Caught

Michaels’s debut historical romance is an intriguing blend of action, drama, humor, and sexiness set against a rich backdrop of the social and cultural mores of Georgian London. When the almost bankrupt Robert Anderson, Viscount Lord Charmaine saves Miss Alison Brooke from a would-be assaulter at a ball, the two instantly connect. Their rapport is open and witty, and their attraction to each other obvious. Charmaine learns that Brooke is to inherit a fortune, but her father, who controls the inheritance, probably would not approve of Charmaine’s bankrupt situation. Will the conscientious and romantic Charmaine marry Brooke for love and risk losing her inheritance, or marry another woman simply for her fortune so he can bail his family out of financial ruin? Further complicating the situation are Marquis Anthony Farrington, who vies for Brooke’s affection, and Miss Brenda Boswell, Brooke’s faithful companion, who finds herself falling for Farrington. The relationships between the four are even messier because of the political fervor of the time, which has Farrington and Charmaine on opposing sides of the government. Animated, sharp dialogue is a highlight that makes the cast of characters even more memorable. This historical novel about following one’s heart while balancing obligations to family, friends, and society is a crowd-pleaser. [em](BookLife) [/em]