Laura E. (lauramsellis) reviewed on + 331 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Sara Fielding, a proper, if somewhat eccentric, country-bred English gentlewoman, is also a well-known writer of popular fiction. Her first novel, "Mathilda," is beloved by most who can read. Ms. Fielding has traveled to London to research the underworld of gambling for her latest book. Venturing into the London stews late one evening, and taking copious notes on Cockney street cant, local color and any noteworthy incidents that might add flavor to her fiction, Sara inadvertently witnesses and interrupts a violent stabbing. She pulls out the pistol she carries for protection, (target-shooting at home in Greenwood Corners is a necessary hobby, obviously). She shoots one of the attackers, meaning only to wound, while another escapes. Thus, 25 year old Sara Fielding saves the life of Derek Craven.
Mr. Craven is the fabulously wealthy owner of London's most exclusive gambling club. He is a self-made man and wheels and deals with the most powerful people in England. In a world where knowledge is power, he has knowledge of exactly how much money the wealthy and landed possess; who owes what to whom; who is on the verge of bankruptcy, etc.. Craven was born destitute, however, and his prostitute mother abandoned him soon after the birth. Pimps, prostitutes & criminals raised him in the darkest of city slums, & he managed to survive by becoming as ruthless as he needed to be. Cynicism is Mr. Craven's middle name and money is what he believes in. Any tender feelings or emotions he might have had, or hoped to have, he buried deep inside of himself where they can never be found. Love is weakness and weakness is to be despised. Get the picture? So, Derek has little patience for anyone or anything that does not serve his ends. I might add here, for the sake of us romance readers...yes, he also happens to be handsome and a hunk, in a rough, virile sort of way. :) Anyway, he does owe Sara his life...& he is Mr. Gambling King...and she is doing research on gambling...so they get to hang out! Yes, her lovely innocence gets to him...although he resists mightily. And the adventures begin, as does a most wonderful love story.
Mr. Craven is the fabulously wealthy owner of London's most exclusive gambling club. He is a self-made man and wheels and deals with the most powerful people in England. In a world where knowledge is power, he has knowledge of exactly how much money the wealthy and landed possess; who owes what to whom; who is on the verge of bankruptcy, etc.. Craven was born destitute, however, and his prostitute mother abandoned him soon after the birth. Pimps, prostitutes & criminals raised him in the darkest of city slums, & he managed to survive by becoming as ruthless as he needed to be. Cynicism is Mr. Craven's middle name and money is what he believes in. Any tender feelings or emotions he might have had, or hoped to have, he buried deep inside of himself where they can never be found. Love is weakness and weakness is to be despised. Get the picture? So, Derek has little patience for anyone or anything that does not serve his ends. I might add here, for the sake of us romance readers...yes, he also happens to be handsome and a hunk, in a rough, virile sort of way. :) Anyway, he does owe Sara his life...& he is Mr. Gambling King...and she is doing research on gambling...so they get to hang out! Yes, her lovely innocence gets to him...although he resists mightily. And the adventures begin, as does a most wonderful love story.
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