Book seventy-six: In the Bed of a Duke

In the Bed of a Duke (2006)
Cathy Maxwell

Rating: 2.25/5

Cathy Maxwell is evil.

Okay, maybe not. But she has a slight habit of not resolving things in her books. Once again, relationship is all fine and dandy (come on, this is historical romance, that wasn’t a spoiler – its an expectation) but the other plot – the mystery – is up in the air.

I know that there is likely another book out there, probably about the duke’s twin brother. And I know that to find out what happened to the evil laird I will have to read it. And this is why Cathy Maxwell is either evil or very smart. Or possibly both.

The distressed traveler Charlotte Cameron encounters on a rainy Scottish night is absolutely the worst man she could have invited into her carriage! It is Phillip Maddox, the reprehensible Duke of Colster, who brought the full weight of the ton's fury down upon her - simply because Charlotte encouraged her sister not to wed the powerful peer. And now the seductive devil responsible for her social ruin is sitting close enough to kiss...

Phillip's distaste for the meddlesome beauty matches Charlotte's - though, under alternate circumstances, he might have enjoyed sampling the sensuous charms of the tempting young chit.

There is grave danger, however, on the journey they now must reluctantly share - and a nemesis who means them both mortal harm. But can a passion that inconveniently ignites in the face of disaster erase a painful past...and lead two sworn enemies to a most unanticipated destination: the bedchamber?

I’m pretty sure that this is some kind of series I have read completely out of order. They keep talking about characters from Temptation of a Proper Governess. Oh, well. I’ve never been good at reading things in order.

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Finished: Wednesday 20/6

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Book seventy: Temptation of a Proper Governess

Temptation of a Proper Governess (2004)
Cathy Maxwell

Rating: 1.75/5

Alright. Would have been better if the main plot was actually resolved. Obviously there is a second out there somewhere. I'm just not sure I can be bothered to read it.

Isabelle Halloran is gently bred, well educated but impoverished, so she does what she has to do and goes out as a governess. But fate lands her in the home of the unlikeable Wardley family, who are rich but ill bred.One night, Isabelle discovers her charge has left her own bed and snuck into the bed of houseguest Michael Severson. Michael is extraordinarily handsome, and known to be terribly dangerous. Years before, he'd left England under a cloud of suspicion - had he killed his mistress or not? But now he has returned to clear his name and uncover the identity of the real killer. Isabelle rescues her pupil, but puts herself in a compromising position. And when she is discovered in Michael's room, with Michael himself, she is dismissed. But Michael cannot leave her without resources...he offers to 'protect' her, then becomes determined to wed her...

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Finished: Saturday 16/6

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