Amelia Moore has one chance to achieve security for her younger sister Clara. They must go to Lakeshire Park and secure the matrimonial attention of the rich Sir Ronald before the death of their parsimonious stepfather leaves them penniless. Unfortunately, Amelia soon discovers that Peter Wood, another guest is putting forward his own sister as a candidate for Sir Ronald’s hand.
Dismayed by Peter Wood’s flirtatious effrontery, Amelia does her best to match wits with him. But when he attempts to distract her by claiming every afternoon for horse rides and rambles round the estate, she can’t tell what kind of game he is playing. Is it possible that she could be falling for someone who is determined to ruin the happiness of her little sister?
This story had an interesting premise, the hero and heroine both vying for matrimonial prospects for their little sister. Their “meet-cute” in a milliner’s shop, both trying to seize the last pair of ladies’ gloves for their sister’s benefit, was the perfect introduction. In Amelia’s case, Clara’s marriage is a financial necessity, whereas with Peter, he just wants to see his little sister happy.
Throughout the tale, Amelia’s grace amidst trials impresses Peter, and his easy confidence makes her wish desperately that they could have met under different circumstances. The use of parlor games to circumvent some of the more proper manners of the era and bring the protagonists closer together adds some spice to the narrative. Amelia’s backstory about her parents’ own relationship brought an added dimension and tied in well with the climactic ending. This Regency romance from publisher Shadow Mountain’s Proper Romance collection will keep you charmed and entertained.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rosanne E. Lortz 