Stephen Mowbray, the eighth Duke of Clairemont, is the wealthiest and the most powerful peer in the realm.  In raising Stephen, the previous duke had proven to be overly strict, issuing punishments, but no praise.  Though his mother usually stood up for him, a beating from the duke was usually her reward.    Stephen’s best friend and cousin, Alexi, who was happily married, was trying to talk Stephen into finding someone and getting married, but Stephen was not interested in marriage.  When he finally gets married, he will need someone a little older and more responsible, who will make a good duchess, not the simpering eighteen-year-old debutantes. Society claims he is cold, cruel and uncaring, but he never pays attention to the gossips.  As duke, he has tripled the value of the estate, and he has established a foundation, including hospitals and asylums. 

 

At twenty-seven, Alexandra still does not regret calling off her wedding, but things have changed since her mother’s death.  Her father is inebriated everyday, and he has gambled away their fortune.  Alexandra, who always loved sewing, now takes in sewing to support the family.  Her father has sold off many of their things, including most of their tenant farms, which provided some income for them. Informing her that he could no longer afford her, Alexandra’s father demanded that she marry their elderly neighbor, Squire Denney.  Her sisters were outraged on her behalf.  However, Alexandra put her family ahead of herself once more, and she agreed to marry the squire.

 

The next night, Squire Denney took Alexandra and her family to a ball.  Her sisters had never been to a ball and they were excited.  However, when they arrived at the ball, they could not help hearing the women gossiping about them.  Feeling faint, Alexandra stumbled and ran into a hard chest, but looking up into Stephen’s handsome face; he took her breath away, as he escorted her to a chair.  All night, he kept an eye on her.  No woman had interested him or affected him as she did.  Figuring a woman at Alexandra’s age and with her striking looks would not be lacking experience, he was determined to make her his mistress.

 

Despite confiscating her father’s silver flask before going into the ball, she soon noticed that her father was drunk and staggering.  Humiliated, she tried to take him home.  Unable to move her father, she was relieved when Stephen came to her rescue, and sent her father home with an escort.  Though she desired Stephen, she was sure he only wanted her as his mistress.  It was not long before she realized that she was falling in love with him.  Financially, things were getting worse, so she must make a choice.  Will she marry the squire in order to provide for her family?  Alternately, will she provide for her family by becoming the duke’s mistress?

 

Author Brenda Joyce touches the hearts of her readers in the witty and sensual, historical romance, AN IMPOSSIBLE ATTRACTION.  Though Alexandra wants a family of her own, she had no plans of this ever happening…that is, until she met and fell in love with Stephen.  Though she wants him, she sees his beautiful ex-mistress, and she figures she does not stand a chance of winning his love.  Stephen is not used to loving and having others love him.  Insecurities and misunderstandings get in the way of a happily ever after for them.  Filled with witty repartee, humor, a delectable plot, well-drawn characters, sexy love scenes and romance, this book is a captivating and unforgettable read.  Do not miss AN IMPOSSIBLE ATTRACTION for a terrific read!

By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Dottie Click here to Buy this Book Now!   Romance Junkies Content Editor: Cindy Romance Junkies Publishing Editor: Christina   Top of Page