A PERFECT BRIDE

Author: Samantha James ISBN: 0060006617 8/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: Avon
Time Period: Spring 1815 England

Devon St. James must surely be dreaming!  She closes her eyes in London’s poorest slum, and awakens wrapped in fine linens…staring into the eyes of the most gorgeous man she has ever seen! Sebastian Sterling, Marquess of Thurston, is clearly shocked to have a girl from the streets in his bed, though the heat of the desire burning in his gaze is unmistakable.  But if he believes Devon will easily submit, he is quite mistaken! What the devil has he done? It’s bad enough their family is already mired in scandal, now Sebastian has to deal with the exquisite young beauty in rags he had impetuously carried into his home! Worse still, the lady is driving the serious, responsible marquess to distraction with her fiery spirit and breathtaking sensuality.  But perhaps, just perhaps, with some of Sebastian’s private schooling, this low-born enchantress can learn refinement and manners – and be miraculously transformed from merely his passionate obsession into…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Samantha James normally writes books that you look forward to reading. You know there will be a romance to envy between the cover. Her latest book, A PERFECT BRIDE, has those qualities, and more.

I admire the spunk and craftiness the orphaned heroine, Devon St. James, displays despite her awful inclination to cry. She reminds me of myself during a certain week of the month. I suppose if I had to deal with the trials and tribulations Devon has, then I might become a waterspout myself.

The hero, Sebastian Sterling, the marquess of Thurston, seems to handle beautiful Devon's tears and sometimes difficult nature surprisingly well. Since he is described as being stuffy and, well, a marquess with a less than perfect childhood, I am not sure how he manages it.

Together, Sebastian and Devon muddle through the same situations you would expect a street urchin running from a cutthroat and a duty bound marquess to go through. As they weave their story, the plot (and sub-plot I guess) become predictable. That does not necessarily lessen the books appeal, it simply makes the reader happy before they finish.

Shannon Johnson