Review - How to Woo a Reluctant Lady by Sabrina Jeffries

TITLE:    How to Woo a Reluctant Lady
AUTHOR:    Sabrina Jeffries
INFO:    Paperback, Fiction, 345 pages
PUBLISHED:   Pocket Star Books, 2011
ISBN#:   978-1-4391-6755-7
HOW I GOT IT:   Received from Publisher for Review

FROM GOODREADS:  The third novel in Sabrina Jeffries's “Hellions of Hallstead Hall” series, featuring the independent and talented Lady Minerva Sharpe.

When a charming rogue proposes she marry him to meet her grandmother's ultimatum, the Sharpe clan's strong-willed sister makes a tempting counter-offer that preserves her inheritance and ignites his imagination.

Lady Minerva Sharpe has the perfect plan to thwart her grandmother's demands: become engaged to a rogue! Surely Gran would rather release her inheritance than see her wed a scoundrel. And who better to play the part of Minerva's would-be husband than wild barrister Giles Masters, the very inspiration for the handsome spy in the popular Gothic novels she writes? The memory of his passionate kiss on her nineteenth birthday has lingered in Minerva's imagination, though she has no intention of really falling for such a rakehell, much less marrying him. Little does she know, he really is a covert government operative. When they team up to investigate the mystery behind her parents' deaths, their fake betrothal leads to red-hot desire. Then Minerva discovers Giles's secret double life, and he must use all the cunning tricks of his trade to find his way back into her heart.

 MY TAKE:    As usual I am late coming into a fantastic series.  While this is the third book of the trilogy, I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone story.  (This being said, I can't wait to get my paws on the first two.)

I have always loved reading historical romance.  Even as a young girl, these were my favorite types of escapes.  What sets this book apart from so many I've read is the fantastic interplay between Minerva and Giles.  They are written with such intensity and intelligence that I just know that I would adore them both in real life.  They have a modern(ish) relationship in their way of discussing their issues and actually listening to each other ~ at times.  The fact that Giles actually supports Minerva's independent and creative streak is refreshing.  She is a real kick with her spark and sometimes devilish behaviour, she would be quite the handful.

Sabrina Jeffries imbues her story with a large amount of wit and humor.  It is a perfect balance that keeps her tale true to the historical setting, but gives us a reason to really care about these characters and enjoy their banter and predicaments.  I get bored very easily when a writer doesn't inject some lightness into stories that have some possibly dark threads.  I like to laugh at and with the people I'm reading about and enjoy the journey with them.

 I highly recommend this story to romance lovers and those who enjoy a good tale.  I'm off to locate copies of the first two books now.           

Out of 5 JEWELS, I give it:

   

WHERE TO BUY IT:    Amazon, The Book Depository, Powell's Books, IndieBound

 

~~~~~ Disclaimer:  All opinions expressed on this blog are 100% my own.  I do not receive monetary compensation for my reviews but do utilize affiliate links.  I may receive books in  order to facilitate a review, but this does not guarantee a good review - only a completely honest one.  Each review post denotes how I obtained the book.