the lady by his side by stephanie laurens

There is a clever parallel between the attraction and unsettling connection that goes on between both of their horses (Jack’s grey stallion & Kit’s black Arab) and the riders….lol Since the initial meeting (which began as a sword fight) Captain Jack knew there was something “off” in the young lad who lead one of the smuggling gangs in the area and when he finds out she is a woman! -Whoa!!! Talk about seeing sparks fly!! -The two strike a deal, join forces but I don’t think either of them were prepared for the powerful force that compels them to each other! I adored the unveiling that occurred between both Jack and Kit as they learned about each other. Their chemistry is off the charts and full of this animal attraction. THE ROMANCE: I loved the first time Captain Jack and Kit met. And, yes, this man works hard at keeping his world in check, but he finds himself working harder at unlocking the secrets that await him in discovering love in a woman, who is every bit his counterpart in instincts, stubbornness, ability and drive. Yes, this man is a master of his own world, until a courageous, beauty with amethyst eyes and red locks of hair, dressed as a boy comes to rock his world. He is a beautiful specimen of a man with a respected military career, and a “rake” among the ladies. THE HERO: OMG, I loved the hero, Lord Jonathan Henden (aka “Captain Jack)!! As Kit put it, he is “supremely male”…lol. She has razor-sharp instincts, is daring, and a thrill-seeker, at heart. Yet, Kit has as much fire, curiosity and need for adventure as her beautiful black Arab horse and she’s beckoned into the night.

After deeming her “unmarriageable,” Kit was returned to live with her beloved grandfather in the country. I think that’s one of the most interesting aspects of this book-aristocrats by day, and smugglers by night! How exciting is that? THE HEROINE: Lady Kathryn Cranmer, otherwise known as “Kit” is such a likeable heroine! She is a maverick, and no one knew this better than her manipulative aunt & uncle who tried to marry her off for 6 years in London. Both of our leads have gotten involved in managing smuggling gangs for different reasons. Yet, the main characters are, in fact, aristocrats involved in underground, clandestine activities during the danger of the night. This story takes place in the beautiful countryside of Norfolk, England during tumultuous times between France & England, as both countries are at war with one another. This book is such a sumptuous read! It’s like eating your favorite, most exotic fruit one juicy bite at a time! After reading the synopsis of the book, I thought I was in for a story about smuggling gangs in the rookeries of London, or something of that sort…but this fantastic story was far more (and far from that initial image).

The lady by his side by stephanie laurens