From Publishers Weekly
Becnel's follow-up to The Bridemaker (2002) is a mild but unusual story of a lord struggling to care for his illegitimate daughters and the country lass who teaches him the difference between duty and love. James Lindford, Viscount Farley, gave little thought to the children he'd fathered during the casual affairs of his youth, but when he discovers one of his daughters living the life of a street urchin, he's determined to bring them home. The ensuing scandal drives him from London to his country estate and destroys his engagement to his very proper fiancee. James's children soon disrupt both his household and the sleepy Yorkshire village where Miss Phoebe Churchill is raising her niece, an illegitimate child herself. When Phoebe discovers that her new neighbor's daughter is stealing from her farm, James entreats her to become his children's governess. Although both Phoebe and James are appealing, there's little chemistry between them. The conflict revolves around Phoebe's lust for James and her struggle to maintain her moral purity; however, that battle grows old, and the novel soon starts to feel more like a child-rearing primer than a romance. Despite the book's unusually straightforward look at illegitimacy, the relationship between the protagonists covers familiar terrain. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
James Lindford, Viscount Farley, has sown his wild oats and is ready to take responsibility for any that sprouted. He has three children, two of whom he's brought to live with him. James is resolved to raise his illegitimate children himself, even though it has cost him his fiancee and a career in politics. It is his hell-raising daughter who brings his neighbor, Phoebe, into his life. Phoebe's possessions are missing, and James' daughter is the culprit. Phoebe is able to connect with the girl, and James decides that she should become his children's governess. Phoebe, who is raising her seven-year-old niece, is reluctant because of his reputation, but she needs the money. She initially refuses James' advances, eventually succumbs, then chastises herself after every foray into the bedroom. But nothing, not even the revelation that her niece is James' third daughter or the fact that his fiancee is interested again, keeps Phoebe away from James in Becnel's maddening, sensual roller coaster of a book. Maria Hatton
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"A marvelous storyteller!" --Romantic Times
Book Description
The London Tattler - February 6
An ugly rumor has arisen, only to be proven no rumor at all, but rather, the unadulterated truth. It seems the proper Lord Farley has behaved in a decidedly improper manner...
James Lindford, Viscount Farley, has returned from the Orient, feted and celebrated ...until his past catches up with him. It seems his lordship's randy ways have resulted in the juiciest scandal of the season, producing endless fodder for the gossip mill. Now, his beleaguered lordship has shut himself up in his country estate, with more than a handful of trouble to cope with. Worse, the most tempting woman on earth is right next door...
Phoebe Churchill's peaceful country life, tending her cottage and rearing her abandoned niece is disrupted when Viscount Farley becomes her new neighbor. Undoubtedly, his powerful build and sensual charm have lured countless women to abandon all reason...except for Phoebe-she's far too wise to be seduced by a heartbreaker. But when she agrees to help James manage a household growing more riotous daily, she finds herself drawn to the man whose lingering kisses leave her yearning for so much more. And before she knows it, a stunning twist of events will lead her toward an impossible task: teaching a notorious heartbreaker the true meaning of love...
Inside Flap Copy
She wanted him...
He tilted her chin up and searched the unblinking hazel depths of her eyes. She was so innocent. That was the only contrary ripple in the tidal wave of certainty that rushed over him. Too innocent to know what was best for herself.
But he ignored that ripple. He wanted her.
No, it was more than that. He needed her.
"Phoebe," he murmured her name against her lips and felt her mouth answer.
"James."
One syllable, yet he'd never heard anything so erotic. His name in her low, breathy voice.
"Ah, damn," he muttered. He was well and truly lost. His weariness fled, replaced by full-blown desire. Her breasts pressed soft and warm against his chest, and yielding. Her supple waist fitted the curve of his arm, and her mouth...
Her sweet, luscious mouth was created for him and his pleasure.
He wanted to devour her, to consume her for his own selfish pleasure. At the same time he was determined to make her burn with desire for him.
