Barbara’s rating: 3.75/4 of 5 stars

Series: Lost Heirs #2
Publication Date: Re-release date 10/14/19 (Original release 7/24/07)
Number of Pages: 379
** 3.75 Stars Rounded up to 4 **

I haven’t read the first book in this series, but I’m definitely looking forward to the third since this one was delightful. It was well written and had well-developed and relatable characters. I liked both the hero and the heroine as well as the supporting characters. The villain didn’t get his punishment in this book, but I’m sure it is coming in the next – can’t wait.

Marianne Cotterwood has lead a very unique life. She was dropped off at a very austere orphanage at the age of five and was given the name of Mary Chilton. She was terrified, but soon made a friend, Winny, who would remain with her through her life. Her life wasn’t easy and she tried to work at an honest job, but when she was turned out without a character reference, she had to find other ways to support herself. Luckily, she was saved by a pair of thieves and they all soon formed a family of sorts.

It was Marianne’s job to attend the fancy parties and check out all of the valuables and the safe. Days or weeks later, the others would break into the house and rob it – using the information Marianne had gathered. That is how she came to meet Lord Lambeth – he caught her checking out his friend’s home – and he confronted her about it.

Lambeth wants to make Marianne his mistress, but she’ll have none of it. She intrigues him because she isn’t at all impressed by his riches or titles. Turns out, he’s pretty hard to discourage.

Winny gets word from a maid who still works at their former place of employment that two different men had been around to the house asking about Mary Chilton. Why would anyone be looking for her – Marianne hadn’t used the name Mary Chilton in ten years – since she was turned out. Then, strange things begin to happen. Are they accidents? Who could wish any harm to Marianne?

It is a fun read, but – I had to do some calculating to try to figure out the time period – 22 years after the French Revolution, it had to be the Regency period. It was never plainly spelled out and given some of the clothing references, I had to wonder. There is a section where the heroine unbuttons the hero’s shirt and runs her hands over his chest – except – in that period, the man’s shirt was pulled on over the head and only had three or four buttons at the neckline. Also mentioned is the heroine wearing pantaloons and ‘undergarments’ that got in their way. However, during the Regency period, ladies didn’t wear undergarments of that type – they went commando. However, the light-skirts did wear them.  I guess I just like to see a date of some sort 🙂

If you are looking for a quick, fun read, this is the book for you.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.