this was was of the best Harlequin Historical romances I've read. After reading this book, I would not be surprised to see Miss Hale starting to write mainstream historical romance as this book was as good as anything bigger authors like Lisa Kleypas or Johanna Lindsey put out.

The storyline was an intriguing one-a naive vicar's daughter, Lucy, who gives her innocence to the fair haired and charming blue blood who promised marriage-only to have the man die in battle and the heroine quickly realizes she is pregnant. Luckily, the mans older brother, Drake discovers this and asks Lucy to marry him and he will pass the child off as his own.

What ensues is a wonderfully written, three dimensional love story. Drake is a fantastic hero! I love that he's not written as most romantic leads. From his dark, austere and somewhat lanky looks to his brooding, no nonsense manners to his obvious inexperience with women-Drake is such a well written character he fairly leaps off the page.

Lucy is a great character in her own right-but different as we get to see the character grow and mature and realize that her foolishness over her dead lover has cost her quite a bit of time with her husband-who is a true gentleman.

While it's great to read about "reformed rakes" it's just as appealing to read about such an obvious "nice guy" like Drake. While the love scenes are minimal-the few there are are hot enough for the whole book:)-but tastefully written as well.

5 stars and highly recommended!

I noticed this book is no longer being published, but its definitely worth an effort to get a copy. Viscount Drake's younger brother Jeremy is dead, killed in battle on the continent. Drake accidently discovers that Lucy, the vicars daughter, is pregnant with his brothers child. In an unconventional move, Drake offers Lucy marriage and respectability. He figures it solves his problem of getting an heir (technically Jeremy's child but know one will ever know) and keeping the title out of his wastrel cousins hands. Lucy cannot believe Drakes offer, but sees no other choice. She blames him for forcing Jeremy into the army and ultimately to his death. Their realtionship starts off rather cold, Drake keeps his distance and Lucy wallows in the memories of Jeremy. Soon they see another side of one another, but interference from schemeing cousins keeps them apart emotionally . Neither is sure how to deal with this blosoming love and both are reluctant to admit to anything.

Not exactly a fast-pasted story. It takes forever for these two to get together, but that's really the enjoyable part. Both must overcome self-doubt over the each others feelings.

A fine read that could have been five star if there were any real love scenes (barely one) and if the story didn't drag slightly in the begining. But still worth getting your hands on a copy.

If you are a fan of this genre, I highly recommend you pick up this book. You'll be surprised by the circumstances that the two lovers are thrown into together. And the conclusion will have you sitting on the edge of your chair! You won't be able to put this one down. This is one of the few romances I've read that has a high re-read value as well.

A SECRET CHILD.... When Lucy Rushton's lover was killed in battle, she wed his brother, formidable viscount Drake Strickland, to protect her unborn child. the marriage tore her heart, yet after their vows were sealed, Lucy saw another side to her stern husband--a compassionate, captivating gentleman of substance who lured her in ways Jeremy never had! A SECRET LOVE....Duty bound to care for lovely Lucy, Drake never expected sharing his home would warm his cold, bare life. And when her eyes flashed with provacative beauty, sending an irresistable invitation, he longed to believe his wife's heart was wholly his.

Drake has no intention of siring his own heir, so when he discovers his younger brother impregnated the local vicar's daughter before getting killed in battle, he offers to solve both of their problems by marrying her and legitimizing her child.

Lucy had every intention of remaining faithful to her lover's memory. She certainly did not expect to feel affection for her dark, rather dour, husband, in spite of his chivalrous behavior in taking responsibility for her and her child. But as time passes and she discovers her husband's true character, a more mature Lucy realizes that her feelings for his brother were little more than a schoolgirl crush compared to her deep love for Drake.

But Drake made it clear from the start that their marriage would be in name only. Lucy must endeavor to keep her love for her husband hidden, in accordance with the bargain they made prior to marrying.

Throw in a few villains determined to break up the marriage, and you end up with a truly gripping romance, guaranteed to elicit tears and raw emotion.

I don't know why it's taken me so long to read this book, which has been at the bottom of my huge "to be read" pile for several years. Needless to say, I was so engrossed in this one that I read the other Deborah Hale book in the pile, with equally happy results. I would definitely consider purchasing any other books by this author. . . after I whittle the pile down a bit more, that is.

Deborah Hale is definitely a name to remember!