Captain Gavin Briggs, the younger son of Viscount Hargrove, was disinherited by his father when he refused to reveal his wartime assignments. The viscount was a gossipy old fool, and Gavin was not about to let good men lose their lives due to his father’s loose lips. Early in his career he had become a rifleman in the army. Soon afterwards, Lord Castlereagh appointed him to a position as a specialized agent for the crown, sometimes seeking information on enemy movements and at times, using his rifle to eliminate threats. Gavin was known for his ability to find people. He had plans to buy a piece of land, retiring and marrying Amelia Winter, his childhood sweetheart. But she married a member of the aristocracy while he was out of the country.
Gavin has been tasked with the duty of finding the Duke of Windermere’s twin granddaughters, Christina and Lily. Once he located the sweet tempered Lily, he set about locating Christina, who was known now as Lady Fairhaven. But the last thing he had expected was that she would shoot him as he approached on horseback. Fortunately, she was aware that she was not Lord Sunderland’s actual daughter. The duke had abandoned his daughter and his two granddaughters years ago. Even with the death of his daughter, his only action had been to make sure his two granddaughters were separated. Then he had forgotten about them. But with the death of his heir, suddenly, he wants to be reunited with them again.
He also had not anticipated that before Lady Fairhaven would return to Windermere with him, he would have to go with her to confront her blackmailer. He still did not know how she managed to maneuver him into going along with her plan. All he wanted was to get her back to her grandfather’s home so he would receive his ten thousand pound fee. Once he received it, there was a manor house and small estate in Hampshire that he intended to buy. As he spent time with Christina, he began to realize that she was quite different from the haughty front she shows society. She made him feel things that no one else did. All he had to do was see her and the sparks began to fly. One night together and Christina began to see a different side to intimacy. Her husband had never fulfilled her the way that Gavin did. Each day she anticipated the next time they would be together. But could she have a future with the younger son of a viscount? Gavin did not like the things he had done in the service and he felt that Christina deserved someone better. Can she make him realize that they belong together?
An entertaining read, BRAZEN is a steamy hot, witty and intriguing historical romance that I hated to see end. Although I did not care for Christina at the beginning of the story, I warmed up to her as her true self came out. She and Gavin made a wonderful couple, beautifully matched. Despite all of the flaws he believed he had due to his past as a sniper in the service, Christina slowly helps him see who he really is. Gavin helps her to see that not all men are like her deceased husband. Brimming with humor, sizzling love scenes, an intriguing plot, clever repartee and tender romance make this story unforgettable. A definite keeper that you will want to read more than once. Although this book can be read as a standalone, I advise starting with SEDUCING THE GOVERNESS, which is Lily’s story and begins Captain Briggs’ hunt for the duke’s granddaughters. Do not miss this delightful tale!
This book was reviewed using a digital galley via Netgalley.com. It’s free for professional readers! Check it out: www.Netgalley.com.
