Never Less Than A Lady (Lost Lords) (U)

New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney continues her stunning Lost Lords series with this stirring, sensual story of a rebellious nobleman drawn to a lovely widow with a shocking past.As the sole remaining heir to the Earl of Daventry, Alexander Randall knows his duty find a wife and sire a son of his own. The perfect bride for a man in his position would be a biddable young girl of good breeding. But the woman who haunts his imagination is Julia Bancroft-a village midwife with a dark secret that thrusts her into Randall's protection. Within the space of a day, Julia has been abducted by her first husband's cronies, rescued, and proposed to by a man she scarcely knows. Stranger still is her urge to say yes. A union with Alexander Randall could benefit them both, but Julia doubts she can ever trust her heart again, or the fervent desire Randall ignites. Yet perhaps only a Lost Lord can show a woman like Julia everything a true marriage can be...Praise for Loving a Lost Lord"Intoxicating, romantic and utterly ravishing..." -Eloisa James"Entrancing characters and a superb plotline..." -Publishers Weekly, starred review"Will leave readers smiling, breathless, and anxiously awaiting the next adventure..." -Library Journal, starred reviewLibrary JournalArriving in rural Hartley just in time to rescue midwife Julia Bancroft from a band of kidnap-minded thugs, Maj. Alex Randall quickly realizes that the only way he can keep Julia safe is by marrying her. Fortunately, that's exactly what he's wanted to do since he met her, and Julia, although wary after a brutal first marriage, reluctantly agrees. Alex's gentle patience soon wins Julia's trust, but as Julia's heritage comes to light, Alex is the one who wonders if their marriage will last. VERDICT Delightful, well-conceived secondary characters, including a particularly difficult earl and a take-charge, no-nonsense duchess, add humor and depth to a fascinating story that is more complex than most. Cleverly plotted, stirring, and flawlessly written. Putney (Loving a Lost Lord) lives in Baltimore.