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MY REVIEW

Bronwyn Kimbrell is a managing female who likes to solve problems whenever they arise for the people around her. When the aloof Captain Gabriel Marsh leases an estate outside Newford, Bronwyn takes it upon herself to help him find servants, reclaim his garden, and care for his little Portuguese daughter. But the secrets in Gabriel’s past are not something he wants to share with Bronwyn, and despite their growing attraction for each other, it’s possible that even Bronwyn’s friendly sunshine will not be able to shed light on the darkness Gabriel harbors.

This book had a unique and memorable plot blending foreign intrigue with small village gossip. Gabriel’s shame and embarrassment over his first marriage is deftly described, as is Bronwyn’s interfering nature which proves both a strength and a weakness. The family relationships in the book were tender and true: Gabriel’s fierce affection for his daughter was touching, and both Bronwyn’s grandfather and brother demonstrate care and protection.

Throughout the book, Bronwyn learns to harness her effervescent efficiency so that she can serve others in the way they want to be served, and Gabriel learns to overcome his prickly pride enough to let others help and love him. Although Bronwyn is clearly the first to be smitten by her new neighbor, it is delightful to watch Gabriel’s dark broodiness metamorphose into romantic desire and watch his newfound love for Bronwyn crescendo into the final cadence.

I have not yet read the other books in this series, and although many of Bronwyn’s relatives showed up in this story, I probably felt less overwhelmed by them than Gabriel did. In other words, I was able to follow the plot quite well as a standalone novel. Recommended.

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“No one is saying very much that’s useful, to be sure, but there is speculation. It ranges an impressive length–with you as the lost heir to a dukedom at one end and a notorious thief at the other.” Her dark eyes brightened with mischief. “And, of course, there’s the usual speculation of vampirism.”

“Vampirism!” He blinked. “That’s…usual?”

She shrugged. “We are a creative lot.”

***

She tilted her head, considering him, “You’re here…” she mused, “though you don’t seem pleased by the fact. Which leaves me to wonder what, precisely, encouraged you to leave the comfort of your lair.”

He snorted softly. “My lair, Miss Kimbrell?”

She waved a hand between them. “Or whatever vampires call home.”

Leaning close, he said, “Would you believe it’s something more than a craving for blood tonight?”

Chaming the Captain by K. Lyn Smith

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