BEDDING THE HEIRESS

Author: Cathy Maxwell ISBN: 0061121800 4/2007 HSTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: 1807

When a loathsome rake steals one of her most cherished family heirlooms—and nearly her virtue as well!—Francesca Dunroy devises the perfect plan to put him in his place. At a ball being held in her honor—she didn't "take" in her first season, now her family is determined to get her a match in her second—she'll offer him a clandestine kiss sure to convince him to return what is rightfully hers. But in the dark hallways surrounding the ballroom, Francesca makes a terrifying mistake. She seduces the wrong man! The recipient of Francesca's caresses is none other than Justin Maddox, London's newly titled duke and most eligible bachelor. A defiant Scotsman who disdains London society, he's sworn to steer clear of the ladies of the ton, but he can't escape the memory of Francesca urgently pressing her lips upon his ...and neither can she. But when a shocking and dangerous secret from Justin's past resurfaces, the couple will have to risk tattered reputations and treacherous enemies to nurture what has quickly become true love.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

BEDDING THE HEIRESS is definitely one of my top ten for the year! I love everything about this book! Francesca is beautiful and always seems to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and Colster is just... well, everything—gorgeous, rebellious, and arrogant. He is the perfect hero for Francesca, always thinking that he can save her, even from herself.

Justin and Francesca's romance is beautiful and passionate, giving me goose bumps along the way. They are both very misunderstood by other people, but somehow they manage to understand one another, right down to the most basic of things. This is one aspect that truly made the book for me. I love how Francesca can see through all of Justin's blustering right down to the heart of the man. Sure, she gets good and ticked off a few times, but that is the joy of love, isn't it?

My favorite scene in the entire book is when Francesca and Justin have barely met and she ends up in his apartment. Well, angry to be there against her will, she starts throwing things at him. Justin is so funny in this instance because he simply cannot believe that anyone would throw his own belongings at him, and he doesn't really take action until she hits him in the head with a book! Then the sparks start to fly—and fly they do! Francesca is a scrapper when she needs to be and most of their "disagreements" end with Justin reminding her who the man in the relationship is... and Francesca eagerly agreeing with him!

I am always astounded by how I fall into Cathy Maxwell's books and don't want to climb back out. The dynamics between characters and the development of their personalities is perfect. She has outdone herself with Justin and Francesca's story, and I just know that romance readers will love this sequel to IN THE BED OF A DUKE.

Kristal Gorman