A Hellion in Her Bed
2 Stars

Series note: This is book #2. While the romance is standalone, there is an ongoing story arc concerning the death of the Sharpe siblings' parents. As such, the series should be read in order.

Unfortunately, this follow-up does not live up to its potential due to the slow pacing, anachronistic elements, and uninspired romance.

Unlike the tortured Oliver and quirky Maria in book #1, Jarret and Annabel are rather bland. They have very little chemistry and their constant "we are too different to be together" quickly becomes annoying.

Furthermore, the book contains an iffy trope for me, i.e., the heroine has an illegitimate child. When done well, this trope can add to both the character development and the romance However, this is not the case here as it functions as little more than a means of creating angst and furthering the plot when it inevitably stalls.

Finally, very little progress is made in the investigation into the earl and countess's deaths other than the addition of a new suspect whose motive is rather far-fetched.

Overall, not one of Jeffries better works, but the ongoing mystery and the other Sharpe siblings are intriguing enough to continue. ( )

Diggin' the audiobook thing. I don't know why I never checked them out before. ( )

Diggin' the audiobook thing. I don't know why I never checked them out before. ( )

Loved it! The main characters had so much chemistry from the beginning there was not doubt they would get their HEA. This is a family I see myself quickly getting attached too. ( )

Great second book in the series. ( )