TRUE PRETENSES

Author: Karen Lingefelt ISBN:084395292X 11/2003 HISTORICAL Publisher: DORCHESTER
Time Period: Regency

Serena Langley would do anything to avoid an arranged marriage to the Duke of Fairborough. Nine years ago, the rogue had ruined her family and left for India in disgrace. Now he'd returned to claim her as if nothing had ever happened. So when an arrogant, irresistible new coachman came to work for her, Serena saw the perfect scandalous solution to her dilemma... Christopher "Kit" Woodard was supposed to be Duke of Fairborough--not a servant of the stubborn bride he'd inherited with his title. Yet his daring charade was the only way to meet Serena and convince her of his innocence. But once she'd been tempted into his embrace, Kit would have to risk his reputation, his future, and his heart to learn which man had captured Serena's love--the coachman, the duke...or just Kit Woodard Visit Karen's website at: http://www.karenlingefelt.com/

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Karen Lingefelt's debut novel is a charming regency romp, full of warmth and humor. Ms. Lingefelt also created a dynamic character in her hero, Kit Woodard. This delicious duke is not only true hero material, he's the stuff dreams are made of.

Kit was definitely the glue that holds this story together. The heroine, Serena, was a tad too wishy-washy for my taste, but the hero more than made up for her deficiencies. Serena's tendency to believe the worst of the duke, for example, became tiresome to me. Especially since her source of gossip about the duke was revealed to be less than honest early in the story. But then again, I might be prejudiced. Ms. Lingefelt's portrayal of Kit was so well drawn that any character would pale next to him.

TRUE PRETENSES flows nicely with some nifty twists and turns that keeps the story interesting. Ms. Lingefelt also wrote some truly nasty characters, particularly Kit's cousin, Calvin. I would have loved to have read more of this complex character.

If you like masquerade stories, I highly recommend TRUE PRETENSES.

Debbie Jett