The Earl's Defiant Wallflower by Erica Ridley

I think this is the strongest book in the series to date, possibly because I am now hitting my stride with them or simply because Xavier and Jane are having deeper, more meaningful conversations with no real outside distractions. The lethal Egui proves to be a suitable distraction at the right times, and brings on a slight farcical tone to the story (and allows for Jane to show off her unique embroidery skills). The book finishes with a silly but satisfying ending in the theatre two weeks after the show at the beginning of the book. The few days together makes them realise they dont really know each other, having made assumptions and built up ideals about the other, which are slowly broken down. Xavier is shocked at Jane’s suggestion and does all he can to resist. Most of the remaining story has Jane and Xavier in his cottage alone, trapped by impassable snow drifts. Jane, knowing at 24 she is destined to stay on the shelf and never knowing what sex is really like, decides to follow Xavier to Chelmsford, unfortunately with Egui in tow (as all the servants refuse to look after it). Jane’s brother Isaac has to go away on business for a few weeks, and so he leaves the house and his dreaded cat Egui in the care of Jane. The following morning and Xavier is on his way to his cottage in Chelmsford to wait out the rest of the Season, as he is no fit company. Where Jane feels she is instantly forgettable, Xavier feels he is always being watched and lauded as a war hero, something he believes he isnt. Jane has always been attracted to Xavier, and believes he is like all the others – forgetting her as soon as he can. Sitting in one of the boxes, the small company are joined by Captain Grey, who is still suffering the after effects of the war with Bonaparte, and his guilt of what he did during that time. Jane is dreading the upcoming social event, as she knows she will be introduced to the same people as before, only for them to have forgotten her from the last time, and knowing they will forget her almost before they’ve parted company – a trait she calls “Janenesia”. We find Jane on the way to the opera with Grace and her new husband Oliver, who we met in The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower. Third in the Dukes of War series by Ridley, which started with The Vicount’s Christmas Temptation. How hard can it be to learn the language of love? She could quote classical Greek by the age of four.

She may not be destined to be his wife, but nothing will stop her from being his mistress. Specifically, the dark and dangerous Captain Grey. Spinster Jane Downing wants off the shelf and into the arms of a hot-blooded man. Just like he doesn’t deserve the attentions of the sultry bluestocking intent on seducing him into bed… Captain Xavier Grey’s body is back amongst the beau monde, but his mind cannot break free from the horrors of war.

The Earl's Defiant Wallflower by Erica Ridley