Kissing Cousins

It was Samantha Oakleigh's first visit to London. With her brother Darren, and their aunt, Miss Donaldson, the trio was to return to their country home, but Darren was nowhere to be found. He had taken all their money and disappeared without a word. Samantha feared he went to Gretna Green to marry the lightskirt who held his fancy. But a knock on the door changed everything. Mr. Townsend, from Bow Street, had a warrant for Darren's arrest on a charge of theft. Miss Donaldson directed Samantha to their cousin Edward Salverton, who would be sure to know what to do. Samantha thinks Edward is an old stick and a stuffed shirt, but Miss Donaldson assures her that Edward has great influence and that he will do whatever is necessary to avoid a family scandal. Almost reluctantly, Samantha pays Edward a visit. Samantha tells Edward her tale, thus explaining why she needs his help. Edward is enchanted by his cousin. He is aware of her physical maturity as the last time he saw her, she was still a young girl. Samantha's honesty and directness is like a stimulant for Edward, and he is energized by her forthright attitudes. She informs him that she is going to Brighton because she has reason to believe that Darren could be there, and Samantha asks for a loan so she can take a public vehicle. Edward is shocked and adamant that she cannot go to Brighton alone, much less via public transportation. He insists that he shall accompany her and he will send his regrets to Lady Louise, his intended. Edward and Samantha seem to be on a wild goose chase, as Darren continually eludes them. They are forced to share many long hours together which enable them to learn about each other. They both feel the attraction, and Samantha is sorry that Edward will offer for Lady Louise, unless she can change his mind. Their pursuit of Darren is not in vain, and they achieve success in more ways than one.A sweet but know-it-all rogue, plus a stuffy lord of the realm combined with a beautiful but headstrong heroine add up to a delightful cast of characters! A little bit of whimsy on a serious mission lightens the mood and the end result is a wonderful book by Joan Smith! An adventurous pursuit through resort cities of England lend a dash of danger, a pinch of excitement, a little mystery to figure out and a whallop of a romance! An entertaining romance! The search is on to find a wayward relative and it's a merry chase that leads to romance! Ms. Smith has created delightful characters in Kissing Cousins! A real charmer!Gloria Miller -- Copyright 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved


Genre: Historical Romance