The blurb:
By day Alison Fox was the proper companion of wealthy Lady Edith Brent. By night, however, the vicar’s daughter became Lissa Reynard, who frequented London’s gambling houses—and won considerable fortunes from the titled ton. Very few knew of this double identity—until Lady Edith’s nephew, the Earl of Marchford, decided to investigate. Then Alison had even more secrets to keep…
Written by: Anne Barbour
First published: 1995. E-book published 2012
First Encounters
We first meet Anthony Brent, the Earl of Marchford, on his way to save his wealthy aunt from her companion who is apparently going to get a sizeable bequest from said aunt. There’s a hint of mystery here – he’s looking for an adventuress (other than the one residing with his aunt); will he find her and why is he looking for her?
Miss Alison Fox makes her way onto the stage when she runs after a dog and nearly ends up under the hooves of Marchford’s horses. (I will never understand how heroines just don’t see massive four legged horses – they’ve always been very obvious to me!)
What did I like about the book?
I liked everything about this book. I could see why Alison let the Misunderstanding go for as long as she did; I could sympathise with her dilemma with the villain; I loved that we got Anthony’s POV and that the women in the book were all supportive of each other – no nasty mothers or spoilt beauties here!
And I liked Anthony’s character growth. Although he’s not a ‘beta’ hero he’s also not your typical ‘alpha/ahole’ – he’s able to acknowledge his errors and learn from them. In fact, just as Alison does.
What did I not like about the book?
This is a really minor thing but there were some spelling errors and typos – probably as a result of the change from print to e-book – which just drew me out of the story on occasion.
How did I feel at the end?
That’s really the important thing isn’t it? Did I feel the HEA was right? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?
I was definitely left with a warm and fuzzy feeling here. The HEA was done beautifully in my opinion and I’d definitely re-read.
And in fact, this book is ridiculously cheap at the moment. Depending on what country you’re in it could be less than a dollar! (yep, that’s the case even for us Aussies!). So if you’re looking for a not-too-stupid heroine with a bit of a past and a hero who can learn to forgive, then jump onto your favourite book platform (three links provide under the cover image!) and download A Dangerous Charade today.