This is a pretty good book. It's one of the better books I've read with an American in it - unfortunately it seems like good Regency books with Americans are few and far between. Nicholas is a good character - strong, masculine, ruggedly American, and very attractive. Aurora is interesting and well developed, although her stubbornness in admitting her feelings to Nick is a bit annoying. The problem with this book is that while I believed that the lust between them was real, I had trouble believing the love was. They never did anything when they were together except have sex. There was very little time for them to actually create a relationship. The author claims that passion can create love, but I'm not sure I accept this - I think friendship and getting to know a person creates love. But other than that, this is a fairly decent book ( )

e basic plot of this story isn't new; Young aristocratic woman marries a man that is unsuitable for her rank to avoid marriage to an undesirable peer. Aurora is such a young woman. Don't get me wrong she is a brave, intelligent and compassionate person but she has lived with a brutal father and he has promised her to a unyielding man. So when Nicholas Sabine ask her to marry him so his sister will have a guardian she accepts thinking that her marriage will only last one night. My problem is that when Nicholas shows up alive Aurora wants him to pretend that the marriage never happened. She doesn't want a divorce because the scandal it would cause. She never seems to consider that Nicholas wants a heir which he can have as long as Aurora doesn't give him one and won't allow him to find another wife. Aurora has been self to this point but she just won't see that arrangement won't work for either of them. I understand that she wants her independence and a peaceful life but is it fair to condemn Nick to a life without a wife and family. I also understand that this is a way to keep the story going but it irritates me just the same.

Nicholas may not have wanted to get married but he does seem to want to try. I think that he comes to understand Aurora better than she does herself. He has been wild and reckless most of his life. Sailing around the world being a hero to those less fortunate than he. This trait is actually what saves his life. Nicholas promised his father that he would settle down and take over the shipping business that his father nurtured and made successful. He also promised to take care of his mother and his sisters, even a illegitimate one. Nicholas is an honorable, caring and passionate man. He deserves to find someone that will make him happy and give him children. While he might be a rake he seems to be the type that will love his children and make a very good life for his whole family.

While this story hits several plot points that gives me a headache the story is still very good and very compelling. Ms Jordan is a wonderful writer that writes story that are page turners. Her characters are realistic and enjoyable. Her love scenes are steamy and thrilling. The story doesn't have quite as many as the previous story but it fits with the premise of the story. Oh yes, be sure to keep the tissue handy because there are a number of scenes in this book were you will need them. I continue to love this series and highly recommend it to all that like historical romances. ( )

This is a pretty good book. It's one of the better books I've read with an American in it - unfortunately it seems like good Regency books with Americans are few and far between. Nicholas is a good character - strong, masculine, ruggedly American, and very attractive. Aurora is interesting and well developed, although her stubbornness in admitting her feelings to Nick is a bit annoying. The problem with this book is that while I believed that the lust between them was real, I had trouble believing the love was. They never did anything when they were together except have sex. There was very little time for them to actually create a relationship. The author claims that passion can create love, but I'm not sure I accept this - I think friendship and getting to know a person creates love. But other than that, this is a fairly decent book. ( )