I enjoyed this book not only for its romance but also for a well done glimpse into the fringes of London society we don't often get to see in Regency novels. I think there's a little bit of country girl in all of us, and it was fun to read about Anna falling in love with a man she thought was so out of her league, even as he had already fallen head over heels for her. I'd love to read more from Kathryn June. Here's hoping there's more to come.

I've read and re-read Kathryn June's 2 regencies - Affectionately Yours and The Marrying Man. Ms. June's style is fluid and she has good understanding of the period - not just the fashions but the attitudes. Her heroes are intriguing and their search for something "more" in their lives is refreshing. The hero is much more in the center of the story than the heroine - also a nice change, since by following the men we get to see inside the clubs and private rooms that are off-limits to the heroine. But where are her next novels? We are all eager for more of Ms. June's work.

This is my second Zebra regency romance. The other was utterly boring and not owrth mentioning while this one was a sweet story I enjoyed immensely! Anna was an enjoyable, friendly character I wish I had in a friend while Valentine is a generous and loving man. It was refreshing to read a book where the gentleman falls for the lady first and not for her looks (although Anna was a beautiful girl). The only reason why it did not get a full 5 stars is because you really do not know if Valerie and Anna renew their friendship. I would have liked the reassurance of it. But don't let that keep you from reading this one.

RATING: 4.7 stars

Other books to read: The Silent Suitor - Elisabeth Fairchild (5 STARS); The Painted Lady - Barbara Metzger (4.7 STARS), Anna and the Duke - Kathryn Smith (4.5 STARS); Catherine and the Pirate - Karen Hawkins (4.6 STARS)

[from the back] WILL A DEVILISH DILEMMA ... JOIN TWO DESTINED HEARTS? Anna Tremain is thrilled when, after months of silence, she receives a letter from her dearst friend, Valerie Monroe.
Welcoming their renewed correspondence, Anna happily reveals her most intimate thoughts and fondest wishes to her cherished confidant. Then Anna meets Valentine, Lord Alverston -- Valerie's sensitive, handsome brother, who seems to know her every secret desire.

Valentine Monroe returns from wars to find his father dead and his beloved sister, Valerie, banished to America for a youthful indiscretion.
Alone and despairing, Valentine responds to letters from Valerie's childhood friend and their correspondence becomes his only pleasure. *******

Their story is intrigueing -- would that we could find someone these days with enough imagination to flirt by mail.
Ah well, this is a book you will definitely enjoy.

This was a very enjoyable book, and I would read this author again. The only flaw in the book was that the angst the characters went through on their way to happily-ever-after was very melodramatic compared to whatever the misunderstanding or obstacle was.