Back Cover Copy
The London Tattler - February 6
An ugly rumor has arisen, only to be proven no rumor at all, but rather, the unadulterated truth. It seems the proper Lord Farley has behaved in a decidedly improper manner...
James Lindford, Viscount Farley, has returned from the Orient, feted and celebrated ...until his past catches up with him. It seems his lordship's randy ways have resulted in the juiciest scandal of the season, producing endless fodder for the gossip mill. Now, his beleaguered lordship has shut himself up in his country estate, with more than a handful of trouble to cope with. Worse, the most tempting woman on earth is right next door...
Phoebe Churchill's peaceful country life, tending her cottage and rearing her abandoned niece is disrupted when Viscount Farley becomes her new neighbor. Undoubtedly, his powerful build and sensual charm have lured countless women to abandon all reason...except for Phoebe-she's far too wise to be seduced by a heartbreaker. But when she agrees to help James manage a household growing more riotous daily, she finds herself drawn to the man whose lingering kisses leave her yearning for so much more. And before she knows it, a stunning twist of events will lead her toward an impossible task: teaching a notorious heartbreaker the true meaning of love...
About the Author
Rexanne Becnel's love of English history probably stemmed from the childhood years she lived in London. She now lives and works in New Orleans, another locale drenched in history and romance. She has won many awards for her historical romances.
The Heartbreaker FROM THE PUBLISHER
The London Tattler-February 6
An ugly rumor has arisen, only to be proven no rumor at all, but rather, the unadulterated truth. It seems the proper Lord Farley has behaved in a decidedly improper manner...
James Lindford, Viscount Farley, has returned from the Orient, feted and celebrated ...until his past catches up with him. It seems his lordship's randy ways have resulted in the juiciest scandal of the season, producing endless fodder for the gossip mill. Now, his beleaguered lordship has shut himself up in his country estate, with more than a handful of trouble to cope with. Worse, the most tempting woman on earth is right next door...
Phoebe Churchill's peaceful country life, tending her cottage and rearing her abandoned niece is disrupted when Viscount Farley becomes her new neighbor. Undoubtedly, his powerful build and sensual charm have lured countless women to abandon all reason...except for Phoebe-she's far too wise to be seduced by a heartbreaker. But when she agrees to help James manage a household growing more riotous daily, she finds herself drawn to the man whose lingering kisses leave her yearning for so much more. And before she knows it, a stunning twist of events will lead her toward an impossible task: teaching a notorious heartbreaker the true meaning of love...
SYNOPSIS
Desired and feared, James Lindford, Viscount Farley, is a man with a real reputation--and detested by his beautiful country neighbor, Phoebe Churchill, a teacher with backbone and integrity, and no money. Butting heads with her, the heartbreaker plays the situation for all it's worth, and in due course finds himself at risk for the worst kind of heartbreak yet--his own.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Becnel's follow-up to The Bridemaker (2002) is a mild but unusual story of a lord struggling to care for his illegitimate daughters and the country lass who teaches him the difference between duty and love. James Lindford, Viscount Farley, gave little thought to the children he'd fathered during the casual affairs of his youth, but when he discovers one of his daughters living the life of a street urchin, he's determined to bring them home. The ensuing scandal drives him from London to his country estate and destroys his engagement to his very proper fiancEe. James's children soon disrupt both his household and the sleepy Yorkshire village where Miss Phoebe Churchill is raising her niece, an illegitimate child herself. When Phoebe discovers that her new neighbor's daughter is stealing from her farm, James entreats her to become his children's governess. Although both Phoebe and James are appealing, there's little chemistry between them. The conflict revolves around Phoebe's lust for James and her struggle to maintain her moral purity; however, that battle grows old, and the novel soon starts to feel more like a child-rearing primer than a romance. Despite the book's unusually straightforward look at illegitimacy, the relationship between the protagonists covers familiar terrain. (Nov. 4) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
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