The Beckets of Romney Marsh 4-5

A Most Unsuitable Groom
A Reckless Beauty
by Kasey Michaels
Sycamore Public Library call number: ROM FIC MIC

When I reviewed the first three books from Kasey Michaels' romance series "The Beckets of Romney Marsh" (here), I jinxed myself. I hadn't read beyond the third one, you see, and could not imagine that those that followed would not be as engrossing, fun and spirited as the first had been. Happily, though, I am only a little disappointed...

Spencer Becket, Ainsley Becket's third youngest son, is A Most Unsuitable Groom and the lead of the fourth book. He is of Spanish descent and has always had a restless spirit. No one in the family was surprised when he left home to join the fight in what would come to be known as the War of 1812, in America. Spencer returns to Romney Marsh having been wounded and ill, and after a hotheaded disagreement with his commanding officer leads to a demotion. Shortly thereafter, a young woman arrives at the Becket home: Mariah Rutledge, the daughter of one of the officers. She's come all the way to England, looking for Spencer.

"Michaels hits her series' first speed bump, eschewing the light comedy for which she's known in favor of high drama and intrigue. ... It's easy to get the sense that, in trying to do too much, Michaels just skims the surface of character and plot."--Publishers Weekly

Spencer is too tortured, and Mariah far too strident and unforgiving, to be sympathetic. Their episode is necessary for understanding the series as a whole, though, and it does read fairly quickly.

The excitement and romance pick up smoothly with A Reckless Beauty--Fanny Becket's story. Ainsley adopted Fanny and youngest Becket brother Rian on the same day, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Fanny has, in fact, harbored the sense that the two are meant to be together in all ways. Therefore, when Rian volunteers for duty when Napoleon's 'escape' from Elba is imminent, Fanny follows him to the continent. Once there, though, both Beckets find themselves under the care of a good friend of their brother-in-law Jack Eastwood. His name is Valentine Clement, the Earl of Brede, and he is a long-time British intelligence officer. He makes arrangements for Rian's protection (as much as possible during a war) and begins the process of taking Fanny home. Along the way, though, Brede and Fanny cannot help but to fall in love.

"Valentine has seen enough of war and rejoices in Fanny's youthful spirit as well as her indifference to his title. As for Fanny, in the midst of tragedy on the battlefield, she not only relies on Valentine for protection but also enjoys his kisses. In Michaels' wonderful new romance about the Beckets of Romney Marsh, love flourishes in spite of the harsh realities of war."--Patty Engelmann, Booklist

A Reckless Beauty is on a par with the best of the first three books in the series. I am excited to see what the last two have in store.

Reviewed by: Grace
Age Group: Adult
Class: Fiction (romance, historical)

Rating: B