London, England – Early 1800s

Sir Graham Foster is having a simply wonderful time in Egypt digging up artifacts and generally doing what he loves best, unearthing items with either historical or monetary value. Until right in the middle of moving a barrier to a tomb, his friend Shaun Paddington runs up with a letter from his solicitor in England. Except Graham has no solicitor...that is, until now. Apparently, his cousin twice removed has died, and several weeks later his heir Nigel also passed, leaving Graham the new Lord Monteith. He would ignore the summons to England, except Mr. Smythe, the lawyer, says his family has taken residence in the London house he has inherited and is amassing debts in his name. Drat England and all the unhappiness it has brought to him.

Moira Hughes is the step-daughter of the late Lord Monteith, Everett Foster, and she's trying to keep both her and her mother's heads above water after being kicked out of their house following her stepfather's death. Her fiancé Nigel was Lord Monteith's heir, and now his death has left them almost penniless. Papa said Moira and mama were taken care of; there must be a codicil to the will somewhere that provided for their care, if she can just persuade Mr. Smythe, the lawyer, to look for it or acknowledge its existence. While waiting to see Mr. Smythe, an altogether too good looking man comes in; her hopes are dashed, and tears start rolling down her cheeks as she runs out of the office.

Moira gets a job working at the family house, determined to search it through and through until she finds the codicil. When Graham finds out who Moira is, he agrees to ask the lawyer about the estate. But, after no success, and a murder, Graham and Moira determine something else is going on. In between searching the house for Moira's papers, trying to save his little brother from himself, and investigating a murder, Moira and Graham test themselves and the feelings they begin to engender in each other. Was anything left for Moira and her mother, and what happened to her stepfather's intentions to protect them?

In FORTUNE'S KISS, Lisa Manuel has written an entertaining, creative story with a strong-willed woman and a man disappointed in his family. Graham's life is in Egypt, and any decision to leave it must be thought about carefully. The story is enthralling and entertaining, and the plot is not one I have encountered before, and it held my interest all the way through.

FORTUNE'S KISS introduces Graham's mother and sister Leticia and her twin brother Freddy. His sister and brother felt abandoned after Graham left England all those years ago, and have much distrust of him. Freddy is carousing in a bad way, but how can Graham reach him in order to avoid disaster? Graham's friend Shaun has returned to England to help him, and perceives Letty as an innocent angel to be adored, much to Graham's amazement. And last but not least, let me not forget Isis, Graham's huge, large, hairy spider that he brought back with him from Egypt. The story is written from Moira's and Graham's points of view, along with snatches of Shaun's, Leticia's and Freddy's. It is a fast paced tale that would appeal to every reader who gets bored and enjoys a different spin in historical romances.

FORTUNE'S KISS is a historical novel that introduces Egypt, antiquities, and one man's life work colliding with love and what happened years before. You will enjoy every aspect of this unique and sinfully delicious story.

Carolyn Crisher