Lord Gregor MacLean barely holds on to his temper after he finds a fortune hunter has abducted his good friend, Venetia Oglivie. And losing his temper bodes ill for the environment. The weather curse bestowed upon the MacLean family means that when they lose their tempers, storms are unleashed. As Gregor rides to the rescue with his temper boiling, a fierce winter storm in April descends upon London and the countryside. When Gregor catches up to the scoundrel, he finds Venetia unharmed. Due to the intense weather, they are stranded at an inn with other unfortunate travelers.

Venetia Oglivie cannot believe she is stuck at an inn with an idiotic man who thought they would marry. Compounding her problem is that her dearest friend, Gregor, is treating her like a ninny. He accuses her of keeping unsuitable acquaintances and frequently misjudging them. Venetia loves helping people with some success. Her chaotic parents, who are prone to over-dramatics, have prepared Venetia to deal with major and minor catastrophes. At least, Venetia is involved in life. Gregor prefers to observe life and not participate.

In close proximity with tempers flaring, Gregor passionately kisses Venetia. That kiss makes them re- examine their friendship, and they immediately see their warm close friendship will never be the same. However, Venetia regards his lack of feeling for his fellow man a major character flaw. Gregor realizes he has compromised Venetia and he has no choice but to marry her.

Ms. Hawkins' second book in her MacLean series is a lively tale of two friends caught off guard as their friendship changes and romance blooms. The colorful characters caught at the inn during the storm make this a fun read.

Book Summary

When Lord Gregor MacLean learns his childhood friend, Venetia Oglivie, has been abducted by a fortune hunter, he rides off to Scotland in hot -- and very annoyed -- pursuit. Venetia's soft heart has gotten her in major trouble this time: if he doesn't rescue her swiftly, the scandal will ostracize the provocative wench!

The only sensible member of her family, Venetia is sure she can fix any problem, even this one. So when an irate Gregor catches up with her, arrogantly expecting a hero's welcome, the sparks between them begin to fly. Then an unexpected snowstorm traps them at an inn, and Gregor discovers his feelings for the lovely Venetia are far warmer than he realized -- fiery enough to burn down the inn! Now if he can only convince Venetia that his motive for marriage isn't duty...but desire.