For Bow Street Runner Jackson Pinter, Celia is the more beautiful of the two Sharpe sisters. But being the son of unwed parents, he believes that he is beneath her consideration. His mother explained to him that his father was a nobleman who had married someone of his class then made Jackson’s mother his mistress. He had left Jackson and his mother when Jackson was two. So Jackson has no illusions about society’s regard for marriage, nor did he have much regard for the nobility. As a child, he had been taunted relentlessly because of his birth. His uncle and aunt had taken he and his mother in when she was very ill. Now he has been commissioned by the Sharpe family to look into the supposed murder-suicide of Celia’s parents, in addition to researching Celia’s prospective mates. But this last task is one he is finding very hard to carry out. One thing that makes it so difficult is that Jackson has desired her for years.
Seeing Celia constantly, Jackson is finding it impossible to help her find a husband…not when seeing her with her beaus is making him extremely jealous. As Celia dogs his steps during his investigation, Jackson tries to keep his feelings to himself. But when her memories of the night of her parents’ deaths set Jackson’s investigation off into a new direction, she finds herself in danger. Someone wants her dead, but Jackson is determined to keep her alive, as he realizes that she is the only woman for him. Now can he convince her?
An absolutely delicious tale, A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS is a witty, adventure-filled historical romance that kept me turning the pages, eager to see what happens next. I have read the other books in this series and have looked forward to Celia’s story, which is the fifth book in talented author Sabrina Jeffries’ amazing THE HELLIONS OF HALSTEAD HALL series. It fulfilled all of my expectations. Celia believes that due to her love of guns, everyone else believes that she is a tomboy and incapable of finding someone to marry her. Jackson has his vulnerabilities, believing that he will not fit in Celia’s world because he is illegitimate. Packed with humor, clever banter, interesting characters, a suspense-filled plot, danger, intrigue, romance and true love, this story is a definite keeper. Although I hated to see this series end, Ms. Jeffries’ next novel stars one of Celia’s beaus, the Earl of Devonmont and is due out in November. I cannot wait to read it. This story can be read as a standalone, but I suggest that you read the entire series so that you don’t miss out on any of the enjoyment. I highly recommend A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS. Be sure to get your own copy!
