THE VIRGIN'S SECRET

Author: Victoria Alexander ISBN: 9780061449475 5/2009 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Victorian

Even the least sensible woman knew, upon meeting his gaze, that here was a man who was more than he might at first appear, who might steal the heart of even the most resistant woman. But oh, what a lovely theft! Adventurer Nathanial Harrington would never steal another man's discovery. And he'd never be so dishonorable as to tempt an untouched woman into his bed . . . even one as stunningly beautiful as Gabriella Montini. Yet she intrigues him. What is her secret? Nate would do anything to find out. Nathanial is an earl's son—but Gabriella knows he's not to be trusted! He's more than just a mere thief of hearts, he's also stolen her brother's good name. Determined to restore his reputation, she'd even masquerade as a destitute orphan and be taken into his family's home. But how can she continue her ruse when she finds herself succumbing to Nathanial's passionate charms?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

THE VIRGIN'S SECRET is the start of a new series set in late Victorian England. It features three brothers, and the series begins with the romance of the youngest, Nathanial Harrington. He’s a natural scholar who’s been traveling the world with his less trustworthy middle brother, Quint.

The plot revolves around a stolen seal, which is part of a puzzle that may reveal the hidden location of an ancient city. Gabriella Montini was once a world traveler herself with her brother, but was sent back to England for her education. On a quest to restore her late brother’s reputation, she breaks into the Harrington mansion to find the seal.

Captured by the family, she is forced to join forces with them, not knowing there is more to their agenda. They know secrets about her, most importantly that she is not doomed to remain a spinster despite youthful mistakes.

I was expecting more of an adventure novel, which this wasn’t. Perhaps later books in the series will explore the search for the lost city, but this is a London-set romance. Instead, it was a tale of restoring the broken pieces of the heroine’s life. Where trust and family were lost, they now are found.

THE VIRGIN'S SECRET was a pleasant, readable start to the series, but nothing breathtaking because the characters didn’t completely come to life. Hopefully the excitement will build! The next book in the series will be out in 2010.

Heather Hiestand