This is 3rd in McNaught's "Sequels Series" (Once and Always, Something Wonderful and Almost Heaven). This one is a Regency era romance and some of it takes place in Scotland—and the hero is a Scot!
It begins as 17-year-old Elizabeth Cameron, Countess of Havenhurst, is in her first season and makes some errors of judgment which, while demonstrating her independence and courage, set her back in the ton's eyes. Caught alone with the handsome rake, Ian Thornton, who isn't even a peer, she is ruined. To his credit, Ian, a known gambler, is willing to marry her, but Elizabeth is too afraid of the perils of gambling that have made her a pauper, and so she rejects his noble offer.
Alone, Elizabeth valiantly holds onto the family estate, Havenhurst, using her ingenuity to provide for the few servants—for two long years. But in an effort to reduce his costs, her uncle decides to marry her off, to any of her former suitors who will take her.
Through the selection process, Elizabeth encounters Ian Thornton once again. This time, however, Ian emerges as a very wealthy man and heir to the Duke of Stanhope, and he is very skeptical of Elizabeth.
McNaught does a superb job of demonstrating the conflict between Elizabeth and Ian. (He is a hunk and who among us wouldn’t love to be with him in a remote hunting lodge in Scotland?) The dialog is witty and very funny at times; the characters are rich and interesting; and the action and sexual tension simmer.
There are a few twists and turns that while improbable did not detract from the wonderful ending. A good read and I recommend it.
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