London, 1829

Maximillian, Viscount Fontaine, defied the heavy hand of his father’s control for a number of years. Cut off from his allowance, he earns his living doing translation work. He lives moderately, but anything is better than dancing to his father’s tune -- or so he thinks until his father lays down an ultimatum. Max will lose the right to his family name. As much as he hates his father, he realizes that he is comfortable with the life of a gentleman. He must bow to his father’s wishes and marry within three months.

The Alton family has returned to England after many years abroad. Gail and Evangeline are loving sisters of differing personalities. Evangeline is sweet, beautiful, and compliant with her stepmother Romilla’s wishes to make her debut in London society. Gail is more intellectual and serious, not the sort of personality popular in London circles. The girls have their orders; Evangeline is to shine and Gail to keep quiet and stay out of trouble. Their father, Sir Geoffrey, is establishing a career in England; Romilla wants to help him to succeed and gain entry for herself in high social circles now that England is her home.

Gail and Max meet on an early morning ride under unfortunate circumstances...ending up in the lake. Their next meeting is humiliating for Gail and truly bad for Max. By the end of the evening, he has accidentally compromised Evangeline. Max quickly offers for Evangeline, but as time passes, he slowly discovers that Gail is the person with whom he has the most in common, but it is now too late, isn’t it?

COMPROMISED is a debut novel for Ms. Noble, and the story has good sound structure. Max and Gail fall in love gradually, almost without realizing it. Ms. Noble creates characters that fit into their historical setting, but they are refreshingly different from stock romance heroes and heroines. Max lives quietly as a gentleman, having discovered strength and joy in making his own way while living in exile from his once beloved father. Gail’s intellect and strong personality make her uncomfortable in society. She always holds back; until she meets a man who appreciates her, she is the odd one out. The author does not hesitate to use the character’s weaknesses to advance the story. I enjoy the fact that there are no obvious villains, letting Max and Gail shine. Ms Noble is a talent to watch. I look forward to her next book.

Lisa Baca