Nothing But a Rakehell by Deb Marlow

Lord Keswick goes to the country estate of his friend early, abandoning London and all it’s pleasures because of a persistent debutante who is trying to trap him into marriage. Once on his friend’s land, Tenford, he ended up stuck in a mucky swamp. Lady Glory Brightly happened along on her ride, and saved him, and his boots, with the help of her well trained horse, Poppy. It was the start of an unusual friendship.

As people start to arrive from London later that week, and the houseparty starts to gain momentum several ladies try for Keswick, who is at odds with his father and has vowed never to marry while he is alive. Glory was in a horrible accident when a child and has a painful limp when walking. Most people comment on it, tease her about it, or other wise make her feel inferior because of it. But Keswick sees the intelligent, funny, beautiful woman behind the limp and sets out to help build her self confidence.

The debutante ferrets out where Keswick is and claims a family close by, showing up at the houseparty, bringing his father along a day later. Keswick finally tells Glory all his painful secrets so that she understands why he must distance himself from her while his father is near. Glory agrees but also sets other plans in motion to rid him of his father and this young miss.

I loved this book. The passion built beautifully between the our hero and heroine, their friendship was first and slowly deeper feelings layered itself over that. The snarkiness and viciousness of the some of the other ladies made you laugh as they each easily over come usually by their own folly. The turn around in one character that started out vying for Viscount Keswick, to being the first to congratulate them when they come together made tears come to my eyes.

This is must buy and add to your library if you like regencies at all. Come to Greyhouse and enjoy the houseparty of the Season.