An Unexpected Pleasure [Mass Market Paperback]

Candace Camp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006

Secrets . . . or lies?

Had Theo Moreland, the Marquess of Raine, killed her brother? And had the treasure the two men sought in South America hastened his descent to an early grave? American journalist Megan Mulcahey had to know. But to find out, she needed to infiltrate the marqueess's household.

The new American governess intrigued Theo. Wanderlust had always plagued him -- until Miss Mulcahey came to Broughton House to teach his young siblings. Now the strange pull of their immediate desire both troubled and excited him. He had seen her beauty once before, in a fever dream his memory could not escape. So why was this delicious vision now snooping around his mansion like a common thief?

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It's 1879, and American newspaper reporter Megan Mulcahey is sure that adventurer Theo Moreland, Lord Raine, killed her brother, Dennis, in the Amazon. Relocating in London, where Theo lives, Megan accepts a position as tutor to Constantine and Alexander Moreland, incorrigible adolescent twins also known as the "Little Greats." Soon, Megan is treated as a member of this eccentric family, having been accepted by everyone from the duchess to Con and Alex, which makes her feel especially bad about trying to get Theo convicted of the 10-year-old crime. Worse yet, she is beginning to doubt his guilt and to develop feelings for the very man she has come to destroy. Romance, humor, adventure, Incan treasure, dreams, murder, psychics--the latest addition to Camp's Mad Moreland series has it all. Fans will be happy to see characters from Camp's earlier books, and for those who haven't yet read this entertaining author, this novel is a great introduction. Shelley Mosley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Romance, humor, adventure, Incan treasure, dreams, murder, psychics -- the latest addition to Camp's Mad Moreland series has it all." -- Booklist on An Unexpected Pleasure

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373771355
• ISBN-13: 978-0373771356
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,659,374 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars entertaining well written Victorian romantic mystery, June 28, 2005

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Unexpected Pleasure (Hardcover)

In 1879, Irish-American Deirdre Mulchaey dreams that her dead brother Dennis wants his family to avenge his death. Deirdre's older sister journalist Megan needs to know whether her belief and that of her family is true that English aristocrat Theo Moreland killed her brother Dennis when they were on a South American adventure together ten years ago. She is also interested to learn whether Theo's expedition found the treasure they sought in the jungle and if yes what happened to the booty. Her sibling's dream is the impetus to act.

Used to going undercover, Megan knows she needs to infiltrate Theo's home, Broughton House. She succeeds by obtaining a position as governess to Theo's younger twin siblings. Megan and Theo find an instant attraction that shackles him because he recognizes her as the star of his dreams. She tries to tamper down his allure for her that feels so good yet makes her also believe she is behaving like a traitor to her late sibling's memory. He also wonders why he keeps finding her in odd places in the house as if she searches for something.

The lead couple is a fabulous pairing as both suffers guilt over the same person; he from the South American fiasco and she from betraying her brother. As they fall in love, neither is happy with this unwanted and undesirable emotion. The mystery of what happened builds suspense as Megan investigates while Theo wonders what she is seeking and who she really is because he recognizes her from his fevered dreams during the fatal expedition. Fans will appreciate this entertaining well written Victorian romantic mystery with a touch of the paranormal.

Harriet Klausner

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An Unexpected Pleasure, March 12, 2007

By 

M. Nix - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Unexpected Pleasure (Mass Market Paperback)

Megan Mulcahey has arrived in London from America to find out more about Theo Moreland, the Marquess of Raine¾the man responsible for her brother's death ten years before. Deciding that the only way to get the information she wants is to get inside Theo's home, so she decides to pose a governess for Theo's young twin brothers.

Theo and Megan are attracted to each other. Megan is appalled with her desire for the man who killed her brother. Theo believes that Megan is a thief so he refuses to give in to his desire for her as well. When truths are revealed, Theo and Megan may have to work together to solve the growing mystery around them.

In An Unexpected Pleasure, Megan's constant fear of discovery, the mystery of who the murderer was and the intense attraction between Theo and Megan are captivating in the first part of the story. Unfortunately I was disappointed by the unexpected twist at the end. It took the story on a totally different angle, one that I found a little far-fetched and not able to flow with the rest of the storyline.

Nannette

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A little paranormal, a little mystery, a little romance, August 24, 2005

By 

S. Reader "scibarfan" (Franklin, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: An Unexpected Pleasure (Hardcover)

Pleasing, but not worth hardcover prices. The strong paranormal elements were interesting, but sometimes veered into "too convenient." Theo is a thoroughly pleasant man, but not a memorable hero. Megan is a strong, smart woman, but only slightly more memorable. Her sister is actually a more memorable character. The murder mystery takes precedence over the romance.

Pleasant, but I wish I'd gotten it from the libary or waited for the paperback. The tone and content of this review mirror my enthusiasm for the book -- nothing to get worked up over.