Publisher's Weekly Review
The enchanting first Lost Lords novel confirms bestseller Putney (The Marriage Spell) as a major force in historical romance. In early 19th-century northern England, Mariah Clarke inherits beautiful Hartley Manor. George Burke, Hartley's former owner, claims that Mariah's father won the estate by cheating at cards and attempts to regain it by courting Mariah, who recklessly claims she's already married. When she rescues an amnesiac man from the sea, she sees her chance to make the lie true, naming him Adam and convincing him she's his wife. Sensual romance heats up between the couple until Mariah reluctantly reveals the truth. When she learns of Adam's real history, Mariah must make a terrible choice. Entrancing characters and a superb plot line catapult this tale into stand-alone status. (July) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Booklist Review
Mariah Clarke never wished for a man before, but she is desperate. George Burke had informed Mariah that not only is her father, Charles, dead but he had also cheated at cards to win Burke's family estate. Now George intends to take back Hartley Manor, unless Mariah agrees to become his wife. In order to avoid marrying George, Mariah lies and tells him she is already wed. So it seems as if fate is answering her prayers when Mariah rescues an unconscious man from the sea right after she wishes for a man. Since the man has no memory of his past, it is easy for Mariah to convince him that he is her husband, Adam Clarke. But what will happen when Adam remembers who he really is. The first in a new series by RITA Award-winning Putney delivers everything her readers crave: complex characters, an intriguing and suspenseful plot, and an elegantly sensual romance.--Charles, John Copyright 2009 Booklist
Library Journal Review
Newly orphaned and determined to avoid the advances of an unsavory, persistent suitor, Mariah Clarke impulsively invents a husband, never imagining that one will miraculously be washed up on the beach of her northern Cumberland estate. But Adam Lawford, the Duke of Ashton, has lost his memory in a steam yacht explosion, so when the lovely angel who rescues him says she is his wife, he is more than willing to believe it. VERDICT Gentle humor, exotic elements (courtesy of Adam's half-Hindi heritage), compelling, flawless prose, and irresistible characters caught in a sweet, sensual dilemma will leave readers smiling, breathless, and anxiously awaiting the next adventure in Putney's new "Lost Lords" series. Readers who loved Putney's "Fallen Angels" books are in for a rare treat; fortunately, there are more delicacies to come! Putney (A Distant Magic) writes some of the most sensitive, exquisite historicals in the field; she lives in the Baltimore area. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
