sorry to say this, but this is probably one of the weakest stories ever written by ms. coulter. the plot is quite unremarkable (and i really didnt feel much for that thing about them being cousins), and the romance is sadly lacking.

i felt too that the secondary characters were given too much roles or dialogues, thereby resulting in a story that is more of a family drama than a romance tale. i feel bad about reading this one coz i was hoping to find a better novel by ms. coulter after reading a disappointing The Countess.

The characters in this story were good but the relationship between Ian and Brandy was flat. The fire between these two was left wanting. I found myself skipping paragraphs because the dialogue or description just wasn't interesting enough. I just didn't find some of things written in this book as important to get the story moving. The villan, while not obvious, was not complex enough. his motive, being greed, just wasn't right for this already too dull book. In fairness, the book did have good moments and I liked the characters. Another thing, the cousin aspect of the story was somewhat making me ill. Not so much Ian and Brandy as they were distant enough it was just everyone else...too close in relationship for my taste...I guess why cross the road when you can cross the hall!