WHAT A LADY WANTS

Author: Victoria Alexander ISBN: 0060882638 2/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: England 1854

One bachelor down . . . three more to go. Four most desirable gentlemen have wagered one shilling apiece and a bottle of cognac that will go to the last unmarried man standing . . . Nigel Cavendish knows he'll marry one day, but hopefully that day is many years—and many women—in the future! Until then, the handsome, unrepentant rake intends to enjoy life's pleasures to the fullest! From the moment Lady Felicity Melville spies the adventurous scoundrel climbing from a neighbor's window—with his comely conquest's husband in hot pursuit—she knows Nigel is the answer to her prayers . . . with a little reformation, of course! Felicity craves excitement and who in all of London is more exciting than the infamous Mr. Cavendish? So what's a girl to do but hatch a scheme to win what she so fervently desires. But her plan works too well when a game of chance and an errant pistol shot abruptly make them husband and wife—but in a way neither wanted. Now Felicity has to prove to her wayward husband that she's the only woman he could ever want . . . or need!

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

This is the second book of a four book series, and definitely my favorite of the two now currently published. The basis of the series is a wager made by four handsome eligible lords on who will be the last of them to remain unmarried. In the previous novel we read of the downfall, as you will, of Lord Warton, and now we move on to Lord Nigel Cavendish.

Nigel is the real rake of the four men. His bedroom escapades are well known throughout the ton. He is envied by men and highly sought after by the ladies. However, Nigel doesn't dally with just any kind of lady. He prefers the married ones who have an "arrangement" of sorts with their husbands. Therefore, he doesn't have to worry about any of these women looking for something of a more permanent nature with him. During one of his assignations, Nigel finds himself caught in the bedroom of one such lady by a husband who does not seem to be aware of this arrangement he supposedly has with his wife. And when Nigel runs into a neighbor's garden, he encounters a beautiful young girl who helps him escape instead of sending out a shout of alarm.

Lady Felicity Melville at twenty-three, finds herself starting on her sixth—well, fifth—season, being that she was traveling abroad during last year's season with no prospects for marriage. She is not usually known for fanciful notions, but she finds herself wishing upon a star for a man who will make the rest of her days an adventure. Of course, the old saying, "Be careful what you wish for," immediately comes to mind, as moments after this wish Nigel Cavendish drops from her neighbor's balcony into her garden.

When Nigel discovers the enchanting young girl who came to his rescue is actually a young lady of 23, he cannot resist in seeking an introduction to her. Once he meets her again, he finds it difficult to resist her all the more.

Felicity is ready for marriage and she is sure Nigel is the husband for her. Nigel is definitely not ready for marriage and he knows Felicity is not the kind of lady a man of his ilk should ever dally with. Let the games begin! With the help of Nigel's twin sister, Madeline, it doesn't seem Nigel stands a chance! However, the ladies soon learn Nigel is not so easily conquered.

These characters are funny, intelligent, and engaging. Ms. Alexander makes this battle of the sexes loads of fun to watch. Her writing style is always witty, funny, and generally lighthearted. The love scenes are sensual, and the emotions intense. If you are looking for a book with a deep plot or suspenseful back story, this one is not for you. But if you would like to immerse yourself into a beautiful, tender and entertaining love story, grab yourself a copy of WHAT A LADY WANTS and enjoy! Look for the next book in the series this coming October. Happy reading!

Deana Monteleone