The Determined Virgin

Garth Lawton is confused he married Hesper O'Grady because she was being cheated out of her rightful inheritance, but now he finds he is the one facing a passion that seems to follow him everywhere. Little does he know that his wife has the ability to go where ever he goes in her mind. At first she wants to find out how connected they are, then he starts pulling her into his mind. When she finally tells him what is going on he just makes up his mind, it's her with her powers and love or do without her. Garth wants her for life. So he excepts her just as she is. This is the best of the Smithshire books, because finally there is a hero who doesn't want to change who or what Hester is. Also Elizabeth August keeps the young woman in character, not once does she need to be trained, or made into something else to satisfy someone else.

Hesper O'Grady comes storming into to her grand uncle's estate very much afraid she will not get the help she needs.Her stepfather, Peter is trying to illigally conviscate her excess inheritance. She had turned the money left to her into a million dollar fund.Now she needs a husband quick to help gain her inheritance when she turns thirty.Tobias introduces her to his right handman Garth "Raven" Lawton and suggests that they talk to each other. Hesper lays out the general rules she must abide by but tells Garth that she will definitely remain a virgin for the duration of their marriage.She spends time with Garth at Tobias's estate and suddenly things began to happen. She starts visualizing Garth in the shower [just as if she was really there] and stranger still, Garth seems to feel her presence. Oh, Oh, therein lies a secret!We see some sharp wit and great exchanges with Hesper's aunt, Eloise and Grandmama, Jeanette Dupree. Grandmama must approve of Garth or lose her money. The story keeps getting better.Garth carries the meeting off with nonchalance and a bit of backbone when his past is revealed. Hesper is greatly surprised that Garth, though civily polite, is not intimidated by Jeanette.Now we come to the crux of the story - What is Garth going to think and do when he finds out about Hesper's abilities.She wants their marriage to work and so does he. He decides she will be an asset to him in his field of work. [you HAVE got to read it to believe it.] Another great story. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -- start at the beginning - you won't be sorry. All Great Characters.