Lady Margaret Roberts is a widow, she works with her father as his hostess, Giles Hadley, estranged from his family, is from the opposite end of the political spectrum but when both of them meet they're quite attracted. There are a number of problems getting in their way, not least of which is his brother who wants her as a wife.

They engage in an affair and it becomes steamy (they're quite careful and it's well done) the two become very entangled but can he convince her to become his wife. When a shot barely misses her things get more serious.

I really liked this story, the characters were well drawn and interesting in their adult behaviour. ( )

Forbidden Nights with the Viscount by Julia Justiss is a 2016 Harlequin Historical publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The topic of this book comes at a timely fashion, since many of us have politics in our minds at the moment. In this case, the author explores the notorious opposition between the Tories and the Whigs.

The intelligent and beautiful Lady Margaret supports her father’s Tory party and her hosting duties have not gone unnoticed. She enjoys her role, which keeps her busy and her mind off the tragic loss of her husband. She has no intention of remarrying, but feels restless. The chance meeting with a political rival, Giles Hadley, awakens Margaret’s senses, which have lain dormant for far too long.

Giles is a Viscount, who will eventually inherit his father’s title, but, doesn’t believe marriage is for him due to the immense scandal surrounding his parent’s marriage, which was very sad. However, when the Lady Margaret suggests they enter into a liaison, Giles finds himself rethinking his position on that subject.

However, Giles’ half-brother is more suited to Lady Margaret due to their like-minded political stance, and he is aggressively pursuing her. Can Giles win the lady’s heart despite their differences? Can he convince her their torrid affair has deeper possibilities?

This story starts off on a slightly humorous and charming note, with the sudden and unexpected introduction Giles and Margaret have to one another, and the instant sparks that fly between them. I loved Margaret’s attitude and her refusal to obey certain protocol when it came to entering into a dalliance with Giles. She knew what she wanted and she pursued it, while most ladies in this time period would never have even entertained such a thought. Although, Margaret is a delightful and gregarious character, in the beginning she has an aura of sadness surrounding her. However, Giles will soon have her feeling the strength to heal and will give her a reason to want to move forward at long last.

Giles’ story was very sad, indeed, and I was happy to see him finally receive the validation he deserves. It was so fun watching him react to Margaret and seeing him fall completely under her spell. He never knew what hit him.

Often times I find that in the beginning of a book, I struggle with one or sometimes both the protagonist, but in this case, I loved them both immediately and only grew to like them more as the story progressed. However, this story has a bit of a bite to it, with a romantic suspense element tossed into the mix. I found myself holding my breath as things got a little intense a time or two.

I don’t know if it was just me, but I think this story is just a little saucier that some I’ve read from this author, but I thought it worked in this case because we aren’t dealing with an innocent virgin, but with two consenting adults who agree to a ‘no strings attached’ arrangement. However, the tension does build a little at a time, tantalizing and teasing the reader.

Overall, this an easy read, moving at a steady pace, with a few heart pounding moments, and a healing and heartwarming family side story, and of course the unlikely romance between two people with opposing views who wind up falling in love, giving us a sweet and spicy romance that will leave you smiling at the end. ( )