The Marriage Trap

I may be a devout fan of Elizabeth Thornton, but as a reviewer you can rely upon me to give you an honest assessment of what I've read. Well, I'm here to say Thornton's newest book should definitely be on your `buy list' as she welcomes you into her newest Regency-era trilogy with her initial offering focusing on Lord Jack Rigg and his two best friends, Ash, heir to a Marquis; and Brand, born on the wrong side of the blanket and now a renowned newspaper man.Jack had led a carefree life until he inherited an Earldom upon his brother's death, and became the target of all the matchmaking mamas of England. Along with his friend Ash, they fled London for Paris where Jack met the unremarkable lady's companion Ellie Hill. Jack never recognized her as the childhood friend that had at one time both tormented and idolized him so many years ago. Never would he have looked twice at the dowdy companion, but hours later near the infamous Palais Royale, could he believe that the mysterious Madame Aurora, cardsharp virtuoso, he had rescued in a café brawl was the same woman. In the space of hours, their paths had crossed several times where, Jack's impressions went from total disinterest, enchantment, and then a furious rage as he felt he'd been set up!The furthest thing from Ellie Brans-Hill's mind was attempting to trap anyone into marriage, especially her former childhood friend, Jack Riggs. A vicar's daughter, all thoughts of marriage fled her mind years ago and her one goal was to honor a promise to her mother to take care of her brother Robbie. What little money earned as a lady's companion though would not be sufficient to bail Robbie out of his latest peccadillo, thus she had donned the guise of the mysterious Lady Aurora and ventured out to win the money needed to pay off loan sharks threatening her beloved brother. Being rescued by Jack Riggs, would prove to be a godsend when later she would be accused of theft and needed an alibi - but the alibi would cost dearly as it caught them both in a marriage trap!*** In my opinion, nobody does it better in creating fascinating characters, intriguing mystery, and splendid romance as effectively as Thornton. This initial installment in a new trilogy proves without a doubt that she is still a force to be reckoned with in this genre. Her characters are all fresh and well defined and the two leads, Jack and Ellie, played extremely well off of one another. Ellie's set-down to Jack after refusing his insulting offer of marriage was a positively brilliant piece of dialog, that I found totally delightful - I think I actually clapped! This newest trilogy is off to a great start and the insights given of the next two heroes Brand and Ash, will surely whet your appetite for more from this very accomplished author. You won't go wrong in adding this author to your `auto-buy' lists and keeper shelves. - Marilyn, for [...] --

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