong, traditional romances, with their distinct style, brilliantly developed characters and romantic plot twists, have earned her an enthusiastic audience worldwide. Since the publication of her first novel in 1978, this British writer has shown no signs of slowing her pace. In fact, when over 20 years later she celebrated the publication of her 100th book She says: "I have enjoyed every moment of my career! I really do enjoy my writing, and have every intention of continuing to do so for another 20 years!".

Carole married to Peter, father to two children, Matthew and Joshua, they had four sons more: Timothy, Michael, David and Peter Jr. With a family formed by six children (with 22 years of difference between the first-born and the unexpected youngest child), they live "in a most beautiful part of Britain" with a menagerie of pets, including a dog acquired several years ago in Canada, which is actually half-coyote!
Nationality
UK
Birthplace
England, UK
Places of residence
England, UK (birth)
Associated Place (for map)
England, UK

Members

Reviews

191 reviews
God, I cannot do this. The dude is 35 and the GIRL is 17. What the actual fuck. When I started this and the girl is shown to be 17 years old, I was like, ew, ok, maybe this is one of those they-spend-10-years-apart-and-meet-again-WHEN-SHE-IS-A-GROWN-PERSON, but nope, she is 17 the whole time.

I realize that this was published in 1980, but guess what? I DON'T CARE. This shit is gross and harmful.
‘You can’t just kidnap someone against their will!’

You sweet summer child, first time in Harlequin Presents?

Do you! like! exclamation points? It's time! to feast! my friend!



Jacob Sinclair, but he's known as Sin (I love HP) becomes the rescuer outside a restaurant when Luccy (I'll never let go of how it's two Cs) clings to him and pretends they know each other as she's trying to get away from a potential client turned sexual harasser. They end up going to Sin's room and having a night show more of wild HP sex. Luccy leaves in the morning not sure of her feelings and Sin gets in his feefees over how much he liked her and how could she just slink away?(!)

Again, because this is HP, turns out Sin is a billionaire grandson who's LLC owns the cosmetic company Luccy has a photography contract with, one that is about up. Sin also owns the hotel that Luccy was having a business meeting at and gets the name of the people who were having dinner, goes to the sexual harasser to find out more about Luccy and gets told that, well, actually, Luccy was trying to hit on him and blackmail him by saying she would tell his wife they slept together unless he hired Luccy. Sin believes this and when he finds out about Luccy's contract almost up, thinks she is going to try and blackmail him with their sleeping together to get a renewed contract with his cosmetic company. Meanwhile, Luccy doesn't even know Sin's identity. The boy needs to majorly check himself. Of course, Luccy finds herself pregnant after their first night together and Sin demands they get married because she carries The Sinclair Heir.

Anyway, typical HP squabbling, purposeful misunderstandings, and Drama and Emotion. The exclamation point usage, though, was wilding.(!)

‘Semi-skimmed milk would be healthier than full-fat, Wallace,’ Sin put in decisively. ‘And perhaps you could add some of your wholesome home-made biscuits, too. Anything else you would like, Luccy?’ he asked lightly.
As an afterthought, Luccy felt sure! ‘No, you seem to have it pretty well covered,’ she answered tartly.
‘What did I do this time?’ Sin asked once the two of them were outside seated at the green marble table on the terrace, the view incredible, the air warm and clear.
Her eyes flashed as she looked across at him. ‘You are going to be one of those overprotective prospective fathers!’
He gave an unapologetic shrug. ‘I just thought you should eat healthily.’
‘I know what I have to do, Sin!’
‘Then why are we arguing about it?’ he pointed out mildly.
Luccy almost growled in frustration. ‘I thought I had already made it plain that I don’t like being told what to do.’
‘Even when it’s in your own best interests?’
‘Even then!’


You might say, now Whiskey, maybe one or two seem a bit unnecessary, why the pointing out? Imagine the whole story like this though!(!) I was exhausted reading this because of all the ! .(!) I eventually gave up and just deadpanned whenever the characters spoke, even if there was a ! .(!)

It takes until around the 85% mark until Sin realizes/believes that Luccy wasn't trying to blackmail him and the sexual harasser maybe wasn't a stand-up truth telling dude. Luccy also comes to the conclusion that just because her sister got pregnant young and married because of it and her marriage was bad, that Luccy isn't quite in the same situation and because she loves Sin (why tho'?(!)) it's ok to marry him. A truly all's well that ends well .(!)
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Terrific conclusion to the series (most of which I read years ago but still remember fondly). Christian, a British spy with a French background, is in Paris investigating the sister of a known French spy. While watching the woman, a Paris tavernkeeper, Christian is distracted by one of the serving girls. His attraction to Lisette is immediate and intense. When he learns of Lisette's connection to Helene, he wants to learn more. Lisette notices the handsome nobleman and is equally drawn to show more him. She is wary of his interest in her but can't resist his request to meet with him.

