Secrets of a Proper Lady

August 27, 2007
Lady Cordelia Bannister, Lord Marsham's youngest daughter, is a self-assured Victorian woman who writes articles about her extensive travels for ladies' magazines. Still single at 25, even Cordelia admits that too much independence isn't a good thing, but when her father engages Cordelia to a wealthy American, Daniel Sinclair, a man she's never met, Cordelia is furious. Determined to do what is best for her family, Cordelia sets out with her cousin to learn more about Daniel. When she comes upon a man in the park claiming to be Daniel's secretary, she assumes a false name to gather information, not realizing he's actually Daniel. Cordelia quickly finds herself falling for the handsome American, and he with her. Mistaken identities securely in place, Alexander has a fine time orchestrating the sparkling battle of wits between them. The leads make a superb match, bringing to mind classic sparring partners like Katharina and Petruchio or Bogie and Bacall; readers will be too amused by them to care that the supporting characters are a bit stunted. While there is no serious tension, Alexander knows what her romance readers want—charming characters, sharp banter, missed connections and a happy ending—and delivers with gusto.

Starred review from October 15, 2007
Dismayed when she is informed that for the good of the family she must consider marriage to Daniel Sinclair, a wealthy American developer she has never met, Lady Cordelia Bannister takes matters into her own hands. Pretending to be Sarah, her companion, Cordelia contrives to meet Sinclair's secretary, Warren Lewis, in order to learn more about her potential husband. But the fascinating man she meets is actually Daniel pretending to be Warrenthus setting the stage for a rare double charade that entangles a delightful pair in its coils and is as charming as it is funny. Readers will savor the brilliant repartee that sizzles between this marriage-averse hero with a piratical air and the intelligent, outspoken heroine as they banter their way toward the perfect matchand the results of their dual deceptions. Third in the "Last Man Standing" quartet and with links to the ebook novella "Lady Amelia's Secret Lover" (see Xpress Reviews, 9/25/07), Alexander's latest gem is a winner that will leave readers waiting for the finale. Alexander ("What a Lady Wants") lives in Omaha.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.