Gloria Harchar

The hero is in need of funds after his fathers was betrayed by a friend and committed suicide and his brother gambling away the money they do have. But his grandmothers will states that he must marry a stranger in order to fulfill her last will and testament. The heroine at first wanted nothing but the ruby kept by the hero's family but promised to her by her birthright. But in her bid to steal the jem, she found herself attached to the grandmother but never did she expect to be old off to the grandson. With her sister kidnapped and held for ransom, she needs money and her knowledge of how to survive on the streets more than she needs marriage. Especially to such an arrogant man. The hero, once an interrogator of spies in the war, is a powerful presence and puts the fear of god into anyone unfortunate enough to anger him. This includes the heroine but she does have spunk and a desperation to save her sister. So she makes a deal with him to marry only if she has an allowance of her own. From the first moment they meet that hero knows she's lying to him about who she is and who her family is. And I think she knows deep down that the hero knows but it aggravated me that even up to the end she maintained all these lies. It was what your mother or father always told you. Don't lie to them. They know the truth and you're only making it worse on yourself. That was how I felt about the heroine. And the hero, felt betrayed by the heroine because of it. Even when she told him she loved him and didn't reciprocate the feelings because he knew she was keeping secrets. I liked that about him. He came care for his wife and protect her with everything he has but he's not stupid. And he's not going to pretend all the lies said to him are ok. Overall I enjoyed this book though it did bounce around a lot and had a bit of a muddled plot line involving fairy's and trolls at the end that really could have had nothing to do with the historical romance story that was the real focus.… (plus d'informations)

How can you resist the cover? That was my first draw to the book, and I bought it instantly. Then you combine faeries, love and a glimpse at 19th century industrial England; toss it in a jar and what emerges is a sweet, fun read that holds your interest. Written with a pacing that is nearly musical to read, the story hops from one scene to the next effortlessly, just pulling you along to enjoy the ride. This is one of a small handful of steampunk genre books I have read: and I will be honest and say it is less defined by that as it would be called a fantasy. The pixies are adorable, both with their names reflecting their personalities, and their activities both centered on the two humans, and their concern for England. Malcolm and Nicola are detailed with care, subject to the typical failures and foibles we all fall prey to. Add in darkness from the history of the time and some trolls – and you have a delightful mélange with something for near every reader. This was a book that once I started to read – I did not want to put it down; I bet you won’t either.… (plus d'informations)