Book Review-The Viscount In Her Bedroom

The Viscount In Her Bedroom
Sisters of Willow Pond (3)
Gayle Callen
Avon
369 Pages
Published June 2007
Victorian Romance
ISBN: 978-0-06-078413-3

Synopsis 
When all hope seems lost ...

Louisa Shelby's carefree life of elegant balls and beautiful frocks ended when her father died, leaving her penniless. With no hope of securing a proper marriage, the vivacious young miss accepts a position as a companion to an elderly viscountess. But temptation in a most unexpected guise awaits Louisa in the dowager's home ...

Once, Simon Wade was London's most eligible bachelor and most able seducer. But a tragic accident forced him into seclusion, away from prying eyes and questions. He thought he'd never again experience the tender touch of a beautiful woman. But while he yearns to hold the enchanting Louisa and taste the intoxicating nectar of her kiss, he will accept no woman's pity.

Louisa never desired a man the way she burns for Simon. And now her chance at happiness may rest in her ability to convince the stubborn viscount that her passion is real ... and her love is true.

MY REVIEW 
 
Summary:
Louisa Shelby, once enjoyed a life full of parties and balls, but after her father died, Louisa and her two sisters were forced to find a means of providing for themselves. So Louisa decided to be a lady's companion.  Now she has been requested to do a job as a companion to an elderly viscountess, only never expecting to find that she isn't really expected to be a lady's companion at all, since the Viscontess hardly needs one, but her granddaughter, is in desperate need to overcome her shyness around men especially. But there is also Simon Wade to consider, who after a accident with his horse, became blind. So now its obvious that she is there to help both of the younger wades, even though they don't know it. Louisa however never expected to fall in love with this man, who has stolen her heart from the first.


The Hero (Simon Wade)
Simon, has always been close to his grandmother much more than to his own mother, who has never truly cared about him or his younger sister, whom he is very over protective of. Simon after suffering from a fall from his horse, is now blind. Simon is a very proud man, and as such has had to hide from most of the world, even most of his friends. At first knowing of Louisa being his grandmothers companion, he was suspicous recalling her reputation being rumored to be "fast" but as he gets to know her and how Louisa interacts with his sister, he realizes the rumors were just that...rumors. And that even though he could never marry, he knows that he could easily fall in love with her.


The Heroine (Louisa Shelby)
Lousia was forced to find a occupation and decided to be a ladies companion, only her past jobs haven't turned out too well, but her most recent job she found something she was capable at and felt fullfillment, more than anything she has had in her life, something that gives her meaning. She helped a girl come out into society, and get married, a girl that was once very shy. Now she is put in a situation where she could help another shy girl, sister to Simon Wade. Louisa, seeing both her sisters settled in love and blissfully happy, has yet to find the same happiness, and wonders if she ever will. But when she starts helping out the Wade family, she starts to fall in love with the life in the country and with the family...especially Simon Wade, and wonders if her love for Simon could break her or bring her the highest happiness she could ever have.


My Thoughts 
The Viscount In Her Bedroom is the last in the Sisters of Willow Pond written by Gayle Callen.  I just love this author and I have loved this series, its such a tender filled romance, and even though I have read this before, its one of those that I could re read and still delightfully enjoy it. The Viscount In Her Bedroom is a story that involves two people that have both suffered, but in very different way, but they share a passion and as the story develops we see a enchanting love blossom. Such a beautifully written story with such detail it seemed at times that I was actually there in the moment, the characters were lively, and the story line very enticing, and before I knew it I was finished with the book. From beginning to end I was fully satisfied, and absolutely adored it!!!


My Favorite Quote
" I love you Simon, and I would be proud to be your wife. You see inside me where others only see what they want to see. You make me feel so precious and loved."
"Not damn near enough, and that will end right now" He drew her into his arms and kissed her. 


