My True Love

Rating:
Summary: Brilliantly crafted -- Very highly recommended
Review: Lucas Pendleton secured the map of the duke's house from a tavern maid, who assured him that the duke retired to the library after the evening meal. He spent weeks trying to gain a conventional meeting, but his letters went unanswered and his knocks unanswered. Now he intends, with the aid of his brother Matthew, to see that the duke lives up to his obligations to Lucas' family. Surprised by the duke's youth and attractive appearance, it seems odd he would slack his thirst for young women by preying on the innocent. The duke had made Caroline his mistress, and she later died in childbirth. Lucas only came to England from America to confront the duke when he found the letter Caroline had written but never sent. Now Lucas demands recognition for Caroline's young son named Harry. If the duke refuses to acknowledge Harry, Lucas intends to make the scandal public.

Penelope Westmoreland had always been the wealthiest, the prettiest, the most sought after girl, but no longer. The excitement of innocent flirtations and romances is gone. Now when she goes out, people laugh behind her back, whispering about how far she has fallen. At twenty, Penelope is past her prime. She had once been betrothed to the Marquis of Belmont, but the week before their wedding, he married his mistress instead. Finally her father arranged a marriage to a Viscount, who unexpectedly died in an accident.

Now her father has promised Penelope to Edward Simpson, who just turned sixty-three. Though he's bald and obese, he is a powerful and wealthy earl. When Edward tries to take inappropriate liberties in the garden, Penelope calls out for help. Her rescuer remains to assure her safety, even as he should be leaving to certain of his own. He gives he name, a knife to protect her, and a promise to back the next night.

Lucas carefully plans to use Penelope to win the duke's acknowledgement of his nephew. Lucas didn't realize, when he first made his plans, what a palatable, hot, sensual energy would pass between him and Penelope. Lucas is dismayed by his response to the beautiful woman. She was supposed to be the one with the tender response, not him. When he learns Penelope's wedding is moved up to three weeks, Lucas refuses to abandon her to her fate. But Penelope, though she comes away willing, has no idea of the sacrifice she's about to make, or the ways her life will forever change, for the sake of revenge.

Cheryl Holtz pens a strong, yet charming and compelling tale, weaving wonderful secondary characters into her vivid tapestry. With deft skill, she muddies the motives and complicates the lives of her characters, holding the reader's attention rapt with her machinations. This brilliantly crafted romance is Very highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A Well Told Story!
Review: This was a well told story but is lacks the steam of her newer novels. The characters are likeable and the story is well developed.

Penny was a diamond when she first had her come out. Now several years later she is laughed at and gossiped about. See, there have been several plans for her to marry but they have all fallen through. It does not matter that she is the daughter of Duke. She is worthless as a bride.

Lucas is an American who has come to England with his brother and his nephew to seek vengence for the death of his sister. She died in childbirth and they are there to see that young Harry (his nephew) gets what he deserves. Harry's father is Penny's father and Lucas after a chance meeting with the beauty decides that she is the key to bringing the Duke to heel and giving Harry the legitemancy that he deserves. What he does not count on is his feelings for Penny. This causes all kinds of problems. He has made a promise to his sister, but he wants to follow his heart. Can he do both?