In the Barrister's Bed

by Tina Gabrielle

[EBookObsessed]

James Devlin was raised to believe he was a bastard child; the product of the affair of his titled father and his chambermaid mother. Although he was a bastard, he was given the opportunity to receive a good education and he used that education to become a barrister. He earned his own living so he would never need to depend on his unwanted family ever. James can’t determine what is more shocking; that his disapproving grandmother comes calling, that she advise James of his father’s passing or that she advising him that his parent’s were in fact married at the time of his birth and that makes him the new Duke of Blackwood. After a lifetime of being scorned by his family, the only thing he wants is the country estate where his father used to take him during summers and where for those few precious weeks, he was treated like a real son. He learns that his father sold the property and James is determined that his first duty as the new Duke is to buy back Wyndmoor Manor.

After he finally arrives at Wyndmoor Manor after tracking down the new owner and making him an offer he couldn’t refuse, he is surprised when he is attacked in his own home by an angry woman brandishing a fireplace poker. Although she is beautiful, she is obviously mad since she believes the house belongs to her.

Bella Sinclair, now—thankfully--the Widow Sinclair, has found the beautiful county estate after leaving behind her loveless life as wife to an abusive man. She can finally write as she always dreamed to do and purchasing Wyndmoor Manor is just the beginning of the life she has dreamed of, until the madman showed up at her door claiming that he was not only a Duke, but that he as the owner of her new home.

When James and Bella finally determine that they have both been swindled by the seller, neither is willing to give up the estate. James offers to buy out Bella if they find out they cannot recover all the money, but she refuses. Although it is shocking for her to live alone with a bachelor in the manor, she refuses to leave; and the war (and the fun) are just beginning.

Even James’s barrister friends are torn between who should be the proper owner of the house. And it was not just tension over the ownership of the house sparking tempers, the fierce attraction between Bella and James grows the longer they are together.

This is a wonderful story which grabbed my attention right from the start. I love no nonsense female characters, especially when the pop up in historical/regency novels. Even though Bella’s first marriage was abusive, she was now older, wiser and financial independent and was not going to allow anyone to interfere with her dreams, not without one hell of a fight. Bella’s former nursemaid now confidant has the wisdom of Yoda and she’s a frisky, old bird. I loved all of the characters, including all of James’s barrister friends. I am looking forward to reading the story of Anthony, the jaded matrimonial attorney, and Brent, the retired spy.

This is definitely a book for your must read list.

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