My Grade On This Book 
5 Blossoms


Other Books In The Series 
The Duke In Disguise
The Lord Next Door

Book Review- The Duke In Disguise

The Duke In Disguise
(Sisters of Willow Pond Series)
Gayle Callen
July 2006,
Avon Romance, 375 Pages,
Paperback
Victorian Historical Romance

Synopsis: ( From 'Fiction DB')
The dashing nobleman was hiding a dangerous secret...and loving him would be the most scandalous, perilous, exciting thing Meriel had ever done.


WHO IS THIS MAN?


The Duke of Thanet may have hired her as a governess to his six-year-old son, but there is something . . . different about the devilish rogue standing before her today. He seems to study her with an intensity she never noticed before, and he is certainly more charming than the last time they encountered each other. Was there always an alluring glint in his dark eyes? But the duke has a notoriously scandalous reputation, and Meriel will not let herself succumb.


Masquerading as the duke was not the simple solution Richard O'Neill had envisioned. When his ailing half-brother, the real duke, asked him to protect his young heir from a greedy enemy, Richard agreed. But he never thought he'd be attracted to the inquisitive governess, or that each moment in her intoxicating presence would tempt him beyond all reason. And letting down his guard could prove dangerous . . . especially to Richard's own heart.

My Review:
I have always loved reading from Gayle Callen, but I believe this is the one book that I have loved reading again and again. For me, it one of her best works. I also have loved reading this series. I have just started this blog, because I have a love of reading, and I enjoy writing. I don't know how good I am at writing though, you will have to let me know on how I do. LOL

It takes place in 1844 in Ramsgate, England, with Meriel Shelby, who is one of three daughters. Her father committed suicide; but had to hide it from everyone else and to keep it a secret so he wouldn't be disgraced. Apparently he had lost most of their money, and couldn't live with the thought of being penniless. Meriel grew up in the world of the nobility realm. She was well educated, had quality clothes; and servants in their house in town. After her father's incident, they lose their home to a cousin, Meriel is forced to become a governess, her sister Lousia a companion. Her sister Victoria was getting married; and their mother would have a place to live.

Richard,half- brother to The Duke of Thanet, is asked by his brother to take his place. Cecil is very ill, and wants to appear strong. So Richard reluctantly agree's to the masqurade. Richard and Cecil have always looked alike; like twins. So no one would be able to tell them apart by appearance. When Richard reaches the Thanet estate; he realizes it will be harder than he once thought. His nephew, whom he dearly loves; where he must try to act like his brother who has never taken the time to get to know his son. After a few mistakes, Stephen realizes its his uncle and not his father. Stephen agrees to keep the secret to himself. At the same time, Richard is bombarded with his flirt female servants. Apparently his half brother always had a female servant that was his mistress of sorts. Then when he was was tired of her, he would then set her up with enough money to live for the rest of her life in comfort. Once Richard hears of this from the housekeeper (who is like a mother to him) is shocked and knows he could never do that. So he decides to act like he has picked Meriel. Even though Meriel knows he appears to be a philandering rake; there is something deeper that develops between Richard and Meriel. A passion blooms and their feelings for each other deepen.

I really have enjoyed reading this book, and writing the review for it as well!!! Both Richard and Meriel are complex characters that captured my avid interest. Meriel is a young woman that has been well educated, close to her sisters and her parents and then her father commits suicide and the everything in her life come tumbling down around her. Meriel is a responsible woman who tries to pick up the pieces and take care of her mother and sisters. She then meets Richard, and has no idea what she really thinks about him. She has heard rumors about the 'Duke' but she realizes along the way, that Richard is vastly different from the man she hears about. Richard is utterly captivated by his nephew's governess, and although he wishes never to disrespect her in any way, he chases after her to hope to appease the household. He finds himself falling in love with Meriel all the while trying to appear to be a good "father" to his nephew. He earns to tell her his secret, that he isn't really the "Duke" but some one else entirely. The plot in this book is filled with mystery, passion, some suspense toward the end, and a tender love that grows between the two lovers that touches the readers attention.

My grade for this book is: 
5 Blossoms

Other books in the trilogy:
The Lord Next Door (Victoria Book)
The Viscount In Her Bedroom( Louisa 's Book)