COMPLETE ABANDON

Author: Cheryl Holt ISBN:031298460X 9/2003 HISTORICAL Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S
Time Period:Regency

NO BARGAIN IS AS ENTICING AS... When Emma Fitzgerald storms the manor home of the new Viscount Wakefield, she feels more than justified fury. Having just inadvertently witnessed His Lordship in scandalous dishabille with his London mistress, her blood pounds with outrage...and with the delicious secrets of his flesh. She has come to demand better treatment for his tenants, to seek some compassion, a shred of decency from this dastardly rake whose reputation for sin and debauchery precedes him. Now, the erotic image of his powerful flesh only heightens her determination to make this wicked rogue accountable for his actions. ONE SEALED WITH A KISS... Certainly no woman has ever dared to take John Clayton to task as though he is a naughty schoolboy, and no woman, especially one as enticing as Emma, ever has refused to be baited by his bold, assessing gaze. Instead she seems to look beneath his skin to see more than a scandalous rake. But this prim and proper vicar's daughter leaves him speechless when she proposes a bargain worthy of his insolence. In return for his kindness to others, she offers herself. Vowing to regain the upper hand, John brazenly sets out to introduce Emma to the art of love—heedless of the consequences to his own heart... Visit Cheryl's website via: http://www.cherylholt.com/

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

National award-Winning Author Cheryl Holt has produced yet another gripping book in the form of COMPLETE ABANDON.

John Clayton is newly appointed to the post of Viscount Wakefield, a position that he doesn't want (he despises it, in fact), or feels that he deserves. His family holdings are perilously close to complete crumble, so he decides to evict some of his long-term tenants who have been failing to keep up with their rent.

Now, throw into this volatile mix the feisty Emma Fitzgerald, the local Vicar's daughter. The culmination of their first meeting is nothing short of hilarious! Emma wants to save the homes of the destitute townsfolk, some of whom have worked for the Wakefield family for over half a century. So, Emma marches up to his estate, bound and determined to help her fellow villagers; she also needs to make Wakefield John see the error of his unfeeling and sinful ways. Bullying her way past Rutherford, the Viscount's long-time Butler, she marches right into Wakefield's study...and Viscount Wakefield can't get her to leave, no matter what he tries to do or say! So, as a sure-fire method of getting her to scurry away with her tail between her legs, he makes Emma a deal that he is sure that she will refuse...she has to sleep with him, one time for each family who gets to stay in their home. But, to his shock, Emma agrees to his terms!

The ensuing sexually-charged banter and chaos is a joy to read...some of the situations that these two find themselves in, of their own making, will keep you riveted to your seat until the last page is turned. Definitely worth the time for fans of good old-fashioned feel good romance to read.

Ms. Holt (who is also a neighbour of mine, living on the Oregon coast), is also the author of three other novels, LOVE LESSONS, TOTAL SURRENDER, and ABSOLUTE PLEASURE. Her novella, "Meg's Secret Admirer", was chosen best novella of 2000.

It will indeed be a real pleasure to read more from this gifted author.

Geni~