Intrepid Encounter

by Rebecca Ashley (Pseudonym), Lois Arvin Walker

When Caroline Norton sped to Dorset to comfort her recently widowed niece, Melissa, she never imagined she'd encounter the devil incarnate in Melissa's own brother-in-law.
The arrogant earl of Devlon had torn himself away from the ton and come to Hollowsby to reclaim his family home at the expense of the poor, helpless young widow whom he considered a fortune hunter. What began as a mission of mercy had abruptly become a declaration of war! Suddenly Caroline was fighting for her honor and her life against an irresistible adversary...and her implacable heart!

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Lois Arvin Walker borned in 1951, was a published romance writer since the early 80's, who signed regency romances under her real name and under the pseudonym of Rebecca Ashley, and contemporary romances under the pseudonyms Sabrina Myles, and Candice Adams.

Reviews

[Claire S · Rating 2 out of 5]

The rating for this book has more to do with my personal preference for characters and plots than the merit of the writing itself. Caroline Norton receives a letter from her sister asking that she goes to see Caroline's niece who recently became a widow. The niece is a 16-year old girl who married a much older man in his mid to late 40's (yes, it's gross and it gets worse once a secret is revealed). Upon her arrival, she immediately meets the new earl (brother of the deceased) and he makes it clear that the niece is to leave the house immediately. However, the late earl willed the property and money to his wife and Caroline makes it clear that they're not going anywhere. The new earl wants to reclaim his family home (which is somehow not entailed) and he becomes extremely obnoxious in trying to get rid of the ladies.

The problem with this kind of plot is that the hero, in his misguided actions and beliefs, behaves in a horrible manner, both in words and deeds. So, at some point, you wonder if he's worthy of the heroine and if anything he does afterwards will redeem him. The heroine was pretty great. She was willing to fight for her naïve niece and not be bullied by the H. But, of course, she starts developing feelings for him.

The H does redeem himself towards the end (and the heroine does keep her pride and make it difficult for him to apologize properly) but, unfortunately, the last part of the book becomes a bit of a ridiculous romp and the h is made to look pretty stupid after having been intelligent and practical for most of the book. She basically believes this ridiculous lie that is contrived in order to bring the H and h together. Had I been more invested in the couple, it might not have bothered me that much. But I just couldn't think of why the h fell in love with the H and, therefore, didn't really care for the ending.

Goodreads' two stars means "it was ok" and that's all that it was for me.