An Unexpected Gentleman

An Unexpected Gentleman (2011) Alissa Johnson (Haverston Family)

Set in the early 1800s in Scotland

All Adelaide Ward wants is to marry for the security of her family: her sister, her nephew, and (probably) her brother. And if doing that means marrying Baron Robert Maxwell, she is willing to do so.

But Connor Brice wants revenge on Robert, and is willing to do anything to achieve that goal.

My favorite part of this book is George, Adelaide’s nephew.

George shoved the step stool into Connor’s leg and, biscuit caught between his teeth, scrambled his way onto Connor’s lap.

George turned about, nestled his back against Connor’s chest, and went about the messy business of eating his treat.

Connor went very still and stared at the top of George’s head. “Er . . . Is this safe?”

A choking sound came from Isobel. Adelaide forced a bland expression.

“Yes. Small children have been known to sit on a lap or two and emerge from the experience unscathed.”

“Right . . . Right, of course.” He neither sounded nor appeared particularly convinced.

The only whirlwind was George, who strenuously objected to having to bathe and wear Sunday clothes on a Friday and made his displeasure known by leaping out of the tub and streaking about the house while screeching at the top of his lungs like a soapy, irate piglet.

I love it when kids in books are actually kids.

Characters: Connor Brice, Adelaide Ward, Sir Robert Maxwell, George Ward, Isobel Ward, Wolfgang Ward, Graham Sefton, Michael Birch, Gregory O’Malley

Rating: 8.5/10

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