PRIDE AND PLEASURE – Sylvia Day
Kensington Brava
ISBN: 978-0-7582-3172-7
February 2011
Historical Romance

London, England – 1818

Eliza Martin has had what she considers several attempts made on her life, and is looking for someone to act as her protector and pretend to be her suitor.  She engaged a private Bow Street Runner for a month, but no attempts were made.  She doesn't know if someone wants to hurt her, or is trying to force her into marriage for some reason.  She is wealthy and lives with her uncle, Lord Melville, who is perhaps a trifle odd; his brain works so fast conversation with normal people is impossible.  Eliza has been through six London Seasons, and her uncle promised they could retire to the country if she was not married.  Eliza's mother was always in love with love, and Eliza tries to use the logical part of her mind at all times, and fitting in with polite society is always a challenge; she usually says what she thinks, and if she tries to think of whatever she wants to say and goes over it in her mind before she says it, she sounds boring.

Jasper Bond is a thief-taker and a very successful one.  He has the unique ability of being able to blend in with Society or the worst areas of the city.  He is proud of his success, and when a prospective client rejects his services because he is too handsome and looks like a dangerous man, he is fascinated beyond anything he has known.  This red-headed woman tickles his emotions.  But when he learns attempts have been made on Eliza Martin's life, he is determined he will be the protector, investigator, and pretend suitor she needs.  Jasper will pretend to court Eliza and maybe flush out whoever is after her, if a would-be suitor is behind the attempts.  But behind Jasper is his determination to bring utter ruin to Lord Montague.  Lord Montague is the son of Jasper's natural father who cast his mother aside when she became pregnant.  Her sacrifices for his education deserve that he totally ruin the family, despite his father's death.  Revenge is best served cold.

When Eliza and Jasper enter into their investigation, Jasper immediately knows she is a special woman, and he can't resist her.  Eliza has never met a man like Jasper before, and despite what her mind tells her, her heart says to trust him even when others warn her to be careful.  Are Jasper's and Eliza's feelings permanent, or will they end when whoever is after her is captured?  Jasper and Eliza ignite sparks within each other that are not easily put out, but can Eliza trust her heart, and can Jasper put love ahead of revenge?

Sylvia Day has once again brought to life two people who are distinctive and unique. Written from Eliza's and Jasper's points of view, on the surface there could not be two more different people.  Eliza lives through her mind, and Society really means nothing to her.  After experiencing her mother's adventures with men, Eliza withdraws into her shell, her mind and her Uncle giving her all the stimulation she needs.  Many men have tried to pursue her, but after closer investigation it seems as if all they wanted was her money. Eliza's comments about Jasper are priceless, and will bring a smile to your face.

Ms. Day's writing flows quickly and draws you in from the first page.  Secondary characters are Mr. Reynolds, Eliza's man of affairs; Thomas Lynd, another thief-taker; and Lord Montague, the reason behind Jasper's years of planning to ruin his family.  Lady Collingsworth is like a mother to Eliza, and The Earl of Westfield, despite being in Society, is Jasper's good friend and willing to help him out in his cases to ease the boredom of his life.

PRIDE AND PLEASURE is a gem of a story filled with love, lust, and interesting characters.  This enjoyable book is perfect for those who appreciate history and love, and everything in-between.  You will love it!

CeCe Johns