Tempting Fate (Providence, #2)

Although a pleasant enough book, there's little to mark 'Tempting Fate' out above other similar books in this genre. It fits the standard historical romance mould, with titled men, balls, Seasons, society opinion etc. However it's written in an easy-to-read style and the romance is, for once, rather believable. Mirabelle Browning has lived close to the Earl of Thurston for years; she grew up with Whittaker Cole, the Earl, as she lived very close and her guardian wasn't exactly someone she wanted to be around. However, Mira lives in constant fear that Lady Thurston, Whit's mother, will discover what goes on at her uncle's house parties and cut the connection for the sake of her family's reputation. Yet Whit isn't keen for Mira to return to her uncle unaccompanied, especially when her uncle is suspected of a crime. So with Whit at her side, she tries to shield him from the excesses of her relatives. But there's far more going on, and Mira means more to Whit than she might realise. This was a fairly slow story in some ways but the author's writing ability meant that it was interesting to keep reading. I particularly liked the gradual unveiling of the hero and heroine's feelings for each other. I wasn't sure I entirely believed in either of them at times, and the historical accuracy often slipped, notably in dialogue. But overall this was a reasonable read. Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2009

A charming 2nd! This historical covers it all; mystery, humour,romance and more. I look forward to the author's third.

When you find a great book - you fly through it and love every moment, & this was a great book! The Earl of Thurston (Whit) and Mirabelle have known each other forever and have always teasing, insulting & overall fighting with each other. Whit's mother asked for them to call a truce , which leads to more. This book has a mystery, evil bad guys, romance and great chemistry with the characters, Enjoy! Check out more books by this author; As Luck Would Have It (Leisure Historical Romance) and Mcalistair's Fortune (Leisure Historical Romance).

Rich, handsome and honorable, Whittaker Cole, Earl of Thurston, is every woman's dream come true ---- every woman except Miss Mirabelle Browning, that is. Compared to the upstanding debutantes of the ton marriage market, Mirabelle is an independent woman or a hellborn spitfire from Whit's point of view. Mirabelle and Whit have been at each other's throats for years. They cannot be in the same room without the sparks starting to fly. When the two finally decide to make a temporary truce, will they be able to restrain their hot tempers? Whit is a man determined to preserve place of his honor before society and the ton. Normally level-headed and above it all, Mirabelle sets him off, bringing out the energy of the boy within and the passion of the man within. Orphaned and controlled by her uncle's authority over her inheritance, Mirabelle sees herself as unmarriageable. She has accustomed herself to her role at Haldon Hall, a veritable refuge from her uncle's unsavory character. Whit, on the other hand, has his own reasons to look into the affairs of Mirabelle's uncle. Can she stop the upstanding Earl of Thurston from finding out the secret she keeps about her family? Or does fate have something else entirely planned for these passionate two?\ Alissa Johnson's Regency romance TEMPTING FATE tells the story of two characters introduced in her debut romance AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT. Although fans will appreciate discovering the details and outcome of this pair, TEMPTING FATE also works as a stand-alone romance to newcomers to the series. TEMPTING FATE reaches a new height. The details are tighter, the energy of the romance more dynamic, and the suspenseful subplot raises the emotional effect of the subsequent tender moments. As the series continues, Alissa Johnson strikes all the right chords for this romance and the series. In her second book, Alissa Johnson shows her ability to just get better and better. TEMPTING FATE is delightful romance from start to finish. Passionate romance and intimate tenderness combine as these two unlikely lovers get to know each other and share their deepest secrets. Restrained by the demands of modesty required by the period, small details like a clothing elicit passionate thoughts. Mirabelle's independence and spunkiness provides a humorous contrast to the superficiality of the ton's marriage market and those irritating snobs who rejoice in the inferiority of others. The witty repartees between Mirabelle and Whit make a reader laugh aloud at their cleverness and the pair's ability to give as well as they get. Neither is an easy catch to subdue. A reader feels the heat and even playfulness of their passion in their words as the encounters fuel and deny the hot passion that each ignites in the other. The sensual chemistry between Mirabelle and Whit leaps off the page. As Mirabelle and Whit come closer and closer together with the little help from a playful matchmaker, fear and passion evolve int

When Whittaker Cole and Mirabelle Browning were children their constant bickering looked cute to the adults amused by them. Each understood even as youngsters, their arguments were not endearing; instead they hated one another. Neighbors once again, their preadolescent antagonism has not abated one iota as they still detest one another. Mirabelle insists she would never be attracted to the handsome Earl who is considered prime meat (and real estate) on the Marriage Mart. Whit insists he would never be attracted to the hellion next door who broke his nose. Their families believe they make a perfect couple and when they kiss neither can pull back; leaving both to wonder how could a lifetime of fighting lead to love. The amusing sequel to the charming espionage Regency romance AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT is somewhat different in tone as there is no spying yet shares in common as an enjoyable lighthearted historical due to the antics of the cast. The lead couple is either kissing or arguing while the support cast plays matchmakers. Fans will relish this fabulous romp as the laughs keep on coming as does the romance. Harriet Klausner