Widow in Scarlet: 6

Nicole Byrd is enjoyable to read, both for her characters and her ability to take ordinary, repetative plots and revive them. I loved Widow in Scarlet and immediately went out to purchase the other three books of hers that I could find. If you enjoy Julia Quinn, then you will love Nicole Byrd.

Setting - London, 1816 --- Lucy Contrain, was just completing a years mourning for her deceased husband, Stanley. Having not left her financially secure, she was just getting by - barely - and trying to keep her head above water at the mountain of debt left to her at Stanley's passing that was fast consuming her. If not for the friendship of a very kind widow, the countess of Sealy, who held weekly salons, Lucy, who attended these, would at least be able to eat and oftentimes sneak a sandwich or two in her reticule to bring home to her one remaining young maid. The gossip at these salons often told the tales and latest on-dits and conquests of Nicholas Ramsey, Viscount Richmond. Nicholas was widely known by a scandalous reputation, and as a great lover, although few knew his true occupation was acting as an agent for the Prince Regent. Prinny had commissioned him to locate a legendary ruby, the "Scarlett Widow', that he wanted as an addition to the famous crown jewels. The problem was the ruby had been stolen before it ever reached the appointed exchange and Nicholas' friend, the courier, had been killed in the process. A year later and a very cold trail led him to the door of another beguiling widow, Lucy Contrain. Totally wary of this known seducer who announced - `he desperately needed her' - Lucy was not initially ready or comfortable to help him prove her deceased husband was in cahoots with the thieves. That was until she discovered that he would allow her to share in the five thousand pound reward - and of course she would be able to clear her husbands name. Nicolas whose devil-may-care attitude towards falling in love masked a deep and genuine hurt over failing to keep his loved ones safe, so made it a point to remain detached. Now that attempts are being made on Lucy, he is more than ever regretting allowing her to become involved.What follows is an exciting adventure and a luscious slow and beautiful seduction that is as charming as the suspense plot is exciting. Nicholas is a complex character who masks his generous and caring heart with an arrogant indifference. Lucy, although a widow is an innocent and trusting young woman who is only now experiencing through Nicholas, what true caring and loving is all about. Mostly serious in nature, the reader will be delighted with the humorous episode involving the borrowed guard dog and the resulting calamity. This was a truly enjoyable read that is just perfect for a lazy day at the beach or in the back yard. --- Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com ---

In 1816 London, Lucy Contrain has just finished mourning the death of her husband when she turns to the debt he left behind. She owes a great deal of money with no funds to make remittance in the month it comes due.Viscount Nicholas Ramsey visits Lucy with quite a tale. The renowned womanizer insists that her late spouse was involved in the stealing of the Royal Ruby of Mandalay and the murder of his agent carrying the precious gem. Nicholas asks Lucy to assist him in his efforts to recover the jewel he brought back from India and in exchange he will help her with her massive IOUs. Needing the monetary influx, Lucy agrees to Nicholas' terms. However, he would never have tendered them if he knew the danger that he places the woman he loves in from dangerous foes willing to kill.WIDOW IN SCARLET is an enjoyable Regency romantic suspense that adheres to sub-genre boundaries yet entertains the audience. The story line is fun to follow though not deep in plot as the emphasis is placed on the lead couple, neither of whom wanting the consideration of love to enter their agreement. Nicole Byrd provides her audience with a fine tale of intrigue in which love rules.Harriet Klausner