Elise Lanscarr is furious—her very own sister has married the man Elise had marked for herself. Feeling betrayed, she flees London, determined to return to the one place where everything was once as it should be: her family home in Ireland. But when her stagecoach crashes in a storm, she finds herself cast adrift in the wilds with no one to help but a rough-looking, albeit handsome, stranger—one who has obviously never been informed of the “proper” rules of society.
Christopher Fitzhugh-Cox, the missing Duke of Winderton, has fled all responsibility, preferring the persona of the devil-may-care rake “Kit.” He proudly lives hand-to-mouth, rubbing shoulders with commoners and thieves alike. But while he values his freedom, he’s never been one to leave a lady in trouble—even one as opinionated, albeit intriguing, as Elise.
But this night of booming thunder and flashing lightning is just the beginning of an unexpected, often dangerous, adventure. And two disillusioned souls who have been caught up in their own webs of expectations and disappointments are about to learn that life always holds surprises, and gifts. And all it asks in return is that they risk everything for Love . . .
PJ's Thoughts:
Okay, I'll admit, I wasn't looking forward to reading this book. After reading A Kiss in the Moonlight (Michael and Dara), book one of The Gambler's Daughters series, I was fed up with Elise and didn't much care what happened to her. I felt much the same about the Duke of Winderton after reading His Secret Mistress (Brandon and Kate), book one of the A Logical Man's Guide to Dangerous Women series. So then, how did these two unlikeable characters end up being one of my favorite couples? It's all due to the authorial excellence of their creator, Cathy Maxwell.
First of all, I adore a good road romance and One Dangerous Night is among my favorites. Elise needed to be taken away from her comfort zone and challenged in order to grow. Kit also needed growth from the spoiled, entitled man-boy he was when first introduced in His Secret Mistress. The obstacles faced in their journey offered both exactly what was needed to evolve individually as well as bond as a couple. I loved watching them slowly adapt, change, and grow through the adventures that awaited them. Some were filled with humor, others with danger, and one in particular, for Elise, with heartbreaking emotion.
I loved the steam between Elise and Kit, the adventure, the dog (especially the dog), and the gradual bond that slowly deepened into much more. I appreciated the way in which their family complications were addressed. There were amends that needed to be made for both and I was satisfied in the ways in which that was accomplished. In the end, I found myself firmly in the corners of two individuals I had heartily disliked, cheering them on to a happily ever after as a couple and as families.
One Dangerous Night can stand well on its own but for a complete understanding of the events that brought Elise and Kit to where they are at the beginning of this book, I would encourage you to read both His Secret Mistress and A Kiss in the Moonlight.
Have you read Cathy Maxwell?
Do you enjoy redemption romances?
Are there any secondary characters you'd like to see get their own book?
One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, March 30 will receive a print copy of One Dangerous Night.
*U.S. only
*Must be 18
I have not read any books by Ms Maxwell. I am a reader of character driven stories, so redemption would be fine with me. In fact, in life, redemption is always a good thing too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review.
I always enjoy Cathy Maxwell's books. Redemption stories are great when they are well done, so I am usually willing to give the characters a chance. ;-) When you asked about secondary characters getting their own story, my mind went straight to Eloisa James's Lady Knowe the all knowing aunt to the Wildes.
ReplyDeleteYes I have read some of her books. I love to win this book, sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe I have read any of her books yet. I have enjoyed redemption stories if they are handled well. This one sounds intriguing.
ReplyDeleteCathy Maxwell's novels are captivating. Redemption is always a favorite of mine since it is meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI have read Cathy Maxwell and enjoy her books. I enjoy road trip romances, so this one sounds like it fits nicely. It is rewarding to watch characters who have behaved poorly grow and mature. It is easy to cheer for a someone who was lacking in character and has finally redeemed themselves becoming a better person. Almost every book I read has characters I would like to know more about and would like to read their story.
ReplyDeleteI definitely love redemption romances--I love seeing that everyone deserves a second chance. And I have read maybe one or two of Cathy Maxwell's stories. I have others on the TBR, and this one sounds terrific!
ReplyDelete--flchen1