Suzanne Enoch
Enoch, Suzanne - BY LOVE UNDONE (Avon - 1998) (4)
Suzanne Enoch delivers a whimsical, romantic tale that is sure to delight Regency fans. Madeleine Willits, companion to elderly
Malcolm Bancroft of Langley Hall, is the estranged daughter of
a viscount. Five years earlier, she became an outcast after a stolen kiss created a scandal amongst the ton, ending her engagement and forcing her to flee London. Maddie has lived a fairly happy, although secluded life since then, but she still carries a grudge against the ton for shunning her. That grudge extends to her employer's nephew, Quinlan Bancroft, Lord Warefield, whom she considers to be "the bluest of blue bloods."
When Quin arrives at Langley Hall to oversee the estate during his uncle's illness, he encounters Maddie's defiant spirit. She presents a challenge with her veiled insults and attempts to ridicule him, yet she intrigues him and piques his male interest. Quin can't resist stealing a kiss, but when they are caught in an intimate embrace, he faces Malcolm's anger. The kind old man is quite fond of his companion, and fully aware that his nephew is engaged to be married, he has just cause to be angry. He insists that Quin reintroduce Maddie to London society, under the wing of his influential family, so she can find an eligible gentleman to marry.
Our heroine becomes the unwelcome guest of Quin's parents, the Duke and Duchess of Highbarrow, and the Duchess reluctantly acts as her sponsor. Maddie is miserable, of course, but surprisingly she finds an ally in Quin. He has come to understand and admire her...and now realizes he doesn't want to let her go. Love may be in bloom, but it's not without its thorns. There is the matter of Quin's fiancée (Eloise), which presents a problem, along with his parents' objections to Maddie and the threat of being disinherited. Also, Maddie's former fiancé has been calling on her, eager to pick up where they left off five years ago.
Filled with sparkling dialogue and engaging characters, BY LOVE UNDONE is a real charmer. Just as Maddie's insolence began to wear on my nerves and I wondered if the hero had any backbone, the author shifted gears—Maddie started to mellow and Quin became a much stronger, very likable hero with a mind of his own. The character development was a pleasure to behold as the hero and heroine "found themselves" and realized their love for each other. If you're looking for an entertaining Regency romance, you'll enjoy this lively battle of wits. ~June Folk for Bookbug on the Web
Enoch, Suzanne - LADY ROGUE (Avon - 1997) (3+)
Above-average "female-posing-as-a-male" story with a twist. Kit Brantley's mission is to find out who's foiling her father's smuggling operation. The Earl of Everton sees through Kit's disguise and he's intrigued and smitten. Witty dialogue and wonderfully unique main characters. Refreshing and highly entertaining. ~Kathy G. (kathy@cs.utexas.edu)
Enoch, Suzanne - TAMING RAFE (Avon - 4/99) (4)
What a delightful read! Imagine a hero and heroine possessing intelligence and humor, a villain not too blackly drawn, a plot that doesn't get in the way of a naturally evolving relationship, and no irritating misunderstandings. It doesn't get much better than this Regency historical.
Rafael Bancroft, second son of the Duke of Highbarrow, has traveled to exotic locales around the world, mainly to avoid his older brother Quin's shadow. Bored and in need of funds, he returns to London and manages to win an estate in a card game. Immediately he sets off to Forton Hall in order to arrange for its sale. Little does he know that Nigel Harrington wagered this crumbling, neglected estate right out from under his sisters—his twin, Felicity, and eight-year-old May—who have been desperately trying to hold on to their home.
After she recovers from her shock, Felicity intends to move out as soon as she finds a governess position; but in the meantime, Rafe can't sell Forton Hall until he repairs it, and he can't bring himself to throw Felicity and May out of their home. So as he reconstructs the house, so must he reconstruct his life's dream. Will it include Felicity, who is gathering her courage to leave? And what about the sinister series of accidents that begin to befall them? Not everyone in the neighborhood is thrilled with the progress Rafe is making.
If you're looking for light romance, a not too tortured hero and a sweetly sensible heroine, I heartily recommend TAMING RAFE, which follows BY LOVE UNDONE, Quin's story. Enoch's breezy tone and equal parts wit and sensuality will have you reading the last page with a smile on your face. I know Rafe is the man I'd most want to work on my house! ~Anne Kirby for Bookbug On The Web
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