Okay, so I've been reading a lot. A lot more than usual, what with the traveling and waiting in places! Among the four books I was reading last week, one was a romance novel. Yes. I love those once in a while. I fondly remember those days when my Mom and I haggled over who would read a new book first. I know she would have enjoyed it. Nothing quite like curling up with an easy read every once in a while!
When I was invited by author Erica Ridley to join the blog tour to promote her book "The Major's Faux Fiancee", I said yes.
The Major's Faux Fiancée
When Major Bartholomew Blackpool learns the girl-next-door from his childhood will be forced into an unwanted marriage, he returns home to play her pretend beau. He figures now that he's missing a leg, a faux fiancée is the best an ex-soldier can get. He admires her pluck, but the lady deserves a whole man-and he'll ensure she gets one. Miss Daphne Vaughan hates that crying off will destroy Major Blackpool's chances of finding a real bride. She plots to make him jilt her first. Who cares if it ruins her? She never wanted a husband anyway. But the major is equally determined that she break the engagement. With both of them on their worst behavior, neither expects their fake betrothal to lead to love... My reviewOnce a rake, Major Bartholomew considers himself less than perfect after he loses his leg at war. He returns home without his twin. He mourns for his twin, feeling that he has failed him and his family. He also feels terrible about his twin's love, who is now pregnant with his brother's child. He lives in London as a recluse, refusing to leave his home or visit his parents, or socialize. He receives a letter from his childhood friend, Daphne, a cry for help. She is in the care of her cousin after her father's death. The cousin is the villain of the piece, threatening to throw her in an asylum if she does not marry within a specified time. He already has suitors lined up. Spurred into action, Daphne enlists her friend, Major Bartholomew's help to enter into a fake betrothal that can become void the moment she turns 21 and comes into her inheritance. He agrees to help her and get engaged.
What they don't bargain for is falling in love. But the path of true love has never been easy and a series of events ensues, where we get a glimpse into life in London in the early 1800s. Even though Major B and Daphne are as different as chalk and cheese with Daphne keen on supporting the underprivileged and Major B used to living the good life that the upper class Londoner is used to, they do fall in love with each other. However, they are wary of disclosing it to each other, what with their assumptions blinding them.
Eventually, matters come to a head and an unexpected twist to the tale enables them confess their feelings for each other. Major B still has to get over his sense of inadequacy - he is obsessed with being imperfect without a leg - and when the smart Daphne delivers an ultimatum, he finally gets over it and all is well, with wedding bells ringing.
Set in 1816 in England, The Major's Faux Fiancee is an enjoyable read with all the interesting elements that make a romance novel a page-turner. A feisty heroine, the quintessential tall handsome hero, suitors to make both jealous, friends who play important roles, misunderstandings, steamy scenes, a villain and some unusual twists. I enjoyed the language - very descriptive and delightfully archaic in keeping with the period. The best part was the ending - no, not Daphne and Major Bartholomew getting married - but something absolutely unexpected. No spoiler alerts here, except to watch out for it.
Yes - few things are better than curling up with a romance novel! Even better? There are 5 books in the series and this is the fourth. I love me a series where there are recurring characters.
Not to make you envious - but I have two more books in the series and am looking forward to reading them!
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance review copy of this most enjoyable book!
Buy it on Amazon.com (affiliate link)
♥
The Major's Faux Fiancée is a standalone story in the Dukes of War regency romance series, featuring roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England. The Dukes of War romance books series:Release Date:June 2015
Publisher:Intrepid Reads
Length:300 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
#1 The Viscount's Christmas Temptation
#2 The Earl's Defiant Wallflower
#3 The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress
#4 The Major's Faux Fiancée
#5 The Brigadier's Runaway Bride
Erica Ridley is a USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels. Her latest series, The Dukes of War, features roguish peers and dashing war heroes who return from battle only to be thrust into the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest. Get free stories and 99¢ new releases at http://www.EricaRidley.com/club99. Visit Erica's website at http://www.EricaRidley.com
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