Honesty is the best policy - when there is money in it. - Mark Twain

Gran is pragmatic. She runs a brewery. Gran encouraged her daughter to marry the Marquess of Stoneville, resulting in five children. When Lord and Lady Stoneville died under questionable circumstances, Gran tried to protect the children from the scandal. Understandably, the five children looked at marriage with skepticism. Gran grew impatient and issued an ultimatum – marry within a year or forfeit her fortune. Since the estate (and the siblings) needs the funds, they sought to outmaneuver their Gran.

One by one, they married – Lord Oliver in THE TRUTH ABOUR LORD STONEVILLE, Lord Jarrett in A HELLION IN MY BED, Lady Minerva in HOW TO WOO A RELUCTANT LADY, Lord Gabriel in TO WED A WILD LORD, and finally Lady Celia in A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS.

With each book, Jeffries delivered unique characters, unbridled passion, and a clue to their parents’ death. The final book, A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS, serves as a metaphor as Jeffries never surrenders her trademark story telling of “lighter, sexier historicals romance.” The lady in question, Lady Celia, feels the pressure as her four older siblings found love while complying with Gran’s ultimatum. She invites three bachelors to attend a house party, intending to secure a fiancé long enough for Gran’s deadline to pass. Her partner in deception – Jackson Pinter. He’s conveniently available as he has been working for Oliver in solving the parents’ murder. But he is inconveniently attractive to Lady Celia, an attraction that is mutual. Hence, the dance begins between employer and employee; a lady and a commoner, a free spirit and a straight arrow.

Lady Celia shines as a “tom boy” growing up in the shadow of her older and accomplished siblings. Yet she can outshoot them on the target range – something that would turn off the average aristocrat. But Jackson is neither average nor an aristocrat. He is charmed by Celia’s “peculiarities” and guards her against any rogue seeking her fortune. Soon they find passion with each other as they piece together the clues of her parents’ murder.

A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS is a satisfying conclusion to the Hellions of Halstead Hall. Since the mystery spans the five books, I suggest readers new to the series start with THE TRUTH OF LORD STONEVILLE and read the other books in order. They, too, will be left wanting more from Sabrina Jeffries.