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abkeller
Feb 23, 2013abkeller rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
A horrific event forces Lord Julian Delbraith to make a terrible decision, one in which he will sacrifice himself for the greater good of his family. Gone is his former self, his life of comfort and noble decadence. In its place arises a man of danger and intrigue, a seemingly ruthless opportunist praying upon the gambling weaknesses of men. Miranda Clifford is a captive to the life her aunts decreed for her, one of rigid respectability and the fear that their true origins might be discovered. Their fortune came from trade and no former wealth from titles and magnificent holdings in the countryside. Her neighbor, Neville Roscoe, is a danger Miranda can scarcely afford – or as it happens, ignore. Following her brother Roderick to Roscoe’s, Miranda is determined to halt his gambling excesses. Instead, she finds her brother engaged in a plan to aid the poor and Miranda is mortified when Neville Roscoe himself discovers her hiding in his home. Unfortunately, Roderick suddenly disappears and Miranda can think of no one better to track the kidnappers than Roscoe. Over the next several weeks, Miranda comes to know herself and Neville much better. Even though she is now in her upper twenties, she suddenly realizes she is quite capable of directing her own destiny. She has choices to make, difficult ones that can affect the futures of her family and Roscoe’s, as well. Unfortunately, a dangerous man lurks in the background, ready to strike at Roderick and his sister in a desperate attempt to save himself. As the suspense mounts, it remains anyone’s guess whether Roscoe can locate the mysterious Kirkwell before it’s too late to save Roderick and the lovely creature who may hold the keys to his heart. This was an outstanding novel. Historically accurate, passionate and mysterious, this story held me riveted to the very last word.