The Prodigal Son: Reluctant Heroes (Zebra Ballad Romance)

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic read! Very highly recommended
Review: Eric and Trelane Grayson are mirror images of one another, identical to virtually everyone with the exception of their mother. When Eric enters the family library from the outside with his convenient stickpin and chances upon the beautiful Belle Kingsley, he can't resist stealing a kiss, little suspecting he holds his brother's fiancée. Near sighted and without her spectacles, Belle does not know that the first sensual kiss she has ever experienced was not delivered by her fiancé, Trelane.

Meanwhile, an argument distracts guests of the Grayson's ball. Belle's father wants Trelane to aid him with his next expedition, one in search of the Holy Grail. But Trelane believes the search to be a pipedream, and will not vote for her father's application. Someone, however, is listening and watching. Later that night Trelane is beaten and left for dead. Now Eric must take his brother's place and find the would-be killer and clear suspicion of Belle's father. Somehow he must also balance his emotions and desires while taking his brother's role as Belle's fiancé. Unfortunately, this woman who values truth and honesty above all else will not take kindly to such a profound a deception, regardless of the motives.

Author Susan Grace once again exhibits her mastery of the historical romance genre with the PRODIGAL SON in a combination of romance, mystery, and suspense. Grace's powerful story telling voice, spirited heroines and lusty men simply grow stronger and more exciting with each novel. Belle exhibits an odd combination of reticence and boldness as she acquiesces so easily to her fiancé's demands to leave behind her spectacles, yet she is an intellectual and world traveler. Like Lady Cat, she thrives upon her brand of adventure and daring. A mercenary, Eric can fight, plan subterfuge, and tread where angels fear, yet he is afraid of the dark. A rich secondary plot adds spice with the free spirited and boldly spoken Paris and Eric's staid brother Trelane.

Readers who adored "Lady Cat" and her wild adventures will welcome her return and will be happy to find her to still be the sparkling, daring woman of her youth. Fans who have not yet discovered the marvelous Destiny's Lady series will find themselves scurrying for the tales leading up to this wonderful new series. All fans will also find themselves eagerly awaiting the second book in the Reluctant Heroes series, THE RUNAWAY DUKE, which will be released in October 2002, when Lady Cat's brother Jonathan Carlisle finds the path to love cannot be denied. Incidentally, the promise of the maturing young India will also have readers casting their eyes to the future and hoping for a third generation of these memorable characters.

Rating:
Summary: Not Susan Grace's best effort
Review: The former review is all inclusive regarding the book and the plot. I obviously differ in the overall quality of the book. If you are new to regency romance, this will be enjoyable. If you're an "old" reader of regency, this will be redundant, same old stuff. The twins sons of Lady Cat (Destiny's lady series is absolutely awesome!!!) have been apart for 18 yrs. One, staid Trelane, stayed home and became a 'staid" barrister while the other, Eric fought for peoples rights in mercenary style. Eric arrives home, unannounced, the night Trelane is nearly murdered. Typical twin plot, Erie assumes Trelane's identity to find the bad guys.....and plays footsies with Trelane's fiancee, Belle.
No surprises in this book. The writing is a bit boring, actually
although the characters are well defined.Since I have read much better by Susan Grace, I expected much better in this book and was disappointed. Strangely enough another thing that annoyed me was the cover. I've reviewed every book I've read during the past 5 years and I admit to one idiosyncrisy. Covers. I hate it when the cover shows a blue eyed blonde and the heroine is a redhead......or the hero is tall, dark and handsome on the cover but short, fat and bald inside the book!! (LOL) The man on this cover is a good looking, impressive noble but he sure doesn't reflect the tough mercenary twin in the book. I would have rather had some "twin" cover reflecting eric and lane's personalities or mirror image differences.....Small point, but part of my rating since I think the cover is an important part of any book...........It's your call.