How to Seduce a Bride

While this is not my favorite Layton novel, it is still a very good read, primarily because of the delicious male protagonist. He manages to be both manly and sensitive and behaves just as a hero ought. Granted, the heroine is a little single-minded in her pursuit of a "safe" older man, but the reader should remember that this is an abused woman who has been fighting for survival for many years. If it takes her a while to realize that she has developed beyond what she originally thought she wanted, that is to be expected. Definitely recommended.

Six years have passed since Daisy Tanner was sent to Botany Bay where based on a tip she married a prison guard so that at least she could be a prisoner that ate better. Now a widow with a pardon and wealth, Daisy plans to leave New South Wales for London where she intends to wed much older gentleman and a former convict, Earl Geoffrey Sauvage so that she can attain peace and protection under the auspices of the odious Marriage Act. In London, Geoffrey introduces Daisy to his friend Viscount Leland Grant. They find an attraction as he admires her intelligence and with while she likes his caring and kind demeanor. When Daisy is threatened with a return to Botany Bay, Geoffrey and Lee gallantly offer marriage to protect her. She loves the womanizing Lee, but feels safer with Geoffrey so she is undecided even as murder charges hang over her head. The final Botany Bay historical romance will elate the fans of Edith Layton as heroine Daisy's tale is finally completed. Readers will agree with Lee that she is a brilliant woman, but also feel the two men in her lives are intelligent caring souls. The appreciative audience will read the amusing story line in one sitting to learn who she chooses if anyone and ultimately what happens to Daisy. Harriet Klausner