Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Classic Barbara Cartland - super-innocent heroine tames incorrigible rake while attempting to avoid an arranged marriage to that rake. This one was a little better than most because the heroine showed a fair amount of backbone and initiative.
Loretta was horrified when her father told her that he and his friend had arranged for her to marry his son. She's never even met the man, plus her father had promised her a Season. She wants a chance to find a man she can love. Nothing she says dissuades her father from his plan. When he leaves their estate for a week, Loretta knows what she has to do. Years earlier, Loretta's married cousin scandalized Society when she ran off with a married man. The couple lives in Paris, and Loretta sneaks off to stay with them, hoping to meet her proposed fiance without him knowing who she is.
I thought that Loretta was brave but also very naive to undertake such a journey without knowing if she would be welcome at the other end. She was fortunate that Ingrid was willing to help her. Her description of Fabian and his reputation made him sound just as bad as Loretta feared. Ingrid was prepared to introduce Loretta to Fabian but warned her of Fabian's "Pied Piper" effect on women.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Loretta and Fabian. It was easy to see the connection they felt from the beginning. Loretta was fascinated by Fabian and the world he showed her. She tried to keep him at a distance, but he broke through her walls every time. Fabian was equally intrigued by Loretta. Though introduced to him as the married Lady Brompton, there was an air of innocence about her that he couldn't resist.
As they spent time together, Loretta saw a different side of Fabian than the rake she was warned about. He always treated her with kindness and respect. He took her places he thought she would enjoy and put her before his own desires. Fabian was also very protective of her. There was a very intense scene when one of his rivals abducted Loretta. I thought that Loretta handled herself quite well, and Fabian's arrival was the finishing touch. But though they declare their love for each other, Loretta panics at Fabian's plans for their future. She's overwhelmed with guilt at her deception and flees back home, heartbroken at leaving him behind.
I enjoyed the ending. Fabian, of course, chases after her, still unaware of her true identity. Their conversation was eye-opening for both of them. I especially enjoyed Fabian's shock at their fathers' plans for them, which made him more sympathetic to what Loretta did. I had to laugh at what they decided to do and would love to have seen their fathers' reactions.
This book reminded me somewhat of Cartland's Desire of the Heart, one of my favorite books by this author.
Loretta was horrified when her father told her that he and his friend had arranged for her to marry his son. She's never even met the man, plus her father had promised her a Season. She wants a chance to find a man she can love. Nothing she says dissuades her father from his plan. When he leaves their estate for a week, Loretta knows what she has to do. Years earlier, Loretta's married cousin scandalized Society when she ran off with a married man. The couple lives in Paris, and Loretta sneaks off to stay with them, hoping to meet her proposed fiance without him knowing who she is.
I thought that Loretta was brave but also very naive to undertake such a journey without knowing if she would be welcome at the other end. She was fortunate that Ingrid was willing to help her. Her description of Fabian and his reputation made him sound just as bad as Loretta feared. Ingrid was prepared to introduce Loretta to Fabian but warned her of Fabian's "Pied Piper" effect on women.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Loretta and Fabian. It was easy to see the connection they felt from the beginning. Loretta was fascinated by Fabian and the world he showed her. She tried to keep him at a distance, but he broke through her walls every time. Fabian was equally intrigued by Loretta. Though introduced to him as the married Lady Brompton, there was an air of innocence about her that he couldn't resist.
As they spent time together, Loretta saw a different side of Fabian than the rake she was warned about. He always treated her with kindness and respect. He took her places he thought she would enjoy and put her before his own desires. Fabian was also very protective of her. There was a very intense scene when one of his rivals abducted Loretta. I thought that Loretta handled herself quite well, and Fabian's arrival was the finishing touch. But though they declare their love for each other, Loretta panics at Fabian's plans for their future. She's overwhelmed with guilt at her deception and flees back home, heartbroken at leaving him behind.
I enjoyed the ending. Fabian, of course, chases after her, still unaware of her true identity. Their conversation was eye-opening for both of them. I especially enjoyed Fabian's shock at their fathers' plans for them, which made him more sympathetic to what Loretta did. I had to laugh at what they decided to do and would love to have seen their fathers' reactions.
This book reminded me somewhat of Cartland's Desire of the Heart, one of my favorite books by this author.
