The fourth novel of the Huxtable Quintet is the first to focus on a male character in the family. Stephen is the youngest child and only male of the four siblings. Despite that, he is not a spoiled brat.
At the age of twenty-five, he is seduced (although he denies it was a seduction) by Cassandra, Lady Paget who is a widow three years his senior. She is in need of a protector to keep her and her dependents from becoming destitute.
As in all good romances, they fall in love. However, Stephen keeps telling himself that he is only worried about her. Of course, some type of scandal ensues and he ends up having to marry her anyway.
I have mixed feelings about this book and I am not sure why. I like Stephen. I liked him in the earlier books and I was always afraid that the elevation of his status would make him run wild. I am glad the author did not take that obvious route.
I do however think he is too good to be true in this book. His relationship with Cassandra is not very realistic for a male member of the ton during this time period.
What I really did like was the inclusion of all my favorite characters from the earlier books. Their personalities remained as I expected along with their love for each other.
I received the first book in this series as a Goodreads Giveaway. Books two through four came from the library. However, since book five, A Secret Affair, is brand new, I have had to order my own copy. I cannot wait to finally read Con’s story.
Elaine Reads . . . constantly! 