“…I know Papa’s schemes are tiresome, but you do require someone with whom you may share your life. It is a sin against nature for you to have no children of your own. You are the perfect uncle.”
“Most certainly.” He grinned. “I spoil my nephews and then send them home for their parents to discipline.” They stepped from the way of the late arriving theatergoers. “I know my duty, Etta. I am well aware of my responsibility of the dukedom.”
(from Angel Comes to the Devil’s Keep)
Regina Jeffers’ Angel Comes to the Devil’s Keep is historical romance at its finest. I haven’t read many non-Austen-inspired Regency-era romance novels, but as a big fan of Jeffers, I knew I had to give this one a chance, and I wasn’t disappointed. The novel centers on Huntington McLaughlin, Marquess of Malvern, and Angelica (Angel) Lovelace, an American heiress who comes to England for the season with her father to secure a husband, as the dearest wish of her late mother. She is outspoken, intelligent, and nothing like the women of the ton from whom Hunt is expected to choose his future duchess.
Both are on the way to the annual house party hosted by Hunt’s mother, the Duchess of Devilfoard, when their paths cross due to the bad weather. Hunt sustains a head injury, and Angel manages to get him to the nearest house. Propriety requires that she pose as a new bride, and when Hunt wakes up without his memory, he believes Angel’s story that they are married. Between this potential scandal and his work for the Crown, there is enough trouble on the horizon for the pair, at least for Angel, whose reputation is at stake.
Without his memory, Angel is Hunt’s rock, his security, and when they eventually make their way to Devilfoard, they must to stick to the story created by Hunt’s best friend, the Earl of Remington, and Hunt’s brother to protect Angel’s reputation amongst the partygoers. It’s not long before trouble is on Hunt’s doorstep, and he must get to the bottom of things without knowing anything about himself, his family, or his work except what he’s been told.
Jeffers’ carefully crafted story takes readers on many twists and turns, with plenty of danger and steamy romance and even a rivalry between best friends. I loved this book from start to finish, mainly because of the strong characters. Angel is no pushover, nor is she a damsel in distress. She knows her worth and refuses to settle for less than the love her parents had. I couldn’t help but admire her take-charge attitude, her inquisitiveness, and her spirt.
The novel is perfectly paced, and I enjoyed how all the pieces fit together and how each layer to the story was unfolded. There were a lot of characters and connections to follow, but I never felt lost. I was happy to see Jeffers follow Angel Comes to the Devil’s Keep with the Earl of Remington’s story, The Earl Takes His Comfort. I hope to fit that book into my busy schedule soon!
Disclosure: I received Angel Comes to the Devil’s Keep from the author for review.
I loved this engaging story and highly recommend it!
LikeLike
Good morning, Mary. I am so glad you enjoyed this story.
LikeLike
Beautiful review Anna. I loved this story and the one to follow is just as good. I liked the Earl of Remmington and wanted him to have his own story. I hope you are able to fit it into your busy schedule.
LikeLike
Many thanks for the kind word, Jeanne. I will be glad when book 3 finally releases. It is Sir Alexander’s story, entitled “Lady Chandler’s Sister.”
LikeLike
Hey, Anna. I am off to my dentist for the lovely root canal I mentioned earlier. Just wanted to thank you again for the review. I do appreciate your supporting my writing. It means the world to me.
LikeLike
My pleasure!
LikeLike
I’m snagging this one. I love the intrigue that shows up just in your descriptions. I enjoyed a couple from her Realm series and all the Austenesque I read. Great catchy title, too!
LikeLike
Good morning, Sophia. I am so pleased you joined us today. The second book is The Earl Claims His Comfort. (The heroine’s name is Comfort Neville, and she is the cousin of Isolde Neville from book 7 of my Realm series. Isolde and John Swenton and Sir Carter Lowery show up in this second book. I love to overlap my tales.) Book 3 is “Lady Chandler’s Sister,” which should be out in December or January from Black Opal Books.
BTW, the Realm series recently went on Kindle Unlimited.
LikeLike
This sounds intriguing!
LikeLike
Thank you for joining us today. This books was a Daphne du Maurier finalist for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense. Intrigue it has.
LikeLike
Loved your review Anna! This book was wonderful as was ‘The Earl Claims His Comfort’! Can’t wait for the next one…’Lady Chandler’s Sister’!!!
LikeLike
Thank you for reading the first two in the series, Carole. I am hoping “Lady Chandler’s Sister” will be out by the end of this year.
LikeLike
This excerpt sounds like it would be an excellent book! I have read some of your Jane Austin Fan Tiction, and enjoyed them immensely. Good luck with the sale of this one!
LikeLike
Good day, Denise. This book has done quite well. “Angel” has been
– a SOLA’s Eighth Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Awards, 3rd Place, Historical Romance;
– a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense;
– a 2017 finalist Derby Award for Fiction
I am very proud of this book. It came together quite quickly.
LikeLike
Thank you for stopping by to check out my review. I do hope you all give this one a try. You won’t be disappointed!
LikeLike