4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Well Told Story!, February 17, 2003
This was a well told story but is lacks the steam of her newer novels. The characters are likeable and the story is well developed.
Penny was a diamond when she first had her come out. Now several years later she is laughed at and gossiped about. See, there have been several plans for her to marry but they have all fallen through. It does not matter that she is the daughter of Duke. She is worthless as a bride.
Lucas is an American who has come to England with his brother and his nephew to seek vengence for the death of his sister. She died in childbirth and they are there to see that young Harry (his nephew) gets what he deserves. Harry's father is Penny's father and Lucas after a chance meeting with the beauty decides that she is the key to bringing the Duke to heel and giving Harry the legitemancy that he deserves. What he does not count on is his feelings for Penny. This causes all kinds of problems. He has made a promise to his sister, but he wants to follow his heart. Can he do both?
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16 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliantly crafted -- Very highly recommended, March 16, 2001
Lucas Pendleton secured the map of the duke's house from a tavern maid, who assured him that the duke retired to the library after the evening meal. He spent weeks trying to gain a conventional meeting, but his letters went unanswered and his knocks unanswered. Now he intends, with the aid of his brother Matthew, to see that the duke lives up to his obligations to Lucas' family. Surprised by the duke's youth and attractive appearance, it seems odd he would slack his thirst for young women by preying on the innocent. The duke had made Caroline his mistress, and she later died in childbirth. Lucas only came to England from America to confront the duke when he found the letter Caroline had written but never sent. Now Lucas demands recognition for Caroline's young son named Harry. If the duke refuses to acknowledge Harry, Lucas intends to make the scandal public.
Penelope Westmoreland had always been the wealthiest, the prettiest, the most sought after girl, but no longer. The excitement of innocent flirtations and romances is gone. Now when she goes out, people laugh behind her back, whispering about how far she has fallen. At twenty, Penelope is past her prime. She had once been betrothed to the Marquis of Belmont, but the week before their wedding, he married his mistress instead. Finally her father arranged a marriage to a Viscount, who unexpectedly died in an accident.
Now her father has promised Penelope to Edward Simpson, who just turned sixty-three. Though he's bald and obese, he is a powerful and wealthy earl. When Edward tries to take inappropriate liberties in the garden, Penelope calls out for help. Her rescuer remains to assure her safety, even as he should be leaving to certain of his own. He gives he name, a knife to protect her, and a promise to back the next night.
Lucas carefully plans to use Penelope to win the duke's acknowledgement of his nephew. Lucas didn't realize, when he first made his plans, what a palatable, hot, sensual energy would pass between him and Penelope. Lucas is dismayed by his response to the beautiful woman. She was supposed to be the one with the tender response, not him. When he learns Penelope's wedding is moved up to three weeks, Lucas refuses to abandon her to her fate. But Penelope, though she comes away willing, has no idea of the sacrifice she's about to make, or the ways her life will forever change, for the sake of revenge.
Cheryl Holtz pens a strong, yet charming and compelling tale, weaving wonderful secondary characters into her vivid tapestry. With deft skill, she muddies the motives and complicates the lives of her characters, holding the reader's attention rapt with her machinations. This brilliantly crafted romance is Very highly recommended.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
MY TRUE LOVE BY CHERYL HOLT, September 15, 2010
This review is from: My True Love (Zebra Historical Romance) (Mass Market Paperback)
She Was His Pawn in Seeking Vengeance...
Penelope Westmoreland had dreamed of the day that she'd marry a dashing nobleman and live happily ever after. Instead, after two betrothals ended in disaster, the pampered heiress found herself on the brink of social ruin and doomed to wed an aging and lecherous Earl. But just when she had given up hope of escaping this nightmare, a gallant stranger came to her rescue, sweeping her into a thrilling clandestine affair that promised all the romance Penelope had ever craved...
...Until She Became His One True Love
Lucas Pendleton had come to England for one purpose and one purpose only: revenge. But it didn't take the handsome young American long to discover just how difficult it was to threaten a man of the Duke's station. And Lucas was still struggling to come up with a plan when the answer all but fell in to his lap. What better way to make the Duke pay than by using his daughter? Yet when Lucas sets out to play on Penelope's naivete, it he who is caught...as this fiery innocent makes him question his actions even as she wreaks havoc on his heart.
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