| All's fair in love and war, especially when two elderly aunts use a book
of battle strategy aptly titled the RULES OF ENGAGEMENT to find their
nieces a husband in a mere few months of a London Season. Eliza Merriweather doesn't want a husband, doesn't need husband because she is
committed to her Art, painting. She agrees, however, to her aunts'
campaign only to help her sister Grace snare a man and enter into the
matrimonial state. Maybe then she will be allowed to travel to Italy and
study painting with a master. In no time at all, Eliza falls--quite
literally--for Magnus MacKinnon, the Earl of Somerton. Lord Somerton has
inherited the title and estate from his late brother who had gambled it
all into deep debt. He has to find a rich bride, and fast...unless his
ship comes in.literally. For Somerton has put all his blunt into a
shipping venture. The Promise's arrival--despite deadly storms at
sea--would seal his future and make marrying for convenience unnecessary.
Miss Eliza Merriweather ignores what her body and heart are telling her
about Lord Somerton and proposes a plan to him: if he'll pretend to fix
his attention upon her to keep her aunts at bay with their matchmaking plans, she'll paint his portrait and scout out the lay of the
matrimonial land and find him a suitable prospect. Lord Somerton agrees
, as he is already half in love with the enchanting Eliza. As they are
thrown together by this plan and by the various stratagems of The Rules
employed by the aunts, Eliza and Somerton are consumed by a passion that
cannot be...can it? Despite Magnus's resolve to follow his heart, will
Eliza's noble sacrifices keep them apart? Not if a determined Magnus and
two elderly aunts with a martial and marital glint in their eyes refuse to
accept defeat!
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT is an absolutely fabulous Regency historical, and one
of the best debut books I've read in a long while. Everything about this
book sparkles, from the gorgeous writing, the characters, the unique
premise, the wit, the humor, and sensuality. If you're the type of
romance reader who reads for the hero, then Magnus MacKinnon is simply one
of the best heroes to grace the pages of a romance. This Scotsman hero
will melt your heart-- and your bones! The two military-minded aunts with
marriage on their mind are delightful and touching. Especially wonderful
is the fact that those wild, eccentric, and endearing Featherton sisters
will return to engage in love's battle tactics in Ms. Caskie's next
release, LADY IN WAITING, using the Rules yet again to find Eliza's and
Graces' younger sister Meredith a husband. RULES OF ENGAGEMENT is
guaranteed to conquer even the most jaded of romance readers. Brava, Miss
Caskie!
Highly recommended. |
