Coup de Grace

This is one in a series of books of love stories involving friends(Grace, Rafe, Vivian, Tarquin,Jason, Aurelie,etc.) I enjoyed it, but not as much as some others in the series--such as Choice Deceptions). Rafe is heir to a duke in an earlier book, and he is presented as fun-loving and kind-hearted. Before this book begins, he has lost his family to a fire, and has unwillingly become the duke after his father's death. He has known Grace since childhood, being friends with her brother. The loss of his family has embittered him, and he is trying to "drink himself to death." Grace comes back into his life, offering love and laughter. The idea for the plot was good. The only criticism I have is that it seemed too easy for Grace to help Rafe give up the alcohol and return to his life, and there wasn't enough explanation of how she was able to bring him back from his despair. I felt that the book lacked in emotion in that aspect. Rafe really acted like a jerk during most of the book. He rejected his friends, and pushed Grace away. I wish there has been a little more development of the gradual change in his attitude that took place, and it would have been good if he had had a catharsis to let out his pain over the deaths of his family members so that he could let go. The book was pretty good, but I just think it could have been a bit better. I do recommend it--I just don't think it is as good as some of the author's other books.

When Grace runs away from her banishment, she runs into Rafe-the man of her dreams. Unfortunately Rafe is still bitter about his parents' death, and is drinking himself into a stupor daily. So, Grace decides to 'save' him. And she succeeds in getting him to her brother's Christmas celebration. Everything is fine until two thing happen: Rafe kisses her, and his Aunt spills the beans about them having been *alone* together for several days. Will Rafe decide to marry her? Will Grace's father and brothers kill Rafe? These questions are answered splendidly. Grace is one of the best heroines I have read about and truly deserves what she gets.