RECKLESS
SHANNON DRAKE
ISBN#0-373-77150-4
December 2005
Harlequin Enterprises
225 Duncan Mill Rd., Don Mills, Ontario M3B 3K9
Paperback
$7.99 U.S./$9.50 Can.
379 Pages
Historical Romance
Rating: 4 Cups

Katherine Mary Adair felt as one with any and all bodies of water. Her father William usually supplemented his income as an artist by fishing, and she really enjoyed swimming. Being out in his boat on the river Thames in England one gray day, she spies the object of her affections, David Turnberry, fall overboard. When it becomes apparent that his high society friends will not dive in to help, she decides to save him herself. Unbeknownst to her, another has also seen David fall in the water and he also dives in to rescue the young man. After she pulls David to safety on shore, he comes to and declares his undying love for her for saving him and she is instantly convinced of his sincerity.

Sir Hunter Macdonald is floating down the Thames on his yacht when he sees David Turnberry and his young friends. When David suddenly falls overboard, Hunter begrudgingly feels obligated to save the young swain's life and dives in, only to emerge from the water in time to see a scantily clad young woman dash back into the water. After determining that David is in good hands, he returns to the water in search of the mermaid. When he catches up with her, she puts up such a fight, he wonders if he should just let her drown, until she finally allows exhaustion to take over. When she awakens, she is angry and a little miffed at being rescued, when in her mind she did not need it. Hunter, feeling unappreciated, starts to think he should have let her fend for herself, until he realizes she saved David because she is in love with him and he is a little jealous.

Katherine and Hunter start an uneasy alliance when Lord Avery offers her a reward, and Hunter facilitates a meeting with the Lord and David, along with Lord Avery’s Daughter, who is said to become engaged to David. Hunter, being unable to resist showing Katherine how unworthy David is of her affections, maneuvers to have Katherine accompany him on his upcoming archeological expedition. Will she see how shallow the high society swain is? Are Hunter’s motivations completely innocent, or does he have other ideas for the fiery water nymph?

Ms. Shannon Drake has written a great historical novel, full of the differences in class and the disparity which existed in those times. Katherine is an adventurous woman with definite opinions. Hunter is the accomplished sailor, soldier, and explorer with a reputation for being a womanizer with a heart. Their personality clashes keep the plot exciting, and there is never a dull moment. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone in search of an adventure.

Kathy
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
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