How to Woo a Reluctant Lady
4.5 Stars

Series note: This series should be read in order for the ongoing mystery.

After the disappointment of the previous installment, this is an excellent addition to the series.

Minerva and Giles' banter is engaging from the first. The first half of the book focuses on each one trying to out-manipulate the other as she is dead set against marriage (not desiring to give up her writing and be considered a husband's property), and he is just as determined to marry her now that he realizes she is the one woman he has always wanted.

The second half is dedicated to the primary conflict - Giles' inability to truly share himself with Minerva. While the reader is fully aware of Giles' past as a covert operative, Miranda has only her suspicions. Although the keeping secrets trope is usually a no-no for me, Jeffries handles it well in this book. Not only is Minerva not completely in the dark about Giles' actions, but there is no lack of communication between the two. Minerva is not shy about giving her opinions and Giles does not allow his anger to fester. Thus, there is no waiting for the other shoe to drop and no overly dramatic angst.

The ongoing investigation into the deaths of Minerva's parents is the weakest aspect of the book. The explanation for Cousin Desmond's actions is rather ridiculous and it is annoying that his son Ned will suffer no consequences for his behavior. It is clear that we will only learn the truth in the final installment, but there does need to be SOME development.

In sum, this is a delightful romance with engaging characters. Gabriel's book is next and it will be interesting to see how he overcomes the obstacles to his HEA. ( )

A heroine who is an accomplished and published author and a hero who is a government spy? Yes, please! I think the only flaw in this story was that the heroine's naivete about sexuality was annoying but dispensed with eventually (as expected). I almost like story lines involving widows or "fallen" women more since authors don't have to deal with the issue of extreme innocence. Still, the sex scenes are really good. The characters stay true to the last two books as well, so I'm definitely looking forward to the next two to finish off the siblings. Also, I am intrigued by the mention of another set of novels that seems to be related. ( )

A good fun read, entertaining throughout. ( )

Giles makes me swoon! And Minerva, with her clever wit and soft heart is outstanding! I enjoyed every part of this novel.

A publicly flaunted gamester and rake, Giles Master leads a double life. Hanging out with the Sharp brothers in gaming hells and drinking dens, Giles is able to learn secrets of scoundrels to protect the thrown. However, the real Giles the barrister is a patriot, a protector of justice, and a man quite capable of love.

Minerva Sharp fell in love with her older brother's friend when she was a little girl broken and hurting from her parents tragic deaths. When Giles stepped in to hold her hand and offer comfort through the funeral, he also won her heart. He then went on to break it with his roguish ways, making him the leading villain in her gothic novels.

Outraged by Grans ultimatum to get the Sharp children married, Minerva comes up with an elaborate plan to thwart her Grandmother. The last thing she wants is a husband to tie her down and disapprove of her writing! And who better to help her than that scandalous rake hell Giles?

Their schemed courtship threatens to challenge all the beliefs they held true. Was it possible to give love a second chance for Minerva? Could Giles put his past behind him to become the husband she would need him to be? Could they learn to trust each other?

A steamy romance, clever drama, and edge-of-your-seat novel. This book is a must read and a wonderful addition to the Hellions series!
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I'm really enjoying Jeffries Hellions of Halstead series. This latest installment was different in that the lady didn't want to be married, but the gentleman did. I always love stories where the reluctant heroine needs to be wooed into a relationship by the besotted man.

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