Minerva Bellingham has all sorts of problems on her hands, mostly centered around the fact that her younger brother is an idiot who was given too much power at far too early of an age. She, as so many strong women have been throughout history, has been charged with cleaning up messes and righting wrongs. Enter our hero, Rafe Drummond. He holds one of the larger debts and calls it in, binding the two of them together far before either is ready.

Both are stubborn; Rafe from years of military service that scarred him both physically and emotionally and Minerva seemingly by disposition. Circumstances force each of them to see themselves and each other with new eyes, leading to their eventual happy ever after.

If the above recap seems a bit coy, it's meant to be. The way this story unfolds deserves to be read for itself. Each reader should have the pleasure I have of being surprised by Rafe's choices and Minerva's reactions, of feeling like one is reading a biography rather than a fiction. I highly recommend A BRAZEN BARGAIN for fans of unconventional Regency stories (Minerva has to learn how to be a chambermaid as part of this brazen bargain which leads to fascinating class divide conversations) and who have a high tolerance for stubborn folks.

Some readers, and I do include myself in this to some degree, are not going to be able to deal with Minerva. Her coldness and stubbornness never really give way to kindness, fully, and she is not someone I could see myself spending time with. I sometimes enjoy books where the heroine frustrates me, but I know many readers feel the need for connection with the heroine in order to enjoy the story. If that is yourself, be warned for A BRAZEN BARGAIN.

However, overall, I think A BRAZEN BARGAIN is one with great appeal and would recommend any Regency lover to give a go.

Book Summary

Love soothes the deepest of scars.

Spies and Lovers, Book 2

Minerva Bellingham is at her wits’ end. Her younger brother, Simon, will have them penniless and on the streets if his extravagant gambling habit isn’t curtailed. An enormous debt to Lord Rafe Drummond is the final indignity.

Signing over her dowry is their only choice. Until Lord Drummond suggests something much more scandalous. She can keep her dowry—in exchange for the Bellinghams working three months as a housemaid and stable boy.

Scarred from his service to the Crown, Rafe recognizes the young Simon Bellingham has the makings of a good duke. Minerva is a different story. Her pure, delicate beauty only underscores Rafe’s tarnished, bleak soul.

Yet he delights in cracking Minerva’s icy reserve to reveal a fiery, stubborn woman. And Minerva discovers the gruff master of Wintermarsh has the heart of a poet. But before they can find a future safe in each other’s arms, a menace from Simon’s licentious past slithers back into their lives, forcing Rafe to plan the most important rescue mission of his life.

Warning: Contains a paragon of the beau monde who gets the hang of polishing silver, and a master of the house who’d like her to make his bed—preferably with him in it. Also passion unleashed with the mere touch of a finger. Readers are encouraged to swoon.