Jewel of the Ball
Tamara Gill
Historical Regency
He was meant for the Church. She was never meant to tempt him.
Lady Angelica Ravensmere never expected to fall for the wounded gentleman she helped recover—nor that he would be bound for holy orders. Devoted, principled, and determined to turn from the world, Lord Benedict Deverell is everything she should avoid… and everything her heart yearns for.
With Benedict summoned back to London to recover, old temptations resurface. Angelica is preparing for her Season, determined to find a husband and forget the man who broke her heart. But fate—and desire—throw them together once more.
Torn between the path he vowed to follow and the woman he cannot forget, Benedict must face the truth: walking away may have been his greatest sin… and winning her back may demand the ultimate sacrifice.
Uncaged Review: This is the third book in the Heiress series and one that I was eagerly looking forward to! When Lord Benedict Deverell was heading to Wiltshire to see his brother, he was suddenly attacked by highwaymen. Unfortunately, the thieves learn that Benedict is actually in training to be a Catholic priest and has no money. Still, Benedict is shot in the thigh. Luckily, Benedict’s driver spots the Duke of Ravensmere’s home and takes him there. Lady Angelica Ravensmere nurses Benedict and when he sees her he is instantly captivated. As Benedict gets to know Angelica, he can’t help but fall for her. Benedict can’t deny his feelings and desire for Angelica and that he can’t stop wanting her. Angelica also can’t help what she feels and seduces Benedict too. Benedict realizes that in order to be free he must be willing to give up his vocation. Will he be able to before it’s too late?
Just as I think book two is better than I read this book, and it immediately became my favorite. Maybe it’s the slight bit of forbidden taboo element of the main male character’s profession that holds me spellbound and intrigued? Even the extra spicy bits that are sprinkled throughout heighten the danger of getting caught in flagrante delicto, especially since both Benedict and Angelica are intimate in very public places, even with them trying to hide it. Also, do you have to read them in order to be able to understand the story? No, not really, even though you might just want to because of the family. I actually did fall for Benedict’s persona. He wanted to be a morally good person, even though he was tempted and just finally gave in. Angelica was a feisty, fun heroine, but even with the one miscommunication which almost drove them apart, it wasn’t all bad. Do I look forward to the next in the series? Well, of course, I do, but while I wait, I will reread this one again! Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst
5 Stars
