From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

It was a kiss, only a kiss, and everything in a kiss.

He did not look scholarly at all. He didn’t even look civilized. It wasn’t simply the brawny physique and golden glow of strength and health but the animal energy he exuded, the sense of something un-tamed lurki

It was a kiss, only a kiss, and everything in a kiss.

He did not look scholarly at all. He didn’t even look civilized. It wasn’t simply the brawny physique and golden glow of strength and health but the animal energy he exuded, the sense of something un-tamed lurking beneath the surface.

What many observers, especially female observers, saw was not a wellborn gentleman but a force of nature.

Women were either swept away or wanted to tame him. They might as well try to tame the wind or the rain or the North Sea. He took what they offered, caring no more about them than the wind or the rain or the North Sea cared.

Pale gold hair framed a face that met all the standards of classic beauty: Wedgwood blue eyes, an elegant nose, and Cupid’s bow lips, all of which a porcelain complexion set off most artistically. The many women who envied her found, to their exasperation, that it was impossible to hate her, because she was so good-natured, generous, and gracious.

Daisy seemed to be a well-trained and good-natured canine. Still, bulldogs, especially young ones, could be busy animals. With no rats to catch, she would find something to chew.

It was uphill work for an attractive, rich girl not to get married and not get caught not getting married.

He watched the endless blue world of her eyes widen, and for a moment he forgot everything: where he was and who he was and what he was. Then he dragged a hand through his hair and wondered if he’d hit his head without realizing.