The Game of Love

Rating:
Summary: Best characterizations and motivations
Review: "A Game of Love" demonstrates Ms. Layton's superb talent for characterization, motivation, and realistic romantic leads.

Francesca is about as down on her luck as it is possible to be: her father has grand dreams but no luck at the gaming table, she is stuck in France with no way to get back to England, and her continued employment (with one of the nastier families in romantic fiction) depends on her ability to turn a blind eye to their scheming and her successful impersonation of a respectable widow.

Arden Lyons (the "Lion" from the first book in the series) wants to put 32 years of history behind him and settle down as a member of the landed gentry. Unfortunately for him, he finds that in light of his very bad past he has qualms about marrying a good woman.

This romance is sweet and satisfying from beginning to end, as Francesca and Arden determine whether their initial attraction can survive the truth. Just when it seems that no barrier can keep them apart, Francesca's "dead husband" reappears, very much alive...