MY DARLING CAROLINE

Author: Adele Ashworth ISBN: 9780061905872 2/2010 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON (Reprint)
Time Period: 1815 Regency

No man's darling . . . One by one, Lady Caroline Grayson watched her four sisters celebrate their betrothals, truly sure that marriage was not in her future—and perfectly pleased with that fact. Or so she thought. Brent Ravenscroft, Earl of Weymerth, nearly gave his life for the Crown. He returned to England a hero with no intention of taking a bride, certain his brusque demeanor would intimidate any young ladies drawn to his good looks—or so he thought. Bound by a business transaction, Caroline and Brent begin life as husband and wife. Utterly determined not to fall for each other, they stubbornly ignore the sparks flying between them and keep secrets at every turn. They would resist the lure of love—and the pleasures of the marriage bed—forever . . . or so they thought.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

At first, I was not really into MY DARLING CAROLINE. It appeared stand-offish as well as a bit dry. I am so glad I stuck with it, though, because I am pretty sure it contains one of the most compelling and emotional scenes I have ever read. Believe me, I have read so many books that I've lost count years ago, but the heartbreaking speech the hero gives is one I won't soon forget.

While some may find the premise intriguing, I really noticed the book drawing me in about half the way through. Fraught with tension, twists, and turns, I had no idea where it was going until the end—this book really had me fooled! I am still surprised how dramatic it was and have thought about the solid grip I had on it near the end. I probably could have torn the book in two from the passionate revelations I was reading. Really, really, really, powerful scenes in here.

I debated about giving MY DARLING CAROLINE a Top Pick, but in all fairness I was not moved until I was well into the book, so I am just going to stick to the Four Rose. Regardless of the overall rating, if you are an Ashworth fan, I cannot see you being disappointed. Of course, I may presume too much, but this hero and heroine are not to be missed!

Shannon Johnson