Never Less Than a Lady

Starred review from April 15, 2010
Arriving in rural Hartley just in time to rescue midwife Julia Bancroft from a band of kidnap-minded thugs, Maj. Alex Randall quickly realizes that the only way he can keep Julia safe is by marrying her. Fortunately, that's exactly what he's wanted to do since he met her, and Julia, although wary after a brutal first marriage, reluctantly agrees. Alex's gentle patience soon wins Julia's trust, but as Julia's heritage comes to light, Alex is the one who wonders if their marriage will last. VERDICT Delightful, well-conceived secondary characters, including a particularly difficult earl and a take-charge, no-nonsense duchess, add humor and depth to a fascinating story that is more complex than most. Cleverly plotted, stirring, and flawlessly written. Putney ("Loving a Lost Lord") lives in Baltimore.

Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2010
Randall may have saved her life, but that doesnt mean Julia Raines is going to marry him. Eventually, though, reason wins out once Julia realizes she can no longer continuing living her life as Mrs. Bancroft, country midwife, now that her former father-in-law, Lord Daventry, has discovered her new identity. The only way Julia can escape Lord Daventrys wrath is by accepting Randalls proposal, but marrying Randall brings its own set of complications. Years of serving as a major in the British army have given Randall the training needed to see a mission successfully through to the end, and now he is going to need all those skills in order to convince Julia that they belong together. The second intensely emotional, lushly sensual addition in Putneys Lost Lords series is rich in complex, realistically complicated characters, expertly spiced with intrigue, and infused with a wickedly subtle wit.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)