A CHRISTMAS BABY

Author: Annette Blair ISBN: 0821777696 10/2004 HISTORICAL Publisher: Zebra
Time Period: Regency

A Merry Gentleman... Rocking a cradle is no diversion for a rogue--but the new earl of Blackburne has no choice. Ashbord Blackburne cannot clear his debts or save his family's estates unless he comes into his inheritance, and his grandfather's will makes it perfectly clear that he must marry and produce an heir by year's end--or forfeit a fortune. His choice of bride is most unconventional: Larkin McAdams is an inkeeper's daughter! And His Sweet Lady... Though her clothes are rough, a tender heart beats beneath. Lark has hidden her fondness for Ash for many years, thinking him above her. But now she must say yes. The earl of Blackburne won her--as a consolation prize--in a card game with her father. Ash has promised to educate her well and turn her into a lady fit for his grand house. Yet as Christmas draws near, Lark will teach the earl some lessons of her own...in the ways of love...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Wow!

A CHRISTMAS BABY is, quite simply, terrific...

With a sensational romantic couple, gobs of humor, some touching moments, and loads of sizzling sexual tension (I'll never forget the tree scene), A CHRISTMAS BABY sparkles with a warmth that's impossible to resist.

This story, the fourth in Ms. Blair's Rogue series, oozes charm with a romantic pair I quickly dubbed the "dynamic duo". Ashford Blackburne, the Earl of Blackburne, and Larkin McAdams, the daughter of a sleazy tavern owner, might be social worlds apart but this couple connect on all levels.

Ash and Larkin are the heart and soul of this fast-paced story. Boldly sketched, these two vivid characters are magnetic together. Ash is great hero material. His lazy, roguish charm combined with his patience and kindness toward Larkin packs quite a potent punch. Larkin, a marvelously complex character, is Ash's equal in the punch department. Despite her lowly origins, this former pickpocket is gentle, hopelessly innocent and decidely feisty.

From the hilarious opening scenes to the touching conclusion, A CHRISTMAS BABY lures you in and never lets go. This story has a Cinderella quality that captivated me.

A fascinating couple. A delicious romance.

I look forward to Myles and Hunter's (the last two unattached rogues) stories.

Debbie Jett