Lisette tries to warn Christian that Helene has ill intentions toward him, but he blows off her warning. When Lisette witnesses an attack on him, she rushes to the rescue and, in a slightly hair-raising scene, gets Christian back to his home and tends his wound. I loved watching the petite Frenchwoman boss the hardened spy around. The novelty so flummoxes Christian that he finds himself giving in to her demands. Knowing both are now in danger, Christian insists, forcibly, that she accompany him back to London.

I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Lisette and Christian. Lisette is fiery, independent, intelligent, and more than a little stubborn. She and Christian butt heads often throughout the book. She doesn't take well to being told what to do and lets him know it. Christian knows he needs to take Lisette to England to be questioned, but he's convinced she is innocent of any wrongdoing. He is determined to protect her, not just from any French that pursue them but also from those in his government who might mean her harm.

The sparks of attraction between Christian and Lisette continue to grow. Christian unexpectedly finds himself thinking about marriage, while Lisette knows there's no chance for a duke and the daughter of a French tavernkeeper. When trouble follows them from France, Lisette is captured and used as a bargaining chip. I could feel Christian's fear for Lisette's safety and desperate need to find her. I had some idea of the motivation behind this event, but the bridge scene was quite a shock to Lisette and Christian. I loved seeing Lisette stand up later to everyone trying to make decisions about her life.

The surprising revelation about Lisette had an enormous impact on her life. I ached for Christian, whose attempts to see her were thwarted at every turn, making him one wretched man. The scene at the ball was fantastic, as he had to watch Lisette's popularity while being sure he'd lost her. Meanwhile, Lisette grew more frustrated with his avoidance of her, neither of them realizing there had been outside forces keeping them apart. I laughed out loud when Christian figured it out and found his fiery Lisette under the layer of English polish she'd acquired. The scene on the terrace was fantastic, and seeing them finally admit their feelings was great. The epilogue was terrific, and it was great to see all of the Dangerous Dukes and their ladies together.
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Griffin and his fellow "Dangerous Dukes" are still working to shut down the network that attempted to assassinate the Prince Regent. Griffin is following a lead that sends him back to his estate in Lancashire when a woman darts out of the woods and is hit by his carriage. He feels responsible and takes her on to his home to care for her.

Thanks to his secret work for the Crown, Griffin is cynical and mistrusting of anything that seems out of the ordinary. But once he sees the woman's injuries show more and discovers that she has no memory of who she is or what happened to her, he suspects that she's more victim than conspirator. And as bits of her memory begin to return, her presence may be more than coincidence. For her own safety, they need to find out who she is and what happened to her. Griffin sends word to his boss asking for his help. In the meantime, he's determined to protect her, especially from himself!

Griffin has been attracted to Bea from the moment he saw her, but tries hard to subdue it. He had been married once, but it hadn't been a happy marriage. His wife was cold to him, apparently fearful of him, and eventually unfaithful. She drowned a year after their wedding, possibly taking her own life, leaving him feeling responsible for her death and undeserving of anyone's love. The intensity of his desire for Bea takes him by surprise, as does her reaction to him. When Bea awakens in Griffin's home, she has no idea who she is or what happened to her. She does know that being near Griffin makes her feel safe. He also makes her want to get closer to him.

I loved seeing the relationship grow between Bea and Griffin. She may be young and well born, but she is also a very strong and determined person. She isn't about to let what happened to her turn her into a quivering mess. She is also a pretty good judge of character, and she doesn't let Griffin's gruff, blunt and sometimes rude behavior blind her to the caring man she sees. She also knows what she wants, and isn't afraid to go after it. I really loved seeing her work her magic on Griffin's resistance. I loved seeing Griffin's reactions to her advances. He was so used to the way that his wife had treated him that he couldn't believe that someone like Bea wasn't terrified of him. I loved seeing his protectiveness, and how thoughts of her kept distracting him from things he was trying to do. Even trying to avoid her didn't help him. He knew he was in trouble when he found himself jealous when she spoke to a gardener. I loved seeing how just having her around affected him, making him happier than he'd ever been. But he still didn't believe that love was possible, even when his friend tried to tell him it was. I loved the ending as Griffin came to terms with his past and embraced the changes that Bea brought to him. I loved seeing him open up to Bea and how she showed she loved him just as he was.

The mystery of who Bea was and what had happened to her was very well done. Her fear after her nightmare revealed a little of what happened to her was intense, and gave Griffin just enough information to start to put the pieces together. When his two friends arrived with more details, Griffin's fear for her increased. I loved seeing Bea stand up for her right to know what was going on. The danger for her went up when she found out about the kidnapped boy and she insisted on being involved in finding out more about where he was. The final confrontation had a couple of very interesting twists, including one about Griffin's wife that I never saw coming.
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Shirley Jump Contributor
Margaret McDonagh Contributor
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