THE WEDDING NIGHT

Author: Barbara Dawson Smith ISBN: 0312928305 4/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Time Period: 1820 March - London and Country

Dear Diary, Four years have passed since the utter humiliation of my wedding night. But it seems like just yesterday that my husband left me--before consummating our marriage. So why, then, do I still harbor feelings for the selfish cad I once adored? Why did my heart quicken when I finally saw him again? I have my own life to lead, and my own secret, romantic novels to write. Samuel Firth has no place in my world. Of course, the only reason Samuel returned to England was to contest my wish for a legal separation. He says he will not grant it--unless I agree to play the role of his wife until his place in Society has been secured. I knew he only married me for my noble name! Yes, I was forced to agree to his sordid scheme. But if he thinks that our bargain grants him access to my bed, then he shall be sorely disappointed. In truth, it shall be quite amusing to lead him on--and then spurn him as he once spurned me! From the private diary of Lady Cassandra Firth

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Barbara Dawson Smith's latest is a continuation of the Kenyon family series, but make no mistake, it's quite good all by itself. THE WEDDING NIGHT is a cute and sexy read with a cocky alpha male. The heroine is pretty sure of herself too, but with good reason. She has been on her own for four years and is accustomed to running her own life. Who could blame her? Her husband left her on their wedding night, no less!

And so begins the cat and mouse game hero Samuel Firth plays with his wife, Lady Cassandra Firth, who, in his humble opinion, should not be a challenge to him since he knows everything there is to know about women *snort*. He is so certain of himself and so devious about plotting to make his wife stay with him after a four year abscence, that you want to smack his handsome face. At the same time you can feel the heat of those blue eyes and you just want to lock him up for your own pleasure.

Lady Cassandra, however, is not in the least bit intimidated by her wayward husband. At least not on the surface. She has too much going on in her life to be concerned with someone that hasn't bothered to come home for four years. She is writing a romance novel, involved in the Hampton Lending Library, and of course, there is that secret admirer to deal with. But Samuel is more of a distraction than she counted on, and despite her mind's protest, her body is more than willing to meet her husband half-way.

There is more passion and sleuthing to THE WEDDING NIGHT than this review reveals. Lots and lots of intrigue and surprises are involved and I wouldn't dream of ruining the secrets driving this novel. I love this type of book—the kind that keeps you guessing who-dun-it and just adds more and more turmoil into the lovers' lives. Until of course, you reach the happy ending!

Shannon Johnson