COMPROMISED
Kate Noble
Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 9780425219645
March 2008
Historical Romance

Maximillian Augustus Viscount Fontaine, future Earl of Longbowe hates his father. He's lived without his money for almost a decade so when the Earl comes to London and demands (and not for the first time) that Max find a wife, he thinks little of it. Of course his father uses the excuse that he's not long for this world but Max has heard that excuse for nearing two decades. That is until his father informs him that if he isn't married in three months time, he will proclaim him a bastard and he won't inherit at all. So, Max starts the great bride hunt. When he sees an enchanting ethereal woman standing in the moonlight in the conservatory, it seems the most natural thing to take her in his arms and remember her with a kiss. When that kiss turns into an almost immediate betrothal, Max should be happy. He probably would be to, that is if he can stay away from her brat of a sister and that smart mouth of hers.

Gail has always been in her beautiful sister, Evangeline's shadow. Evie was blessed with porcelain skin, beautiful golden hair and a petite form that men loved. Gail, however, was born with an intelligent mind and a whip-smart tongue, which she's tried desperately to keep in check. She's rarely been jealous of Evie, except when Lord Fontaine enters the picture. He intrigues her and she's quite taken with his shared love of books and far off places. However, Gail must come to terms that he is intended for her lovely sister, no matter how bitter that pill may be.

"COMPROMISED" is an exceptional debut novel for Kate Nobel. Extremely well written with delightful dialogue, laugh out loud interactions and poignant intimate moments - this novel has it all! Expect great things from this new novelist for years to come.

Reviewed by Jennifer Harden
Rating: 4 1/2