Patricia Coughlin - Catherine Coulter - Tracy Cozzens
Coughlin, Patricia - MERELY MARRIED (Bantam - 1998) (4)
In this Regency-era historical, a bad-boy Duke, realizing that grieving widowers are left in peace for a time, decides to escape the insistent pursuit of London's matchmaking mamas by marrying a delirious woman on her deathbed. The trouble is, she doesn't die, and when she recovers she is mighty mad...at least at first. This seamlessly written book, which had me laughing out loud in spots, was also quite romantic and sensual—a difficult blend to achieve. Definitely one of the best historicals I've read this year! ~Elena P.
Coulter, Catherine - DECEPTION, THE (Topaz - 1998) (4+)
In 1815, a vicious Bonapartist blackmails Evangeline de Beauchamps into spying on the English, who holds her beloved peer hostage. She travels to England where she moves into the household of her deceased cousin's spouse Richard Clarendon, the Duke of Portsmouth.
As she plays secret agent, Evangeline falls in love with her host and his son. Richard reciprocates her feelings, but cannot understand why the otherwise giving Evangeline holds back from him. By the time Richard learns the truth, his own son has become a prisoner and a member of his staff has been murdered. Somehow, Richard and Evangeline must find a way to not only stop a spy, but rescue their loved ones before more murders of innocents occur.
THE DECEPTION is an exciting, action-packed Regency romance that brilliantly blends elements of romantic suspense into the sub-genre. The lead protagonists are a warm pair, struggling with external forces that threaten to destroy their happiness. Catherine Coulter demonstrates why her being a New York Times bestselling author was not a deception with this terrific tale that fans of romantic intrigue, as well as Regency readers, should peruse. ~Harriet Klausner
Coulter, Catherine - MAD JACK (Bantam - 1999) (4+)
Setting: London, 1811
Mad Jack isn't mad...or even a Jack, for that matter—she is Winifrede Levering Bascombe, who is fleeing from a cruel stepfather and an arranged marriage. Aided by two elderly and lovable aunts, she becomes their valet; however, her impersonation is soon found out. What follows is a delightful romp with a to-die-for hero, Lord Cliffe, Grayson St. Cyre, who decides he would rather have Mad Jack than Winifrede Levering Bascombe. Since Jack's reputation has been compromised, she and Gray marry; but they are soon haunted by a dark family secret, which jeopardizes their happiness and sends them on a search for the truth.
MAD JACK is vintage Coulter and reminded this reader of her earlier works. The secondary characters include an adorable and very unique little girl who will steal your heart. We are treated to a cat (a Coulter trademark) and a return visit with the Sherbrookes: Douglas, Ryder, and their families, plus Sinjun and Colin Kinross. While the plot is predictable, if you're looking for a "feel good read," this is the book for you. There are good guys, bad guys and wonderful characters aplenty. ~Mary K. (mtknibbesr@aol.com)
Cozzens, Tracy - ONLY IN YOUR ARMS (Zebra - 3/00) (4)
ONLY IN YOUR ARMS is set during the reign of Elizabeth I in the late 1500s. Marcus Sinclair, a commoner and a brilliant actor for Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Company, goes on a personal
quest for his childhood friend, Lord Richard Langsforth.
Richard loves Lady Judith Aston, but she is going to marry another—a lecherous widower whose four wives died under suspicious circumstances. Marcus' mission is to rescue Judith from this dire fate, but she is very reluctant to leave her wedding party. When faced with the proof that her prospective husband is a wicked man and her father actually sold her to him, Judith accepts Marcus' help and escapes on her wedding day.
Then, on the eve of Judith's wedding to Richard, he discovers that Judith and Marcus love each other. No marriage could possibly evolve from such a difference in their stations, but Richard withdraws since she loves someone else. With these two strikes against her, Marcus finally delivers the lady to her vengeful father, who nearly kills the actor for daring to love above his station. Judith nurses him back to health, but finds it hard to distance herself once he is on his feet. Determined to finally separate the pair, Judith's father frames Marcus for murder, knowing he will be executed and forever lost to his daughter.
A novel of twists, turns, and impossible obstacles, ONLY IN YOUR ARMS takes readers on a journey to Shakespearean times to discover true love and compassion. Tracy Cozzens, whose prior books include a science fiction romance and a contemporary love story, is a fairly new star to appear on the romance horizon, and my guess is her talent will continue to shine brightly for a very long time. She believes in true love, and it shows. This is a prime ingredient for a memorable love story, along with wonderful characters, an unusual situation, and a knack for putting readers in the middle of the action. Tracy Cozzens accomplishes this beautifully in her latest effort. ~Vicki Patterson for Bookbug on the Web
Cozzens, Tracy - PRINCE'S BRIDE, THE (Zebra Bouquet - 1999) (4) Nicole Aldridge's uncle thinks she's a natural for the matchmaking job he has in mind for her, considering she's the society editor of the New York magazine The Aristocrats. The job: finding a wife for Prince Rand, heir to the throne of Nicole's native Caldonia, a land steeped in tradition.
Nicole is hesitant. How would she find the right mate for someone destined to rule such a backward country? Of course, the woman must also meet all the Prince's specifications and be of noble birth. Certainly no easy task, but she rises to the challenge.
Prince Rand is being pressured by his father, the King, to find a suitable wife, but none of the women Nicole introduces to him meet with his approval. Realizing she's not even in the running because she has no claim to noble heritage, Nicole must ignore the attraction she feels for Rand...and continue to guard her heart while she searches for the perfect princess for him.
THE PRINCE'S BRIDE is part of the new Bouquet line from Zebra, and in the tradition of the now defunct Bantam Loveswepts, it is pure romance (with a little intrigue thrown in for good measure). Tracy Cozzens offers up a wonderfully fun, sexy, and poignant read for those who enjoy a modern-day fairy tale. ~Beth Coogan for Bookbug on the Web
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