Book Review- The Truth About Lord Stoneville

The Truth About Lord Stoneville
(Hellions of Helstead Hall)
Sabrina Jeffries
Pocket Books,
392 Pages,
Published February 2010
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4391-6751-9

Synopsis:
HELLIONS OF HALSTEAD HALL

They're the scandalous Sharpes, five hell-raising siblings tainted by a shocking family legacy. Now each faces a daunting ultimatum: marry by year's end -- or kiss their inheritance good-bye.

In the two decades since a tragic accident took the lives of his parents, Oliver Sharpe, the Marquess of Stoneville, has survived the scandal surrounding that fateful night by living as an unrepentant rakehell. And with his grandmother vowing to disinherit him if he doesn't settle down and wed, he plans to fulfill the bargain in true Sharpe style -- by bringing home a fake fiancee from a brothel But his scheme is derailed when he rescues an American beauty in a dire predicament instead. Maria Butterfield came to London to track down her groom-to-be, who's gone missing, but her engagement won't stop Oliver from getting what he wants: her, in his bed. His rebellious masquerade may call his grandmother's bluff, but it's soon made all too real -- by a love that tempts him to be a hellion no more.

My Review:
Maria Butterfield has come to England looking for her fiancee (Nathan) who has seemed to gone missing. She is from Baltimore in America. Her father had recently passed away, and having been the owner of a shipping line, the only way to get her inheritance is to locate Nathan, who was her father's partner. He came to England at her father's request, to negotiate a sale of clipper ships. However after sending him many letters and not receiving a word about his whereabouts, Maria decided to come to London to find him, thinking that he has been hurt or taken. She is accompanied by her cousin Freddy, who thinks carrying a sword with him will protect her. During their search they come across a brothel that may be the key to finding Nathan, however events occur which puts Maria face to face with Oliver Sharpe, the Marquess of Stoneville. Oliver, along with his other siblings, have been instructed by their grandmother that unless they marry within one year, that they will lose all of their inheritance. Oliver is outraged, and comes up with a plan to trick his grandmother into giving up this "folly" thinking that she is just tricking them and would never go along with it. It decides to go to a brothel, and pay a woman to act as his fiancee although he never thought that he would come across a young american woman that puts a sword to his throat. (which that alone should get you interested in this book :)   ) Oliver acts nonchalantly of course, and convinces her of a better way to resolve the current issue at hand. He suggest that they do a trade of sorts, if Maria will act as his fiancee for the time being, he will assist her in her search for her lost fiancee. Where Oliver hopes to trick his grandmother into reengaging from this plot which he believes is just a bluff on her side of things. Well both Oliver and Maria will be taken on a adventure of their lives where they discover the hidden power of love in the midst of any circumstance.

I definitely believe that Sabrina Jeffries is one of the best Historical Romance authors out there!!! She has such a way about her writing and the way she brings her characters alive. I enjoy reading each and every one of her books. The Truth About Lord Stoneville is the first in her current series, the Hellions of Helstead Hall. Oliver is a arrogant but has a past that no other knows about except for himself. He is filled with guilt thinking he caused his parents death, and has lived with that for many years. The moment he comes in contact with Maria, he secretly knows that his life will never be the same. For she brings a vitality back to his reality and even though he has this act to play out, in his heart he is playing for her heart for real. Maria is at this point poor to say the least, due to her father's will, so when Oliver tells her of this plot that she must go along with, she only see's it as a means to a end. She worries about her fiancee and where he is at, but despite all that she starts to have tender feelings for this rogue, whose heated kisses set her body on fire. I truly enjoyed the way that this story played out, although this was a enjoyable story, it isn't one of my fav's of Jeffries, but I loved it all the same. It had such a spark of vitality about it, that really sets the reader to life. It was a very enchanting read with compelling characters both main and sub, and with a aching desire that sets the room ablaze.

My Grade For This Book:
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series:
A Hellion In Her Bed
How To Woo A Reluctant Lady