The Bride Says No

February 15, 2014

A public jilting is more than wealthy, arrogant Blake Stephens can stand. When his fiancee, Lady Tara Davidson, flees to Scotland three days before the wedding, Blake sets off to bring her back. But although Tara eventually agrees to the marriage (even though she secretly loves another), it's not Tara who ends up capturing his heart but Tara's divorced and disgraced older sister, Lady Aileen. Aileen fascinates Blake as no other woman has before, creating a dilemma he'd never envisioned. A delightful supporting cast, solid Regency country detail, and insightful character development just add to the fun. VERDICT With humor, grace, and a breezy, refreshing style, Maxwell puts a spirited spin on a classic plot that is guaranteed to please her fans. Maxwell (The Devil's Heart) lives in Virginia.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2014
Lady Aileen is in disgrace at her Scotland family estate after her divorce from an abusive husband and the scandal of an adultery trial. Her half sister, Tara, also runs back home after jilting her fianc', Blake Stephens. Tara thinks she is in love with a local farrier and feels as if her father is selling her to the highest bidder to pay off his gambling debts. But Blake comes after her to save them both from the scandal. What he finds instead is love with Aileen. Blake, Aileen, and Tara are all well-developed characters in this Regency romance as they sort out their feelings and place in society. A last-minute wedding surprise adds to a satisfying ending. Maxwell brings great family dynamics, along with an appealing and sensual love story, to this historical charmer. Fans of Jayne Fresina's similarly smart and independent heroines will enjoy Maxwell's romance, and all readers will look forward to Tara's story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)