Caught in the Act [Paperback]

Betina Krahn (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In mid-16th-century England, young Merrie Straffen, sole heir to the late Earl of Straffen, suddenly becomes the nominal mistress of a large estate that is in fact dominated by its officious steward and housekeeper, Manley and Gert Lombard. A questionable marriage has also been arranged for Merrie with Jack Huntington, a good-natured rake. Merrie resents the match and tries to discourage Jack, but he persists and woos her successfully. Yet two days after the wedding he abandons his bride, in accordance with the unsavory terms he had agreed to. The Lombards are engaged in financial shenanigans and treasonous associations that are uncovered by Jack as he works to free his innocent wife from their greedy clutches, but the Lombards' deeds and motives remain sketchily drawn and, in the case of the treason, out of character. Krahn ( Passion's Ransom ) squanders her premise, which serves as little more than filler for moments when the hero and heroine aren't engaging in verbal jousting or bedroom antics. Worse yet, the novel is written in a disconcerting pastiche of modern and archaic English.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: Avon Books (September 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380757788
• ISBN-13: 978-0380757787
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,962,197 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure Delight,find it if you can, May 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Caught in the Act (Paperback)

Wow what happened to Betina Krahn? If you can find this out of print gem you are in for a treat. Based on this book I would have to say Ms Krahn peaked early in her career as the other books of hers I've read have been a disappointment with stupid sappy spineless heroines who loved to be abused by arrogant, idiotic and just plain mean males. She has created two delightful characters in Caught in the Act though. Based in Tudor England with guest appearences by Elizabeth and Sir William Cecil as you could never imagine him this story is written in the style of an Elizabethan comic play complete with naughty verses and couplets as we move from one act to the next.It is a simple story of an arranged marraige between a very bright, scholarly, curious, unconventional and naive young woman and an experienced,handsome and extremely talented rogue and gambler who is chronically short on cash. What makes this story so enjoyable is the relationship between our heroine and her "bought" husband gentleman Jack. He is without a doubt the most likeable heroe I have ever encountered in romance novel. Jack genuinely LIKES and respects women and enjoys their company and it's not hard to understand why the ladies like him so much.The attraction between the main characters is developed convincingly and early and in a unique way. We get the enjoyment
of watching them grow as individuals and as a couple without the verbal and mental abuse so may romances seem to depend on. Did I mention that Jack was very talented? The sex in this book is funny, tender and SIZZLING!!! That also describes Jack in particular and the book in general. So if you're in the mood for an Elizabethan romp complete with naughty vixens, scheming rogues, a unique and charming heroine, wit and humour through out and love scenes that will steam up your windows find Caught in the Act and treat yourself to some time in the company of Gentleman Jack.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Elizabethan Love Story!, December 8, 2011

By 

Regan (San Diego) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Caught in the Act (Paperback)

Krahn knows how to write superb romance and this one is no exception. It's intriguing, fast paced and has great depth. She accurately presents the Elizabethan age and uses language (including quotes from the classics) and detailed descriptions to capture the feeling of 16th century England. (You might want to read the Author's Note first!) And she does it all very well--including her own poetry that is a very clever touch. I have come to love her novels and unequivocally recommend this one.

The story tells of young, innocent Merrie Straffen, an orphan and only recently aware she is the granddaughter of an earl, who is now dead. She was raised by a kindly couple who taught her the classics and to read in Latin and Greek. The old earl's estate is run by a family of scheming servants and a solicitor who wants to remain in charge of her fortune. So they plot to wed her to a man they can be sure will remain in London and leave Merrie to them to control. They pick a known rake, Gentleman Jack Huntington, and offer him 500 pounds a year to wed her, consummate the marriage and then hie off to London. Before Merrie even meets the man she's been betrothed to, she inadvertently observes him in the act of making love to a married countess. In her attempt to avoid a marriage to an adulterer, Merrie, who is a very talented and beautiful young woman, makes herself out to be a complete dolt. But Jack is soon on to her and is determined to have her.

From the start to the finish this is a well told tale that will keep you turning pages. It could have been called "When a Rake Woos a Reluctant Lady" for that is the story. He's a handsome rake who loves women and is undone by a young innocent's brilliance and goodness. And she is growing up and becoming an amazing woman at a turbulent time in England's history. Get this one!

The sequel is BEHIND CLOSED DOORS...the story of their daughter.