My Lord Protector

I was intrigued to read a book about an "older" gentleman who marries his nephew's betrothed to save her from a horrible fate at the hands of her stepbrother. He is just keeping her with him until her fiancé returns and then have the marriage annulled. As they live in the same house the sexual tension between Edmund and Julianna is incredible. By denying themselves release, each character learns to love and care about each other for other reasons! I've read this book several times and each time I see more about Edmund and Julianna that I like. All the supporting people in the book are well fleshed out, making everything so believable. The descriptions of the countryside made me want to run through the morning dew in my bare feet! It all adds up to a delightful afternoon of reading!

Edmund's only intention in marrying Julianna is to save her from her evil stepbrother after her father's unexpected death. He is well aware that she is promised to his nephew Crispin, who is away on a long sea voyage. Besides, he is twenty years her senior, in poor health, and a confirmed bachelor. The idea is to keep the marriage unconsummated and have it annulled upon Crispin's return.But after Julianna is instrumental in saving his life through her vigilant nursing during a life-threatening illness, he begins to have feelings that are NOT strictly avuncular. But how can he betray his beloved nephew by stealing his fiancée?Julianna regrets her attraction to her husband because of her pledge to marry Crispin and because she knows her husband does not return her feelings. But there are times when she senses the sexual attraction between them. . . or is she imagining it? Even so, where does Crispin fit into all of this?Will the two of them be able to overcome their mutual guilt to admit their feelings and fulfill their love?The difference in their ages is 20 years, no more than Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester. This age difference was not uncommon in 18th century marriages. Frankly, I think vulnerable older heroes can be a welcome change from the younger ones, who have a tendency to flit from one woman to another in the blink of an eye. I'd like to see more older, mature heroes like this because, well, as exciting as it is to imagine being in love with a real Corinthian man-about-town, it's a bit harder to imagine him settling down with just one woman for the rest of his life.In any case, the attraction fairly sizzles between these two conscience-stricken lovers, and I couldn't put the book down. This is an author who knows how to keep the reader's attention riveted.

You want romantic suspense and sexual tension? Get this book! I was ready to throttle this pair if they didn't get it together RIGHT NOW! ; - )

A stunning debut book! I look forward to many more keeper shelf stories from Deborah Hale.

After reading this book, I understand why Harlequin Historicals describes Deborah Hale as a rising star. She certainly delivers the goods with "My Lord Protector", a wonderfully written piece set in Georgian England.Julianna's father's sudden death places her at the mercy of her lascivious stepbrother. With her betrothed, Crispen, at sea seeking his fortune, there is no one to protect her. That is, until Crispen's uncle, Edmund Fitzhugh, steps in. Marrying her to preserve her virtue for his nephew, Edmund fully intends to have the unconsummated union annulled when Crispen returns. But with Crispen's return still years away, a forbidden attraction arises between Edmund and Julianna.... Delicious!