Series:
Designing Debutantes (Book 2)
When members of the ton's elite need to host a dazzling
party, they call upon the planning services of Elegant Occasions -- three young
ladies who've put their talents for fashion, food, and music to excellent use.
But while they excel in designing the perfect social event, love refuses to
abide by any plan . . .
A youthful widow, Eliza Pierce is enjoying both freedom
and financial success as part of Elegant Occasions. Then her late husband's
best friend, Nathaniel Stanton, the Earl of Foxstead, hires Elegant Occasions
to help another young widow of an officer become part of high society, and
Eliza wonders why. Is the woman a relative? Or is she the earl's mistress and
her adorable toddler his child? If so, why does he take Eliza in his arms every
chance he gets . . .
Foxstead's family situation makes it difficult for him to
marry, so his visceral attraction to Lieutenant Pierce's widow is an unwelcome
complication. Sworn to secrecy concerning his friend's life in the army,
Foxstead is trying to honor the man's last wishes, even when it means being around
Eliza every day. But how can he resist when the fetching Eliza keeps tempting
him to break his own rules? For if he dares to expose the truth, will she ever
forgive him? Or will she banish him from her life forever . . .
Excellent second installment in the series. Eliza and her
sisters are enjoying the success of their business, Elegant Occasions. While
Diana (A Duke for Diana) is still involved, she will give much of her input to
her sister-in-law, Rosy. Her marriage to the duke and the impending birth of
her child makes her participation more difficult.
Meanwhile, Eliza enjoys the freedom of being a widow and
part of their successful business. Her marriage wasn't a happy one. Sam courted
the naïve young Eliza and convinced her to elope with him, hoping to get his
hands on her dowry. When her father refused to release the funds, Sam's charm
disappeared. He later left to play soldier in the war and died there, leaving
nothing but debts behind. As a result, Eliza has no interest in marrying again,
preferring to live life on her own terms.
Nathaniel was Sam's best friend. They went to war
together, though they served in different units. Nathaniel was called back home
after his father's death about the same time Sam died. Their commanding
general, who was also Nathaniel's mentor, died shortly before Nathaniel left
and named Nathaniel as his daughter Jocelin's guardian as she is a widow with a
young child. He takes Jocelin to Elegant Occasions and asks them to introduce her
to society and help her find a new husband. Eliza is suspicious of the
connection between Nathaniel and Jocelin. She remembers him as a rake with a
reputation as a womanizer. Could he be trying to palm off his mistress and love
child on an unsuspecting suitor? Why does she get the feeling he is hiding
something?
I liked Nathaniel and Eliza. Eliza has come into her own
after Sam's death. After being belittled by him and dealing with the fallout of
his debts after his death, she has found new strength in her work. I loved her
confidence in dealing with everyone, from tradesmen to noblemen. She is
talented at seeing both sides of a situation and its effects. I liked seeing
the progress of her attitude toward her time with Sam, from grief to anger to
acceptance. She never expected to be attracted to Nathaniel, and he disturbs
her equilibrium.
War has changed Nathaniel from the reckless rake he used
to be. The things he has seen had a profound impact on him. Though he is now
the earl, his family situation has made him reluctant to marry. When he first
knew her, he was attracted to Eliza, but she was his friend's wife and
off-limits. He is still attracted to her and wonders if he can get her into his
bed.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Eliza
and Nathaniel. The sparks between them are impossible to deny. Nathaniel is
quite the flirt and his conversations with Eliza are frequently full of
innuendo. Their interchanges are fun to see as she counters his flirtations
with snarky comebacks. With her attraction toward him, Eliza is often
distracted when near him. It doesn't take long for her to consider enjoying a
physical relationship with him while protecting her heart.
But Nathaniel is keeping several secrets, one of which
could destroy her business if it gets out. He knows he needs to come clean but
keeps putting it off. I quickly guessed one of Nathaniel's secrets that
involved Jocelin, but his other secret was an unexpected twist. When he finally
does confess, he does so in pieces, leading Eliza to believe he doesn't trust
her. Her hurt and anger are understandable and justified. I loved that she
called him out and refused to make things easy on him. I liked his
"aha" moment and seeing him finally tell her everything. The ending
was great, and the epilogue was fun.
I enjoyed young Jocelin and her story. Her little boy was
adorable, and I could see why he won the hearts of those who knew him - and why
he exhausted them. I felt sorry for her and her discomfort at being presented
in society. The change in her when she was around military men was remarkable
but understandable, given that her soldier father raised her.
I love the relationship between Eliza and her sisters.
They are very close, and it shows in their support for each other and in the
way they quibble and tease. Each has strengths that they bring to their
business, and I loved watching them carry off triumph after triumph. I am
looking forward to the next book, which is Verity's story. I am intrigued by
the appearances of the man they call "Phantom Fellow." I suspect he
has some connection to Verity, and I can't wait to find out what it is.
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