Jason Cummings, Duke of Rayne is feeling the weight of his responsibilities – one of which is to get married. Being the most sought after bachelor in London can be trying, so who can blame him if he seeks refuge from the voracious hordes of young debutantes at the decidedly female-free Historical Society? Female-free, that is, until Winnifred Crane marches up to the door, demanding entrance.
Despite her prowess as a historian, Winn is denied membership to the Society. So she daringly offers an unusual bargain: if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she’ll be granted recognition, fame, and respect. But to do that, she must go abroad. And to go abroad, she must have an escort, even a stubbornly unwilling one…
Jason has no desire to accompany Winn on her adventure across Europe, but even he is not immune to Winn’s passion for her profession. As the journey proves more difficult than planned, they must work together to stay one step ahead of their rivals… and the closer they get to the proof Winn seeks, the closer she and Jason become. But as their adventure turns dangerous, can Jason keep this headstrong bluestocking safe? And what will become of their growing bond when the adventure ends?
Despite her prowess as a historian, Winn is denied membership to the Society. So she daringly offers an unusual bargain: if she can prove the authenticity of a certain painting, she’ll be granted recognition, fame, and respect. But to do that, she must go abroad. And to go abroad, she must have an escort, even a stubbornly unwilling one…
Jason has no desire to accompany Winn on her adventure across Europe, but even he is not immune to Winn’s passion for her profession. As the journey proves more difficult than planned, they must work together to stay one step ahead of their rivals… and the closer they get to the proof Winn seeks, the closer she and Jason become. But as their adventure turns dangerous, can Jason keep this headstrong bluestocking safe? And what will become of their growing bond when the adventure ends?
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Before anyone suggests a tar and feathering, let me just tell you that I really wanted to like this book. Really. I don't read a lot of historicals anymore and after all of the good things I'd heard about Kate Noble I truthfully expected this read to be a slam dunk. I have to admit I'm not sure why it isn't.
In retrospect I'd have to say the biggest thing that turned me off was the timing. As I was reading I never got swept up in the story; instead I found myself checking how much of the book was left or skipping ahead a few pages to figure out what was going to happen next. Jason and Winn are an interesting couple, the both of them trying to negotiate the tricky steps into the next part of their lives, but the characters didn't hold on to me. George was as much of an ass as Noble I think intended him to be, but other than that I was for the pretty ambivalent.
I will say though that since my opinion appears to be in the minority that you should give this a try yourself. You never know what will work for you and this could be a prime example of that.
Overall Feeling - C+/C
Series - 1) Follow My Lead 2) If I Fall
