Passion and Pleasure in London by Melody Thomas
First line: Temptation came in many forms.
I’ve never read Melody Thomas before this book, but since reading this one, I’ve bought the rest of hers. (Expensive find when you find an author you love.) The intrigue is intense – up to the very last page. The hero and heroine have so much to overcome, even after they’ve declared their love, it’s wrenching.
Our heroine is a thief, but for good cause, of course. A Regency Robinhoodess, so to speak. She steals from the noble and gives to the needy. Her uncle is rich but she lives in a cottage on the edges of the estate. Why does she not live in his home, under his protection? There is a very good reason, I assure you. (You’ll have to read it to find out) The Duke in the area is almost destitute, so the people suffer (the needy).
Our hero, the grandson of the Duke, long lost, I should add, returns, mostly to thumb his nose up to the old geezer. But blood, it turns out, is definitely thicker than water. He finds he cannot just walk away.
When the heroine steals the hero’s purse, he starts after her. But her two protectors (her ten year old brother and his friend) startle his horse. A gun shot is fired. The hero is hit but because of the diversion he is not killed, but very badly hurt.
As I mentioned before, and feel it is worth repeating, the action and suspense are taken to the very last page. I could not put this book down. My advice – Read it.
For: Readers who want suspense, action, tension and love to the very last page. -Kathy Wheeler