Rhonda Woodward: Lady Emma’s Dilemma

Once lovers, Lady Emmaline and Baron Devreux have differing points of view concerning a long-ago tryst-and some “what ifs.” But in an unexpected encounter, the two simply have too many questions and the answers only come by moonlight-with a little mischief.

A doomed romance and failed elopement start off this Signet Regency. The heroine is now back in the Ton, and looking for love (but not marriage). When she runs in to her would-be lover, Jack, sparks fly. Beyond attraction, there is also anger which makes for some tense, exciting scenes.

Emma, our heroine, is of course independent, beautiful, and wealthy. Much to the chagrin of the reigning Beauty, a lady-bird with the unlikely sobriquet of Queen Willow, Emma is also crowned the Ton’s new Diamond. While this too-perfect heroine makes me a little rashy, her grief in dealing with the death of her son and husband make her more likeable.

Jack has never married, instead been nose to the grindstone trying to repair his encumbered estates. As a breeder of horses, he is now more successful than ever.

Without giving too much away, I can say this plot relies pretty heavily on the groan worthy miscommunication/misunderstanding plot. If the H/h could just overcome their pride/hurt and have a real conversation then this would have been a non-starter. Some readers may forgive this trope, as Woodward writes well and understands the genre. Others will find this head-buttingly frustrating and want to throw the book out the window (although, maybe not so much if you read on an ebook device).

The one thing that drove me a little nuts was how Woodward never explains why Emma calls her granny “grandmere.” Very minor point, but it still was sort of obnoxious. I liked the grandmother character, though. She was spunky, and clever, and pretended to be shocked and reminded me a bit of my own grandma.

There is some villainous activity to spice things up, but seemed a little unneeded and a bit gratuitous. However, its an easy and enjoyable read if you can “go with it” and not get too hung up on the clichés.

5 Stars 4 out of 6 Fairly clean, fluffy Reg Rom true to formula. Readers who like second chance romances will enjoy.