Rating: 
Summary: Lies and deceit, but it all works out in the end
Review: Holly has chosen quite a complex issue here. In addition to being a tale of romantic love between man and woman, the book touches on the love of an elder brother for the younger, and the issue of homosexuality in the Regency period. Edward Burbrooke thinks that marriage is the answer for his brother Freddie, to save Freddie from scandal following recent exploits (the footman, no less! Shock, horror). Edward truly loves his brother and does not want Freddie's life in society to be ruined by his exploits, so he looks for the most sweet and innocent woman he can find to save his brother's reputation. Enter Florence Fairleigh, a vicars daughter, newly arrived in London, all alone in the world and in something approaching desperate circumstances. Although feeling some guilt in the manipulation, Edward sets out to ensure that Florence will marry his brother and save them all. And as Freddie and Florence soon become engaged, the plan seems to be working. Except that really, none of the three want this, and the situation is about to get very out of hand. Attractions ignite into something more (for all three). Then Florence finds out what Edward's plan was all along...The themes of brotherly love of Edward and Freddie with it's subtext of protection, and repression of sexuality in Regency times are both handled with sympathy by Holly. All three of the central characters here grow, make decisions - good or bad - and live with the repercussions of those decisions. It's not a life changing book, but there are some interesting issues explored. And it's unusual in that Freddie has almost as large a part to play in the text as Edward and Florence. Steamy, fun, sensitive, sad - for a `simple' romantic tale, there's a lot to recommend itself in this book.
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