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Cathy Maxwell has written at least fourteen books published by Avon. With this many titles under her belt, I had high expectations of her writing. Happily I was not disappointed. In TEMPTATION OF A PROPER GOVERNESS, Isabel Halloran is a governess to a young lady, Lillian Wardley. Isabel was hired to prevent her charge from being embroiled in a scandal, as Lillian was known to be promiscuous. She discovers Lillian is not in her bed during a house party. When Isabel locates her, Lillian is naked in the bed of the notorious Michael Severson. Fortunately, Mr. Severson has not yet gone to bed. With the help of the other children’s nanny, Isabel gets Lillian back to her own bedroom and locks her in. When Lillian tells her she deliberately left her bracelet in the gentleman’s bed, Isabel races to prevent a scandal. Instead, she is caught in the room with him by her employer, his wife and the other guests at the house party.
Michael Severson was wrongly accused of murder, and is very angry. He was brought up on charges, but there was insufficient evidence to convict him. He left England for Canada soon after the scandal, and made a great deal of money there. He decided it was time to clear his name, and returned to England. His own brother will not see him, and most of society spurns him. The invitation to the Wardley’s house party gives him a chance to get into the fringes of the ton. The last thing he wants is a wife. But his honor demands that he offer for Isabel.
Isabel Halloran is the by-blow of Lord Elswick, and the half sister of the
man Michael Severson believes murdered his mistress. All her life,
Isabel has sought respectability. Her mother gained it through marriage,
but Isabel’s stepfather never accepted her daughter. When her mother
died, her stepfather encouraged Isabel to make her own way in the world. When Michael offers for her, she agrees because she knows she will not be able to obtain another position after the scandal breaks. And the kisses they shared prior to discovery in his room tantalize her.
The mystery of who killed Aletta, Michael’s mistress, and who is now trying to kill him is intriguing. Michael is engaging, and his motives are understandable. He wants to clear his name, and wants Isabel as entrée to her illegitimate family. The two of them never expected to fall in love. The love scenes are hot and appropriate to the story. I read this book in one sitting, and look forward to devouring all Cathy Maxwell’s books.
Reviewed by Nancy Riggins-Hume
for The Road to Romance
December 30, 2004
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