The Kiss (Widows Club, Book 2)

What do you do when you've been in love with someone since childhood but he marries someone else? Georgiana Wilde ends up marrying her other childhood playmate, Quinn's cousin Anthony. When he dies on their wedding night Georgiana finds herself in an awkward position with her mother-in-law doubting their marriage was true and trying to eject Georgiana from the house. After all, the daughter of their steward ought not to be raised up to the position of Marchioness. A year later, when Quinn returns to Penrose, he finds the situation between Georgiana and his aunt still awkward. He finds himself becoming reacquainted with his childhood friend and watches as she interacts with his daughter, the strangely-named Fairleigh. Fairleigh's mother has died and so Quinn is now single again - and a very eligible Marquis. Georgiana is surrounded by her friends, most of whom are widows but also Rosamunde, a Duchess. Some realise her feelings towards Quinn, others don't, but as Quinn and Georgiana become closer they are separated by a misunderstanding (a fairly usual plot device in this kind of book). Can they get together? Will Quinn be able to put aside his aloof nature and feel emotions again? Although there wasn't really anything particularly new or different in this book I did enjoy it. Georgiana was a great character, a lively and self-assured woman who has coped with a disability for years. Quinn's smooth and urbane exterior hides his fear of those he loves abandoning him. The two work well together and the interactions between Quinn and the Duke of Helston were great fun. The author had a pleasant writing style with some good local colour for Cornwall and the lives of landowners. There was a fairly large cast of side characters who I imagine are part of a series this author is writing although this is the first book I have read by her. Overall it was a good read but the hackneyed misunderstanding/man can't say he loves someone plotline is perhaps getting a little bit tired. Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

Sophia Nash's latest novel was a witty tale that warmed my heart. Quinn was the ultimate sexy tortured hero. Georgiana was an independent, intelligent, and funny heroine. It made me laugh (a lot) and cry at the same time. There were unexpected twists and tension galore. It had it all... you'll love it!

Feisty, hard-working, and strong-willed Georgiane has always loved Quinn, her childhood friend who was sent away because of a tragic accident that disabled her. When fate brings Quinn back to the estate, Georgiane struggles to keep hidden the secret and unrequited love she has always had for Quinn, whom she believed was lost to her forever. Quinn also harbors secrets and hurts, and a determination to never trust another woman with his heart. There's a wonderful secondary cast of characters to keep the plot from drowning in melancholy, and plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept me guessing how Quinn and Georgiane would move beyond their guarded hearts and incorrect assumptions to be together.

Georgiana Wilde is the fun-loving, list-making steward's daughter. She grew up with the heir to the estate and his cousin, who she has secretly loved her entire life. But when an accident separates the three of them, she gives up her dreams. The story begins on her wedding night to the heir, her best friend, but there's a great twist at the end of the chapter. The hero, Quinn Fortesque, has had to make his way in life never expecting to become the next Marquis of Elesmere. The last thing he wants to do is return to the estate where he spent many years after his parents died and where his life took a dramatic turn for the worse. But when he goes to Penrose, and meets the circle of ladies staying there, he comes face to face with his childhood friend who has developed into a dynamic force at the estate. Since I don't want to give any spoilers, I can only add that there are a couple of surprising, wonderful layers to this story that were brilliantly handled. This was an amazing love story. I had read the first book in the series, A Dangerous Beauty, and fell in love with all the characters. I wondered if this second book would be able to stand up to the other one. Now, I think I like this one even better. This one can be read without reading the other book first. There are some fun glimpses of the other book's characters in this one. As soon as I was done with The Kiss, I immediately wanted to reread it - a sure sign that it goes in the keeper pile. I think what I liked about the way this story is told is that there is terrific depth to the characters, and the fast-paced plot unfolds in an unpredictable way. I stayed up all night to finish it. The passion between the two main characters is very steamy, there's great humor in the dialogue, and lots of poignancy throughout. I hope the next one in the series comes out soon. This is a great series so far.