THE RELUCTANT
SUITOR |
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
William Morrow
March 2003
ISBN: 0-06-018570-8
Historical Romance |
 |
As a teen, the first romance I can recall reading was
FLAME AND THE FLOWER by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss. I find it an honor to be able to review THE
RELUCTANT SUITOR. Fans of historical romance will most certainly enjoy Ms. Woodiwiss’
latest offering.
As a youth of, at the age of ten and six, Colton Wyndham, seventh Marquess of Randwulf,
balked at his father's announcement that he had pledged then six year-old Adriana Sutton
to Colton. In anger, after adamantly refusing to sign the agreement of courtship and
betrothal, Colton departed, not to return for sixteen years, serving as an officer in the
British army.
Now he’s returned home to claim his rightful place as heir of Randwulf Manor. What
will Colton do when he finds out that an agreement still stands? That he is to court
Adriana for ninety days, with the intent on making a suitable match?
When Lady Adriana Sutton runs headlong into a stunning officer at while dining with her
family at Randwulf Manor, she is immediately impressed by his height and realizes he is
the most handsome man she’s ever seen. Her first impression is quickly singed when
she realizes that it is her childhood friend, Colton, who hurt her many years before.
However, Adriana cannot understand her own heart. Why does Colton raise feelings and
desires never before experienced?
When Colton realizes this is the young lady he snubbed so long ago, he is in utter shock.
She is the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen. He can’t believe this is the
same child! He is in awe! Now, Colton is very attracted to Adriana. She's attracted to
him, but she is reluctant to get too close because of past hurts. Colton is reluctant to
give up his freedom. Yet, he must fulfill the agreement signed by his father and Adriana's
parents during his absence. Does Colton want his freedom more than he wants Adriana? If
so, can he get past the burning love he has for her?
This sets the basis for a very enjoyable story. THE RELUCTANT SUITOR is wonderfully
romantic. Here are two people fighting powerful feelings. However, this is much more than
a story of Colton and Adriana’s courtship. It is also a story with animosity,
jealousy, betrayal and connivery. Adriana has her own share of suitors, and the conduct of
one in particular is the source of many problems. There are moments of sadness, but mostly
moments of joy.
Adriana is not only a beautiful and intelligent woman; she is also generous to a fault. In
some cases this presented problems, because some take that kindness for a weakness. Colton
is a man who knows his own mind. He is a man of honor and principle. He is also a
much-revered hero. It was very easy to attach yourself to these characters, as well as
many of the supporting ones.
I have enjoyed reading THE RELUCTANT SUITOR. Having read it in one day, and staying up all
night to finish it proves that fact.
Reviewed by Robin Taylor for The Road to Romance
August 18, 2003 |
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