A KISS BEFORE DAWN

Author: Kimberly Logan ISBN: 0060792469 12/2005 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Regency England

For one brief moment, Lady Emily Knight knew what heaven was when she shared a soul-searing kiss with her childhood sweetheart, Peter Quick. But a penniless youth schooled in the London streets cannot love a beautiful heiress--so he vanished, leaving Emily heartbroken... Now a formidable Bow Street Runner, Peter returns to hunt down an elusive thief who's been preying on the Oxfordshire wealthy--even though his mission must inevitably reunite him with the sensuous beauty who haunts his dreams and whose taste still lingers on his lips. But as tantalizing embraces enflame their passion once more, will Emily's knowledge of the thief's true identity transform desire into distrust and impassioned lovers into dangerous adversaries?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

I definitely enjoyed this book. Especially the fact that Ms. Logan didn't go for the standard run-of-the-mill characters. Emily is a lady, but certainly not behaving like one at the moment. She's stressed by the situation that she has been forced into and must keep secret.

It only gets worse when Peter shows up. Not only is her secret jeopardized, but her emotions are reeling with uncertainty, hope and even anger.

Peter isn't in a much better state when he feels obligated to return to the estate of Lord Tristan Knight, Emily's older brother. He isn't there socially, but as a professional. A Bow Street Runner, he has made a name for himself and is asked to help with a crime investigation. Peter's own emotions are running amuck much the same as Emily's. The attraction and tension between the two are a distraction. There are unresolved issues between Emily and himself. He'd prefer to leave them that way. Peter sees no way they can be resolved to either one's satisfaction, so it's best to leave it lie.

A KISS BEFORE DAWN is Kimberly Logan's second novel, the follow up to A KISS IN THE DARK. It isn't necessary to read the first in order to understand the second—it stands well on its own—but, if you are able, read them in order. Ms. Logan does an excellent job of recounting the first novel's key events as this second tale unfolds. She didn't waste time telling it all over again, but didn't leave you in the dark. I still found myself wishing I had read A KISS IN THE DARK beforehand, for several reasons.

The simplest reason is, by what is given to establish background in A KISS BEFORE DAWN, the first book sounds like a damned good one.

Another is having the details of Emily and Peter's past, individually and mutual, before reconnecting in this second novel. Don't get me wrong, the story does not lack for having not read the first. Emily and Peter were only secondary characters. But the tension between these two had me making a mental note to see about getting the first book. I wanted details. In my opinion, it would have enhanced an already good story.

I'm certainly not upset having to read and review A KISS BEFORE DAWN. Well-written, I was easily caught up in the story. However, I do feel I have to mention one thing I found distracting, and should also mention that I read an uncorrected proof copy so this may not even appear much in the final copy. That said, it seemed that Emily had a habit of 'looking up through lowered lashes'. It's a habit she seems to break after a few chapters. However, it is mentioned enough that I found myself preoccupied wondering if it's even possible to 'look up through lowered lashes'. I'm sure this phrase has been used by other authors but this was the first time I actually tried to do it. After several attempts, I've decided I can't. I couldn't and others I asked to try, couldn't either. All in good fun, I encourage you to give it a try.

Aside from that one nitpick, this book shows the author's talent as a novelist. I believe we'll be seeing more of this lady and I look forward to it.

Sue Cloud