Julia London
London, Julia - DEVIL'S LOVE, THE (Dell - 1998) (4)
Setting: England, 1825
When Captain Carrington died and left an unusual will that stipulated a forced marriage, the couple involved had very different viewpoints about matrimony...
Abigail, the Captain's daughter, has loved Michael Ingram all her life. As a child, she continually pestered him while onboard her father's ship, where she lived until the age of nine. After her schooling in Europe, she went to live with her aunt and cousins in America, and her father kept her love for Michael alive by sending her gifts and letters that were supposedly from him. Now she is traveling to England for the marriage of her dreams.
Michael, the Marquis of Darfield, is awaiting her arrival, but his recollections are quite different. As a young man trying to restore the family fortune and honor, he had worked onboard Captain Carrington's ship, where he made every attempt to avoid the little girl who followed him everywhere. Years later he learned that his father was indebted to the Captain, and now their former agreement is forcing him into marriage with Abbie. Not only does he have terrible memories of the little hellion, he is also extremely angry and resentful at being put in this position.
Upon Abbie's arrival, Michael is quite surprised when he is introduced to an incomparable beauty—a charming lady whom everyone loves. He, too, begins to fall under her spell, until something happens that causes him to question his trust in her. It is nearly too late for Michael when tragedy strikes and makes him realize he cannot live without Abbie and her love for him. But her trust has been broken...as well as her heart, and she is not willing to just forgive and forget and open herself up to hurt again.
In summary, I thought Michael's character was a bit too nasty for too long, but he does redeem himself and become a loving, caring husband. THE DEVIL'S LOVE has a lot of interesting characters and conflicts, as well as subtle humor and sensuality that will entertain readers. ~Carol Carter for Bookbug on the Web
London, Julia - WICKED ANGEL (Dell - 1999) (5)
Setting: Regency England
Lauren Hill's uncle had forced her into marriage with an elderly Bavarian baron in order to gain funds to support his lifestyle and repair the failing estate of Rosewood. When Baron Bergen died before consummation of the marriage could take place, the baron's nephew, Mangus, came raging onto the scene. Much to the dismay of the greedy uncle, Lauren left the baron's entire estate to Mangus because she did not honor the betrothal agreement
to produce an heir.
Lauren is escorted back to England by her younger brother and is appalled when she sees the rundown condition of her home. She immediately makes plans to restore Rosewood, beginning by boarding the unwanted orphans she treasures, and planting crops that will be traded for additional food and services. One day while attempting to get her pig, Lucy, out of the pumpkin patch before it is completely ruined, Lauren faces an angry animal that is about to charge. In an effort to calm the pig, she begins to sing a song from a Shakespearean play; but when a stranger suddenly appears, the pig is distracted and resumes its charge. As Lauren hurdles over the fence to safety, she knocks the man to the ground—then gives him a piece of her mind for interfering!
The stranger is Alex Christian, otherwise known as the Duke of Sutherland—a fact he does not share. Alex, the second son of a wealthy family, had lived the life of a carefree adventurer until the unexpected death of his older brother. Now, burdened with family responsibilities, as well as being an important political figure, he finds himself betrothed out of necessity to produce an heir. To escape the endless discussions concerning preparations for the "wedding of the century," he retreated to his hunting estate. Tracking a deer for three days led him to the surprising meeting with Lauren.
Using one excuse or another, Alex begins stopping by Rosewood for visits with the woman he deems an angel, and a strong attraction develops between them. After three weeks, however, he must return to his responsibilities in London. Alex leaves, never knowing this country girl is a widowed Countess. Lauren is later coerced into a Season in London by her uncle, who demands that she find another wealthy husband. She is shocked when introduced to the Duke of Sutherland—who is none other than Alex Christian, the country gentleman who won her heart. By his side is the beautiful and sophisticated Marlaine, his betrothed.
Add an interesting cast of secondary characters to the story, including Baron Mangus Bergen (who vows to marry and take Lauren back to Bavaria), and Michael and Abbie from Ms. London's DEVIL'S LOVE, and you are quickly turning the pages until the end. WICKED ANGEL is a delightful Regency romance that will have you wishing for another story about the Christian family. With this title promising to be well received, following her successful debut, Julia London appears to be an author on the rise! ~Carol Carter for Bookbug on the Web
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