Ms. Kendall steams up the Regency romance scene with this hot and passionate story between (what seems to be) a spoiled brat and a hardworking lord. Lady Amelia Bertram is the only daughter of a widowed, workaholic lord so although she gets everything she wants with money, she doesn't get the attention and love she yearns for from her father. Lord Thomas Armstrong was a somewhat impoverished nobleman who, with the help of Lady Amelia's father, has been able to replenish the family's estate, funds, and status..and is very grateful to Amelia's dad for his guidance and generosity.
The problem exists when Amelia's father asks Thomas to look after his daughter while he goes away on a business trip to America, as both hero and heroine did not get off on a very good start. Sparks fly the wrong way when readers first enter the story, but as the two grow to tolerate and love each other, a blazing romance blossooms that is sure to keep readers up until the wee hours of the night/morning, as it did for me!
Readers will initially not like Amelia (who likes spoiled, beautiful brats?), but I'm sure that is the appeal and intention of this book, as Amelia matures in character and more is revealed about her behavior and past. Thomas' attempt to tame the "Princess" is also a very fun read, as there are moments where she admits defeat. The characters are not the usual two-dimensional sort usually found in this genre with the goody-two-shoes heroine and perfect hero.
Although the premise isn't completely unique (in fact, it is somewhat similar to her first book, Sinful Surrender), the writing and development is very entertaining and captivating. I am glad to know that the author is keeping up her writing standards of engrossing and above average historical romances ;) I am most definitely looking forward to her next one!
