About the Book:
He waylays her carriage and runs off with her property. Can she keep him from stealing her heart as well?
By day, Reginald Sinclair works in the post office, but by night, he is the increasingly infamous Paladin, the gallant highwayman making young women swoon all over Somerset. With a vendetta against the wealthy that spans both past and present, Reggie's escapades allow him to take justice into his own hands while helping his uncle avoid insolvency.
Joanna Carmichael's father has finally chosen her a husband. While she is not thrilled with her father's selection, Joanna understands it as a business arrangement, something which suits her practicality perfectly. Her father hopes her good sense will exercise a beneficial effect upon her younger sister, Frances, who is regrettably prone to romantics. Frances's preoccupation with reports of the Paladin threaten to overshadow Joanna's coolheaded example, but Joanna is determined to show her sister how foolish and unworthy of admiration the outlaw is.
During their encounter, though, the maddening highwayman takes an item of Joanna's—then has the audacity to send her a letter with instructions on how to recover it, beginning a battle of wills that brings Reggie within reach of the people responsible for his family's ruin and forces Joanna to reconsider the desirability of her business arrangement.
My Review:
The mysterious Paladin was the talk of the town as he not only stole goods, but kisses too! None of this concerns sensible and dependable Joanna Carmichael until one day their paths cross. What ensues makes this a unique and interesting Regency story. The clandestine meetings of the Paladin (Reggie Sinclair) climbing up to Joanna’s bedroom balcony were so romantic, but exciting at the same time, what if they were caught?
The way that facts about Britain’s postal system were used for the plot was well done. I love historical fiction because it makes the past come to life. Ms. Keyes was able to do just that as we go along with Reggie on his routes. Seeing the response of the townsfolk when they received a long-awaited letter was heartwarming.
Sir Leonard Elkins, the obsessed bee enthusiast, was a great side character. His fascination with bees was funny and showed the kindheartedness of Joanna to have encouraged him in his all consuming hobby. He’d have been doomed to a life of unhappiness without Joanna’s intervention.
This is the fifth book in the Sons of Somerset, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, the opening cricket scene would not make much sense. Plus, all of the other books are fantastic! I recommend reading this clean historical romance.
Favorite Quote:
"Mystery is the essence of romance and adventure."
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