Catherine Hemmerling: Taming Her Forbidden Earl

I am not sure our heroine tames the Earl in question as much as enchants him. And he is only forbidden because he has sworn off marriage.

But title aside, Catherine Hemmerling delivers a delightful part lady spy ring, part Reg Rom ala contempo mass market (which means its a little anachronistic and contains some heavy petting). Part of a series of Lady Lancaster’s Garden Society (which is a group of young crime fighting debutantes from what I gather–only having read the one), Hemmerling’s characters spring to life.

Of course they are terribly attractive, witty, and filthy rich. And there is a warped gentleman villian who is obsessed with the heroine. But the action trucks along like a well-sprung coach, the love story is believable and sweet with appropriate tension, and the cast of supporting characters make for a nice diversion.

I particularly like heroine Hannah’s father, a rare specimen of kindness and intelligence rarely portrayed in the genre’s paternal depictions. Unlike typical ton dads, Lord Rochester seems to be interested in his children–although not quite able to control Hannah’s wild brother.

I liked the other ladies of the Garden Club, too, so will definitely look forward to their stories throughout the series. Although some of the details are not quite time period appropriate, fans of contemporary Reg Rom will enjoy the easy read and spunk of the heroine, who is willing to run into the fray to save her man. Bonus, this hero rakehell can also do a ladies hair in a pinch.

5 Stars 4.5 out of 6, great action, well written characters and some explosive romance!